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The George Benson Quartet - It's Uptown Audio CD

A fair review of the The George Benson Quartet "It's Uptown" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all The George Benson Quartet reviews here, or go back to the The George Benson Quartet tabs.

The George Benson Quartet Band: The George Benson Quartet
Title: It's Uptown
Rating:
Release Date: 2001-06-19
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Clockwise 2: Summertime - George Benson, Quartet De Clarinets De Barcelona 3: Ain't That Peculiar 4: Jaguar 5: Willow Weep for Me 6: Foggy Day 7: Hello Birdie 8: Bullfight 9: Stormy Weather - George Benson, 10: Eternally 11: Myna Bird Blues 12: J.H. Bossa Nova [*] 13: Clockwise [Alternate Take][*] 14: Eternally [Short Version][*] 15: Sideman [*] 16: Minor Chant [*]

Shades of greatness
Overall we have a traditional hard bop band, blown out of proportion by this man's brilliant runs of course, but incorporated rather well into many songs and even intelligently contrasted by a few surprisingly integrated vocal tracks. 3 1/2

Even back when this legendary jazz guitarist was starting out in the mid 60's, it was completely obvious he was to be a genius in that domain. .


Full throttle bop aimed at guitar players.
On this one he sounds abit like your average club singer and on the cover he resembles Eddie Murphy. Benson was infact a vocalist before he was a guitarist so this is probably why vocals play a big part on alot of his albums.
His guitar though is the stand out feature. When i first heard these tracks back in 1977 (from a budget price double LP called "Benson Burner") i couldn't equate the artist featured with the same one who'd just released "The Greatest Love Of All". " Clockwise", "Mynah Bird Blues" and the other blues based tunes are all miniature masterpieces. His solos are like a coiled spring that's been unleashed. The guitar break on the 3/4 timed "Hello Birdie" will hit you like a guided missile. Alot of his phrasing reminds one of Django Reinhardt (during his electric phase) but when he launches into full bebop mode he becomes himself. His version of "Willow Weep For Me" is one of the finest done on guitar.
Amongst others Charlie Christian comes to mind when one hears George solo on this album. Ron Cubers baritone has a hard time keeping pace but manages well. With the exception of "Aint That Peculiar"(which is has a hip 60s R&B groove)and "Bullfight' most of the tracks on here are straight ahead jazz aimed at guitar players mainly.
50 years from now this album will still be essential for guitarists to collect. .


Original instrumentals and some standards
I picked it up on Amazon used at a very low price and I am WAY glad I did. If you dig this kind of music just get it. I love the short version of Summertime on this cd. And the most upbeat version of Stormy Weather ever. As for the instrumentals what can I say, it is early George Benson. Hello Birdie is a major highlight but the entire cd is great.


Another of George's Best
This is one and The George Benson "Cookbook" is another. Wondering what is so great about George Benson's guitar playing? Check out his early cd's. It is amazing that a guitar player this talented would end up a famous jazz SINGER. .


George is the best
He was young, and absolutely on fire! This one is definately an important part of any George Benson collection. George Benson is may favorite jazz guitarist, and this cd showcases what I love about him.

linc
learnjazzguitar. net.


You can see a complete list of all The George Benson Quartet discography, or go back to the The George Benson Quartet tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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