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Tenderly

George Benson - Tenderly Audio CD

A fair review of the George Benson "Tenderly" 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 George Benson reviews here, or go back to the George Benson tabs.

Band: George Benson
Title: Tenderly
Rating:

Release Date: 2008-02-26
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: You Don't Know What Love Is 2: Stella by Starlight 3: Stardust 4: At the Mambo Inn 5: Here, There and Everywhere 6: This Is All I Ask 7: Tenderly 8: I Could Write a Book

GB Tenderly CD
. Since I a George Benson fan, I enjoy all of the selections on this CD.

"You Wander Down The Lane And Faraway . . . Leaving Me A Song That Will Not Die"
He's a great vocalist as well and known for his effortless scatting ability. George Benson's rhythmic style, lyrical phrases, catchy riffs and ingenious improvisations are his best qualities in guitar-playing that makes him one of the most impressive guitarists America ever produced. This wonderful CD is a perfect testament of his guitar and vocal artistry.

I had the chance to listen to a live interview with Mr. Benson way back in 1993 at L. A. 's Jazz-FM 103. 1 when he was promoting his current album then, Love Remembers. He shared with the listeners some interesting and lesser known facts about him -- he started playing the ukelele at age seven and the greatest influences in his life are Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomery and Grant Green. His favorite contemporary singers are Al Jarreau, Nat King Cole, Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson, to name a few. According to him, if he were born 20-30 years earlier, he would have been a pianist or a violinist.

He had voice lessons with a professional instructor who also trained Stevie Wonder. (That instructor really did a great job). This is evident by the countless hits he recorded such as "On Broadway," "This Masquerade," "Moody's Mood," "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You," "Unchained Melody," and all the songs in this timeless CD starting off with "You Don't Know What Love Is" down to the final track, "I Could Write A Book. " All the songs here are some of the best interpretations ever recorded.

I was so touched by his beautiful and heartfelt interpretation of the famous Lennon/McCartney classic, "Here There And Everywhere" that I listened to it repeatedly. The instrumental part is so impressive that I can't help mentioning the equally talented back-up jazz musicians namely, McCoy Tyner (piano), Ron Carter (bass), Lenny Castro (percussions), Herlin Riley, Louis Hays and Al Foster (drums), and of course Mr. Benson himself on guitar and vocals, and not to mention the superb and sparkling chart arrangement by Marty Paich. In my opinion, this track is the very highlight of this CD. Congratulations to all of you guys for a stellar performance!

Another notable track that shows off his awesome vocal artistry is Mitchell Parish and Hoagy Carmichael's "Stardust," one of the best vocal renditions ever recorded for this gem of a song.

"You wander down the lane and far away
Leaving me a song that will not die
Love is now the stardust of yesterday
The music of the years gone by"

According to George, "he felt so good doing this project as well as playing with some of the finest jazz musicians with whom he had long-time relationships. " Thank you, Mr. Benson for doing an excellent job!

This CD is essential not only to George Benson's fans but also to all jazz buffs. You will have a lifetime of listening pleasure!

* * * * * TEN STARS * * * * * .

Unconditionally .. one of his best recordings.
I was blown away by his playing in his early days. I go way back with George Benson. His amazing playing graced many an album and in many instances stole the thunder of the featured artist. Simply an amazing player.

I have to admit that I have not been a big fan of his post Bad Benson period save for "Weekend in L. A. " which featured George at the height of his guitar and vocal powers. I found many of his "hit" albums to be too smooth, slick and laid back.

Then came this amazing recording. Surrounded by stellar musicians George out and out delivers. This is not background music. This music is beautiful, poignant, accessible and interesting. His voice is stronger than it's ever been during his vocals first and guitar second phase.

One of the things I most enjoyed is that George actually plays here without superimposing his voice over the notes, with his scatting, which eclipses the power of his playing.

McCoy Tyner shine gets some daylight here. He plays sensitively, melodically.

Everything about this recording has a mind towards the composition and the intent of the songs. The emotion comes straight through unfiltered. George really gets these songs!

This recoding starts out with one of the best vocal versions of "You Don't Know What Love Is", that I've heard. George injects a soulfulness along with the intensity of the wistfulness this song conveys. The same can be said of "Stardust". It's beautiful and soulfully done. He wraps that flexible voice around the notes and brings so much to this piece. It's a unique take on this song because he sings it so honestly.

"This is All I Ask" is an other favorite and highpoint.

"Stella By Starlight" is an uptempo instrumental done with an arrangement reminicent of Horace Silver's "Music of the Spheres" harmonies. It's nice to hear George just play again.

"Here, There and Everwhere" is very nice take on the Beatles classic. Staying true to the piece but ever so distinct from the original. Again George shines on guitar and vocals.

This is simply one of his very best recordings period. .

Smooth as silk and never bettered
It's one of George Benson's best. This classic album deserves to be re-issued. Armed with McCoy Tyner on piano and a great band - this is underrated Benson at his smoothest and most endearing. His version of Here There and Everywhere is scintillating as are his other renditions of jazz standards. Well produced - my only complaint about this is that it's too short as an album and should've had more tracks. Highly recommended.

ROMANTIC
I keep this cd playing while in my office. This is the best George Benson CD ever!
The soft jazz and heartbreak is felt especially in the first song. It's a hit!.

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