A few of us older folks heard of George as a guitar prodigy before he left high school. He's now a legendary jazz and r&b player, among the best of the latter 20th century. An American gem. Glad you came across him....
This song displays his superb vocals as well his exceptional guitar skills. He is famous for "scatting" along with his playing. Melodic Genius and Master Craftsman.. Thanks again.
"Masquerade" was composed by, the Great Leon Russell. His "Carney" album, would be a good place to start in his career. The song "Tightrope" was in probably his biggest selling single, although I'm pretty sure they the "Royalties" from "Masquerade" probably put the most money in his pocket. It has become a "Jazz and Pop Standard* for many artists. Also on the "Carney" album is the song "Out in the Woods" that uses chorus in what I believe is Swahili. Leon had asked an African musician in the band "How do you say 'Lost in the Jungle or Woods, in Swahili. He was told there are no words in his language for this, because it is unthinkable, their environment is too much a part of them. It would be like a person from the West, being lost in their own house. But a Man can become Lost in His own Mind". So that is what is chanted at the end
I'm glad you enjoyed listening to George Benson. Yes, what you are referring to as "call and response" is actually called "Scat Singing." It came from the genre of jazz music. Scat singing or "scatting" as some call it is "vocal improvisation" it's wordless nonsensical sounds and syllables mimicking musical notes and melodies using the voice solely as an instrument. Benson's scat singing was one of his signature styles and sound. He had a very successful solo career in the 70's and 80's. His album "Breezin" was certified triple-platinum and hitting #1 on the Billboard charts in 1976. Here's another song, if interested. "George Benson - Moody's Mood [Absolutely Live 2000]" (by the channel: Vadim Shinnik) Great reaction thanks for sharing This brought back some wonderful memories.
Fabulous version, Carpenters version is incredible too, Karen's voice and the instrumental arrangement by Richard is just superb, and we know you like Karen's voice, it's one of her very best renditions
Oh yes Sir!!!! Getting to George Benson; such a tremendous jazz guitar player AND R&B legend. For his R&B side, you MUST react to “Give Me The Night”, “Turn Your Love Around”, for his entertainer side, “On Broadway”, and for his smooth jazz side, “ASCENSION”. All ear Heaven! ❤❤❤BY THE WAY, “This Masquerade” song was written by the great Leon Russel 😊
Oh, yeah. George Benson is about as cool as it gets. Love the song, enjoyed your reaction. Probably you'll want to listen to the title track of this album, Breezin', as your next GB tune.
This and his jazzy version of summertime are his best by far! So "insert colourful metaphor" good. Better live actually, I saw him in London, he brought the string section of the london philarmonic orchestra, I swear having other world class musicians onstage with him lifted him, he did this kind of guitar play whilst doing the chuck Berry hop, it was phenominal.
Several artist have made good recordings of this song. I will say though George Benson’s is my favorite. JMBOY have you reacted to any Al Jarreau yet? He is a vocalist in R&B, Jazz,Pop and soul stylings. His truly uses his voice as an instrument.
This and Broadway are my top 2 George Benson songs and I also love some Al J. His facial expressions for each note show his intensity in putting it all out there.
This recording brought everything to a standstill in my Caribbean home: housework, homework, conversations, meals. we listened in rapt silence to this musical genius. George, Stevie, Donnie Hathaway.. Earth was better then.
To ensure my place as a old folk The young are missing out on so much by. Ot knowing Jazz, Blues, Fusions there is just a Wealth of gorgeous music to experience. ☮️
George Benson released an album 'The Other Side of Abbey Road' in 1970, a jazz guitar version of The Beatles' 1969 album, Abbey Road. That was the first time I listened to George Benson. The man is a musical genuis, and his voice is like Tupelo Honey. This is a cover of a Leon Russell song.
Great reaction; this song is a brilliant masterpiece; an epic combination of top tier jazz with all the other elements; amazing vocals; George has got it all.
JMBOY......I bet after this you are probably saying to yourself, my god what else is out there that you haven't heard.........lot's my friend.....................keep searching ! Peace and Love :)
A few of us older folks heard of George as a guitar prodigy before he left high school. He's now a legendary jazz and r&b player, among the best of the latter 20th century. An American gem. Glad you came across him....
This song displays his superb vocals as well his exceptional guitar skills. He is famous for "scatting" along with his playing. Melodic Genius and Master Craftsman.. Thanks again.
Yes - we had this AND Boz Scaggs “Silk Degrees” at the same time!
We sure did, and several other great artist.
Heck yeah!
Don't forget Leon Russell's version, since he wrote it! An amazing songwriter.
"Masquerade" was composed by, the Great Leon Russell. His "Carney" album, would be a good place to start in his career. The song "Tightrope" was in probably his biggest selling single, although I'm pretty sure they the "Royalties" from "Masquerade" probably put the most money in his pocket. It has become a "Jazz and Pop Standard* for many artists. Also on the "Carney" album is the song "Out in the Woods" that uses chorus in what I believe is Swahili. Leon had asked an African musician in the band "How do you say 'Lost in the Jungle or Woods, in Swahili. He was told there are no words in his language for this, because it is unthinkable, their environment is too much a part of them. It would be like a person from the West, being lost in their own house. But a Man can become Lost in His own Mind". So that is what is chanted at the end
This is so fine. I still have my George Benson albums. Nothing beats hearing this on a turntable.
Agreed
I'm glad you enjoyed listening to George Benson. Yes, what you are referring to as "call and response" is actually called "Scat Singing." It came from the genre of jazz music. Scat singing or "scatting" as some call it is "vocal improvisation" it's wordless nonsensical sounds and syllables mimicking musical notes and melodies using the voice solely as an instrument. Benson's scat singing was one of his signature styles and sound. He had a very successful solo career in the 70's and 80's. His album "Breezin" was certified triple-platinum and hitting #1 on the Billboard charts in 1976. Here's another song, if interested. "George Benson - Moody's Mood [Absolutely Live 2000]" (by the channel: Vadim Shinnik) Great reaction thanks for sharing This brought back some wonderful memories.
Fabulous version, Carpenters version is incredible too, Karen's voice and the instrumental arrangement by Richard is just superb, and we know you like Karen's voice, it's one of her very best renditions
Love his jazzy guitar and smooth vocals.
Excellent tune! Great song written by Leon Russell. George owns it.
Be sure to check out "Breezin" by George Benson...it was a monster hit for him in 1976...
Oh yes Sir!!!! Getting to George Benson; such a tremendous jazz guitar player AND R&B legend. For his R&B side, you MUST react to “Give Me The Night”, “Turn Your Love Around”, for his entertainer side, “On Broadway”, and for his smooth jazz side, “ASCENSION”. All ear Heaven! ❤❤❤BY THE WAY, “This Masquerade” song was written by the great Leon Russel 😊
Yes, on Broadway!
Oh, yeah. George Benson is about as cool as it gets. Love the song, enjoyed your reaction. Probably you'll want to listen to the title track of this album, Breezin', as your next GB tune.
This was one of my girlfriend's (at that time) Favorite songs in the 70's. I'm sure a lot of people related to this songs emotions.
Great! His jazzy fantastic voice and guitar. Awesome! 🎶🎶😘👍
Haven't heard this in decades! What beautiful memories it brings 😊
A true living master!
The 70s...when you could turn on the radio and be exposed to All kinds of different music...all on one channel ❤❤❤❤❤
So mellow! I didn’t want it to end. ❤️
Your reaction to this one really made me happy! The joy in your face is so fun to watch! Thank you JM, for this great reaction! ✌💙✌
Such a great song and great album, words can't even describe! One of my favorite albums of all time!
This and his jazzy version of summertime are his best by far! So "insert colourful metaphor" good.
Better live actually, I saw him in London, he brought the string section of the london philarmonic orchestra, I swear having other world class musicians onstage with him lifted him, he did this kind of guitar play whilst doing the chuck Berry hop, it was phenominal.
George Benson - "On Broadway"
Great great song! The string arrangement always gives me goosebumps!
Several artist have made good recordings of this song. I will say though George Benson’s is my favorite. JMBOY have you reacted to any Al Jarreau yet? He is a vocalist in R&B, Jazz,Pop and soul stylings. His truly uses his voice as an instrument.
This and Broadway are my top 2 George Benson songs and I also love some Al J. His facial expressions for each note show his intensity in putting it all out there.
This recording brought everything to a standstill in my Caribbean home: housework, homework, conversations, meals. we listened in rapt silence to this musical genius. George, Stevie, Donnie Hathaway.. Earth was better then.
George Benson is one of the greatest American musicians to ever do it. Check out Moody's Mood for a special treat.
Quintessentiall smooth jazz.
My favorite Mr Benson
To ensure my place as a old folk The young are missing out on so much by. Ot knowing Jazz, Blues, Fusions there is just a Wealth of gorgeous music to experience. ☮️
Fantastic Sir! Uk bricklayer, thank you.
This is just soooooo smooth.
George Benson released an album 'The Other Side of Abbey Road' in 1970, a jazz guitar version of The Beatles' 1969 album,
Abbey Road. That was the first time I listened to George Benson. The man is a musical genuis, and his voice is like Tupelo Honey.
This is a cover of a Leon Russell song.
Great reaction; this song is a brilliant masterpiece; an epic combination of top tier jazz with all the other elements; amazing vocals; George has got it all.
You might like the song Just The Two of Us by Grover Washington Jr. on saxophone 🎷 and vocals by Bill Withers.
Another GREAT song!!!
I wore this album OUT while in college!
It doesn't get much better than this . . . I only wish he'd chosen to do more of this kind of work. This and "On Broadway". Wow.
Loved the piano the best
This song's beautiful ❤️
❤❤
❤
I seen him was a good show
A classic ❤
The Carpenters cover of this song is worth a listen.
Worth checking out a live version.
JMBOY......I bet after this you are probably saying to yourself, my god what else is out there that you haven't heard.........lot's my friend.....................keep searching ! Peace and Love :)
Love Leon Russell, but George Bensen was my favorite version back in the day.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Very nice but have to say was written by Leon Russel.
What's the but...?