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George Benson | Essential albums and listening guide
Explore George Benson through Breezin'. Discover what to listen for and follow related styles to your next record.
George Benson
Meet the artist
A performer who combines a flowing jazz guitar with a warm voice. Based on bebop techniques, he expanded his repertoire to soul and pop music. He achieved great success both in instrumental and vocal performances. Guitar and voice can mirror one another, connecting instrumental pleasure with the familiarity of song.
Flowing single-note lines retain a deep jazz foundation and subtle expression within strong beats. Soul- or pop-oriented recordings can lead listeners toward the harmonic and rhythmic responses beneath them. Warm tone and clear melody reach a broad audience, showing that crossing genres need not dilute an improviser's identity.
Where to start listening
Compare the guitar melodies with the vocal phrases. Start with their melodic appeal, then broaden your attention to the accompaniment's rhythmic details.
1976Breezin'
George Benson
A masterpiece that spreads the beautiful sounds of guitar and gentle vocals across a wide range. “Brizing” and “Mascara” embody the ease with which jazz techniques and soul music are combined.
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1980Give Me the Night
George Benson
A work produced by Quincy Jones. It features lively dance beats, combined with songs and guitars. It depicts the intersection between jazz and sophisticated pop music.
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Years follow the Atlas catalogue. Recording dates, original release dates and digital reissue dates may differ.