October 24, 2006 “ Givin’ It Up “ Album
***no copyright infringement intended***
Though it has taken three decades, the pairing of George Benson and Al Jarreau - peerless music legends who both sprang from jazz into the international R&B and pop mainstream - was pure destiny.
The parallels of their career paths, musical ideologies and fans bases would seem to have deemed it so many moons ago. Both have earned multiple Gold and Platinum albums, totaling millions of copies sold, along with coveted Grammy awards in both the pop and jazz categories. And both gentlemen are consummate and engaging entertainers, each capable of selling out an all-nighter by himself and still barely denting his catalog of timeless classics.
The result is a landmark, 13-song album. Painstakingly prepared by Benson and Jarreau, “Givin’ It Up“ touches on every style and mood fans could imagine from this stellar event of musical matchmaking.
“ Givin’ It Up“ crackles with inventive covers of standards ranging from the 1940s (Billie Holiday’s “God Bless the Child“); the 1960s (Sam Cooke’s “Bring it on Home to Me“ featuring a surprise cameo by pop legend Paul McCartney); the 1970s (Seals & Crofts’ “Summer Breeze“); and the 1980s (Daryl Hall’s “Everytime You Go Away“). They also show respect for the music of today, inviting neo soul diva Jill Scott to sing along on “God Bless the Child,“ and turning in a sumptuous instrumental rendition of singer/songwriter John Legend’s “ Ordinary People“ with Marion Meadows on soprano sax.
“Givin’ It Up“ also features sizzling jazz jams on two Miles Davis classics: the classy swing of “Four,“ with lyrics by the great Jon Hendricks and featuring Stanley Clarke on upright bass; and the lowdown blues of “Tutu,“ rewritten as “Resurrection Blues“ by Jarreau and set to Marcus Miller’s dynamic original music (a homage to Bishop Desmond Tutu), featuring Miller himself on electric bass and special guest Herbie Hancock in scorching form on acoustic piano.
Proving yet again why he’s one of the most talented and popular R&B vocalists working today, Jarreau pens lyrics and sings on one of Benson’s biggest hits, “Breezin’, and offers a poignant reconciliation song titled “Let it Rain,“ which also features the evocative muted trumpet of Chris Botti.
The album is a masterful collection of smooth, seductive grooves and inspired reinterpretations of Benson’s and Jarreau’s most classic songs.
The lively interplay between Benson’s singular guitar work and Jarreau’s unmistakable vocals give this jazz collaboration a truly one-of-kind sound and delivers harmonic depth and tonal richness which will garner appreciation from pop and jazz aficionados alike.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of Benson and Jarreau or experiencing their musical genius for the first time, this album is a treat for music fans everywhere.
1 view
1402
423
5 months ago 00:03:21 1
Gorillaz - Humility (Official Video)
5 months ago 01:03:31 1
Dj Kheops - Opération Funk Vol.1
5 months ago 00:04:07 1
Improvisation Freedom PART 8
5 months ago 00:04:15 1
Don’t play like a Robot
5 months ago 02:03:28 5
“Miles Davis LOVED Songbird!“ // The Hang Episode #2 - Kenny G
5 months ago 01:26:48 1
Эпос о Гильгамеше: власть, война, всемирный потоп и бессмертие
5 months ago 00:13:05 2
How smooth jazz took over the ‘90s
5 months ago 00:09:02 1
7 FAST George Benson Style Lines
5 months ago 00:17:33 1
TC Projects: Lead-Acid Battery Backup
5 months ago 00:03:44 1
George Benson - Give Me The Night (Official Music Video) [HD Remaster]
6 months ago 00:06:33 1
George Benson and Carlos Santana - Breezin´ Live
6 months ago 00:04:36 1
George Benson - Moody’s Mood [Absolutely Live 2000]
6 months ago 00:04:22 1
George Benson - Nature Boy
6 months ago 00:03:51 1
George Benson - ’Turn Your Love Around’ [HD] | North Sea Jazz Festival 2003
6 months ago 00:10:54 2
Струнодер 3.0 — Ibanez GB-200 George Benson Signature
6 months ago 00:03:25 1
George Benson - Mimosa - By MBP
6 months ago 00:04:17 10
George Benson ☆ - 1977 Nature Boy BSH
6 months ago 00:07:13 36
George Benson & Joe Sample • Deeper Than You Think [2000]
6 months ago 01:16:22 1
George Benson: The Greatest Guitarist/Singer of All Time
6 months ago 01:31:46 1
Studio 54 Super Disco Mix (The Best of 70s Disco Classic Series)
6 months ago 00:02:24 1
Gramophone Waltz - Eugen Doga | Bajkowy Pierwszy Taniec Online | Magical Wedding Dance Choreography
6 months ago 00:43:17 1
George Benson on Saturday Night with Marcus Miller and Friends