Search - George Benson :: It's Uptown

Full throttle bop aimed at guitar players.

P.J. Le Faucheur | Canada (ex- U.K. resident) | 08/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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. On this one he sounds abit like your average club singer and on the cover he resembles Eddie Murphy.

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

D. FRENETTE | 02/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you dig this kind of music just get it. I picked it up on Amazon used at a very low price and I am WAY glad I did. 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."