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George Benson: Two sounds, twice the greatness

   When you’re one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time, and you’re also one of the biggest names in the pop world, how do you reconcile the two?
   For George Benson, the answer is to never compromise. Benson’s versatility allows him to move stealthily between musical genres, never staying away long enough to be missed.
   The mellow strums of the jazz guitar made Benson an early star with such smooth sounds as “Being With You,” “Affirmation” and “Tenderly.” However, it was Benson’s pop personality that made him a household name with enchanting melodies of “Love Ballad,” “Lady Love Me (One More Time)” and “Turn Your Love Around.”
   The world-class musician has found a way to incorporate his trusted guitar into pop ballads and add a bit of the pop style to his jazz steps. Benson’s latest release, “Givin’ It Up,” in collaboration with Al Jarreau, is a perfect example.
   The Grammy-winning album features remakes of Sam Cooke’s “Bring it on Home to Me” and Billy Holliday’s “God Bless the Child.” The pair also tackled John Legend’s soulful hit “Ordinary People.” “Givin’ It Up” also features Benson on an instrumental version of Jarreau’s “Mornin’,” with Jarreau adding lyrics to and singing Benson’s “Breezin’.”
   Transitioning between sounds is nothing new for Benson. Like many singers of his era, Benson grew up singing in church. However, he also spent part of his childhood years playing the ukulele in a nightclub.
   It was in Benson’s hometown of Pittsburg, Pa., that the young musician was encouraged to continue his craft by jazz legend Wes Montgomery. By 21, Benson released his first album, “The New Boss Guitar,” a one-up on Montgomery’s earlier album “Boss Guitar.”
   The finger-strumming Benson had been known mainly in jazz circles until his cross-over break came in 1976. “Breezin’” became the first jazz album to attain platinum status. It also ushered a new audience for the transitioning Benson with his number one hit “This Masquerade” on the pop, jazz and R&B charts.
   Along with “This Masquerade,” other songs to reach the top of the charts are “On Broadway,” “Give me the Night” and “Turn Your Love Around.” Benson’s other popular songs include “In Your Eyes,” “Love X Love” and “Never Give up on a Good Thing.”
   Pop music shot Benson to the top of the line, taking him to sold-out crowds in Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and across the United States.
   However, jazz always provided those down-to-earth moments. Benson is known to find his way into jazz clubs in New York City to listen to up-and-coming instrumentalists, especially guitarists.
   The music legend has a soft spot for the younger generation. He has worked with trumpeter Chris Botti, soul stars Jill Scott, Mary J. Blige and Joe. The master balladeer has also covered works by R&B’s Case and Baby Face.
   Benson’s pay-it-forward moments are reminiscent of his young days in the music business. As a rising guitarist, he sat alongside Jazz greats Montgomery, pianist Freddy Gambrel, organist Jack McGruff and trumpeter Miles Davis.
   Regardless of which side of the music coin Benson’s career lands on, it is sure to be a winning flip. The guitar-playing jazz icon and soulful-singing pop idol has reinvented the music game by being true to both loves and never compromising.

—Diane Francis