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RATING:  
SINGAPORE : Ten-time Grammy Award-winning musician George Benson is one of greatest guitarists in jazz history and in the 1970s, he captured a whole new audience when he put his vocals on his tracks which resulted in hits like “This Masquerade” and later “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You”.
His latest album entitled “Songs And Stories” is a testament of his long-standing musical career and the strong relationships built with fellow great musicians such as Smokey Robinson and Lamont Dozier, who lent a hand on this album.
So great is the appeal of Benson that he even got Bill Withers, best known for the song “Ain’t No Sunshine”, out of retirement to pen “A Telephone Call Away”. The lyrics were written in the classic soulful Bill Withers way, unpretentious and this time, even with a light dose of banter between the two protagonists going “you got so much to say… well you’re the one doing all the talking!”
Lending a helping voice is no other than daughter of the late Donny Hathaway, Lalah Hathaway. Her smoky sultry vocals complimented Benson’s silky voice to perfection.
Perhaps as a tribute to Donny Hathaway for being a big source of musical inspiration, Benson included a Donny classic, “Someday We’ll All Be Free”, in the album. Not straying too far from the original, Benson still managed to add in his own flavour with a short interval of percussions, guitar and organ to jazz up an old soulful piece.
“Nuthin’ But A Party”, however, fell short of its title and totally lacked the party beat. The keyboard and organ arrangement were so chilled out, making this track sound more like an after party tune.
Being adventurous with this album, Benson added “Exotica” that is chiefly instrumental only, and jazzed up “Living In High Definition” by legendary composer Lamont Dozier. Unfortunately these two tracks also failed to stir up any emotions and are easily forgettable.
My personal favourite is “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight” simply because it has all the makings of a classic love ballad - in my opinion, at least - and was empowered further with Benson’s signature delivery. “One Like You” with William ‘Smokey’ Robinson’s magic touch on the lyrics and background vocal arrangement, was another enjoyable piece, though not particularly outstanding on its own.
The last track “Sailing” pretty much summed up Benson’s new album - smooth, easy listening and relaxing. This track is an interesting remix of Christopher Cross’s 1980 hit with new acoustic guitar arrangement and shaker.
I personally found it refreshing, evoking and crisp without the 80s overtones.
However, despite its star-studded collaborations, don’t bet on it to make it to the Grammy’s list. “Songs And Stories” is a diary of a musician having fun with old pals, doing up some new tunes and a couple of covers.
A safe choice for music lovers who usually make a bee line for the smooth jazz and easy listening section in record stores, and a good album to wind down to after a long day, whilst accompanied with a glass of vino and great company.
- CNA/il
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