Richard Bona Would be in Concert in Accra on May 17 May 13, 2008
Imagine an artist with Jaco Pastorious s virtuosity, George Benson s vocal fluidity, Joao Gilberto s sense of song and harmony, all mixed up with African culture. Ladies and gentlemen, we bring you Richard Bona. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
A life in between worlds May 2, 2008
It was a guitar great of a more funk-infused style, George Benson, who awakened Loueke to jazz. The teenage Loueke, the son of schoolteachers, was devoted to African pop, particularly soukous, with its exhilarating "sebene" segments of hot guitar grooves and chanted exhortations. (Boston Globe)
George Benson had funny bone, big heart Apr 22, 2008
George Benson sure loved his family. The Clinton man loved them so much, he sang them Marty Robbins songs, fixed their flat tires and even called them funny names. (Missoulian, MT)
Jacksonville Jazz Festival: Back to basics Apr 11, 2008
The smooth jazz feeling keeps going with guitarist Brown, who has been compared to George Benson. His CDs tend to have words like "Coolin'" and "Chillin'" in the title, so expect to cool down and chill. (Florida Times-Union)
Photos: Miami Gardens Fast Becoming the Adult Winterbreak Destination with the 2008 Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival Apr 5, 2008
The weekend kicked off at 4pm on Saturday, March 15 with notable performances by George Benson, Chaka Khan, Wyclef, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Mike Phillips, Elin, and local performers Jean Caze and Jesse Jones Jr. The fun continued on Sunday, March 16 with performances by Nancy Wilson, Chrisette Michele, KEM, Anthony David, Algebra, The O'Jays, and local performers The Eddie Trujillo Band and Patrick "PJ" Bartley ... Saturday's headliners Chaka Khan, George Benson, George Duke and Stanley... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Cape Town International Jazz Festival Mar 26, 2008
He has also shared the stage with stars such as Pat Metheny, Joe Zawinul, Al Jarreau, George Benson, Youssou NDour and Buena Vista Social Club ... Kunle Ayo Jazz guitarist Kunle Ayo's virtuosity with the strings has earned him several musical accolades and even comparisons with giants of the contemporary school like George Benson, Earl Klugh and locally-based Jimmy Dludlu. (iAfrica.com)
Classic Chastain Mar 21, 2008
The first date with a line-up is the June 21 Tribute to Nat King Cole, which will feature George Benson and Atlanta resident Earl Klugh with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra ... June 21 George Benson with special guest Earl Klugh and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: A Special Tribute to Nat King Cole. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Jazz artists rewarded for Smooth moves Mar 10, 2008
There was also a presentation of the 2008 George Benson Lifetime Achievement Award to guitarist Lee Ritenour. Local musician Robert Tardik kept the crowd going at the after-party in the RBC Theatre, providing the musical entertainment with a backing band. (Mississauga News)
Concerts named Feb 27, 2008
Arie, George Benson, Anita Baker, Chris Brown, Alicia Keyes or Patti Labelle. I attended quite a few concerts last year at Chastain and to my surprise the largest crowds were some of the black artist. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Paetec music festival coming back to Baltimore minus the jazz Feb 14, 2008
Acts for the show include Dickey Betts and Great Southern, Boz Scaggs, Al Ford, George Benson and Soulive. The festival's producer is also responsible for the Stockholm Jazz Festival. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
Chaka gets her groove back Jan 20, 2008
She has collaborated with Dizzy Gillespie, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis, George Benson, Mary J Blige, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, De La Soul, Ray Charles and Shaggy. She has done jazz, soul, R-hop, disco and, above all, funk. (Guardian Unlimited -- Arts)
Highs and lows of jazz in '07 Dec 27, 2007
The lows included the limp double bill of George Benson and Al Jarreau in the foolish Harbour configuration of the Entertainment Centre. The Bossa Nova Hot Club provided no more than tepid mediocrity during the Sydney Festival and Herbie Hancock was an almost-predictable disappointment, the more so for offering flashes of brilliance. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
At long last, Ledisi hits a high note Dec 21, 2007
Her repertoire includes arrangements of songs originally recorded by the Basie band with Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Joe Williams and George Benson, as well as Rob Mounsey's arrangement of "Blues in the Night" that she sang on the PBS program "We Love Ella!" and a Verve CD of the same title. The following week, she'll cross the bay to Yoshi's in Oakland to perform songs from "Lost " and other Rrial with her own band Jan. 2 through 5. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Marseille hip-hop: Full of rage, but without the violence Dec 19, 2007
The song that a decade or more ago helped fixed IAM, the Marseille group, on the French charts, borrows from George Benson to lay down a mellow beat. "Belsunce Breakdown," about one of the city's city-center neighborhoods, by Bouga, a rapper from there, begins with a hypnotic piano riff, jazzily syncopated - a little Steve Reich crossed with 50 Cent.. (International Herald Tribune)
UGK's Bun B Remembers Pimp C: 'It Just Wasn't In Him To Not Say What He Felt' Dec 7, 2007
Rz, different blues and stuff; he was a big Wes Montgomery fan, he was a big [John] Coltrane fan, he was a George Benson fan. He was really respectful of music in that sense and he was respectful of the fact that he knew the opinions and the way that our elders looked at our music at the time; this was in our earliest inception. (VHI.com -- Music News)
Yorman's Bistro Nov 29, 2007
He and his seriously talented guest musicians (George Benson occasionally drops in) know every standard ever written. So does the clientele, many of whom no doubt remember when the original recordings came out. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
McCartney works on a Full slate Nov 26, 2007
Sir Paul also collaborated on albums by Tony Bennett, George Benson and Al Jarreau and George Michael. This fall McCartney released an expanded edition of Memory Almost Full, adding three bonus tracks and a second disc of videos and live footage, along with a three-DVD retrospective of his solo career, The McCartney Years, thats loaded with rare and unreleased material. (MSNBC -- Music)
The ninth JakJazz is coming to town Nov 18, 2007
Their single "Don't Stop the Music" is a hit dance tune in the UK. Spyro Gyra, which blend rock and jazz elements, has won the "George Benson Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Canadian Smooth Jazz Award. The promoters believe that the event, which has more "fusion" than traditional jazz musicians, will be more successful than last year considering the increase in ticket sales compared to last year. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Features)
Old School Dating Nov 8, 2007
Luther, Jeffery, Stephanie, Marvin, Teddy, Patti, Peabo, The System, The Deele, The Dells, Freddie, Lionel, Glenn Jones, George Benson, Gregory Abbott, Howard Hewett, Anita I keeps my staples on rotation in the iPod. By lady j. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Picks of the week Nov 2, 2007
Dimock Community Health Center presents its annual "Steppin' Out" benefit, featuring George Benson, Cyrus Chestnut (below), Freddie Jackson, Joey DeFrancesco, Rebecca Parris, Tito Puente Jr., Andre Ward, Myanna, and many others at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel. Wednesday: Drummer Ralph Rosen with the Organic Horns, trumpeter Greg Hopkins, saxophonist George Garzone, organist Bruce Katz, and guitarist Jon Damian present an evening of original music at Scullers. (Boston Globe)
Keeping their cool during summer shoot Nov 2, 2007
Ready to step out To listen to George Benson reminisce about his gigs at the Boston clubs of yore, his memories are so detailed you'd think he's reading from a script. "Boston is an essential part of my history," the "Masquerade" singer told us. (Boston Globe)
Tribute to Herbie Hancock Oct 30, 2007
Performers: Herbie Hancock, George Benson, Terence Blanchard, Chris Botti, George Duke, Roy Hargrove, Al Jarreau, Joni Mitchell, Wayne Shorter, Sting, Nancy Wilson, Teddy Campbell, Vinnie Colaiuta, Nathan East, GrandMixer DXT, Paul Jackson Jr., Hubert Laws, Harvey Mason, Bennie Maupin, John Patitucci, Greg Phillinganes, Patrice Rushen, Bill Summers, Ambrose Akinmusire, Jean Caze, Michael Rodriguez, Carl Allen, Geoff Keezer, Reginald Veal ... From the post-bop 1960s, we heard "Cantaloupe Island,"... (Variety)
Finally, an archive CD Sep 16, 2007
" Jackson would like to bring to light some shows that featured unusual combinations of musicians. "George Benson playing with the Modern Jazz Quartet; a sax summit with Ornette Coleman, Coleman Hawkins and Ben Webster - or maybe it was Benny Carter; Sonny Rollins and Benny Carter together. " That's obviously just scratching the surface. Practically all the greats of jazz and blues - and many of rock - have played Monterey, usually more than once: Charles Mingus, Billie Holiday, Earl Hines,... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Fall music's 2007 sales showdowns in each genre Sep 14, 2007
Double features: Franklin's collection features four new duets: the Fantasia single and tracks with Mary J. Blige, John Legend and George Benson. McEntire's collection consists of recordings and features many of country's top stars, among them Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts and Faith Hill. (USA Today)
Aretha Franklin's JEWELS IN THE CROWN: ALL-STAR DUETS WITH THE QUEEN, In Stores November 13th Sep 13, 2007
Franklin duets with a combination of music icons and some of the hottest voices in music today including Whitney Houston ("It Isn't, It Wasn't, It Ain't Never Gonna Be"), John Legend ("What Y'All Came To Do"), Luther Vandross ("Doctor's Orders"), Annie Lennox ("Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves"), Keith Richards ("Jumping Jack Flash"), Elton John ("Through The Storm"), Frank Sinatra ("What Now My Love"), George Michael ("I Knew You Were Waiting"), Michael McDonald ("Ever Changing Times"),... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
'Restless Virgins' to TV Sep 12, 2007
The lineup also includes George Benson, Vivian Green, Freddie Jackson, Cyrus Chestnut, Joey DeFrancesco, and Rebecca Parris. Something to cheer aboutNot only are the Pats in fine form, but so are their cheerleaders, who celebrated the release of their new swimsuit calendar last night with a party at Paddy O's. (Boston Globe)
Fall Arts Preview Sep 9, 2007
$350 Star Patron tickets include 6:30-9 p.m. performance by George Benson, with dinner and pre-gala reception. Lineup includes Andre Ward, Freddy Jackson, Vivian Male. (Boston Globe -- Living)
Jazzing the night away at Seri Perdana Sep 2, 2007
PUTRAJAYA: Multiple Grammy award winners Al Jarreau and George Benson meshed perfectly together here last night, taking entertainment to jazzy heights for the 50th Merdeka celebrations. The long-time friends, who have numerous gold and platinum releases, revved it up by performing numbers from their partnership album titled Givin' It Up. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Zap Mama still fusing Africa and European traditions Aug 23, 2007
"The classical ones, like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Roberta Flack. ... Al Jarreau, George Benson. I'm thinking I tried to re-create their sounds. Airto Moreira and Tania Maria. When you grow up with two cultures, you jump easily from one culture to another."We would re-create the sounds together, we kids. It was where I developed my vocal sounds. (North County Times)
Singer and ex-addict Ed Reed finds redemption in a CD and gigs Aug 23, 2007
Harvard also got Reed an October engagement in Boston opening for George Benson and says she's working on cracking the Big Apple. Reed was born in Cleveland into an upwardly mobile African American family, and raised in Los Angeles, where he became enamored of the jazz he heard on the radio. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Long live Prince's purple reign Aug 18, 2007
He tears into a lightning-speed solo like Eddie Van Halen, and then gently caresses his guitar notes into musical elegance like George Benson. He is an energetic blur through Cr. (Globe and Mail)
Haven't you heard these before? Aug 16, 2007
Haven't you heard these before. SEARCH MOVIE LISTINGS: lect. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Haven't you heard these cover songs before? Aug 15, 2007
The expressive singer tackles Kool & the Gang, Luther Vandross, George Benson and others, with uneven results. She soars on Baby Washington's That's How Heartaches Are Made with an assist on harmonica from Stevie Wonder and shines on Angela Bofill's This Time I'll Be Sweeter, but her take on Vandross' Never Too Much never takes off. (USA Today -- Life)
Miley Cyrus, Aug 9, 2007
Jazzers George Benson and Al Jarreau play the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood on Oct. 17. Tickets go on sale at noon Friday. (The Palm Beach Post)
Get jazzed, go to dogs this weekend Jul 20, 2007
Guitarist Brown, pictured, has been compared to George Benson. In a Friday TgIF story written by Breuse Hickman, he said he was weaned on more traditional forms of jazz. (Florida Today)
James finds even more success through collaboration Jul 19, 2007
One interesting note about the album is the appearance of many guest stars, from Faith Evans and Philip Bailey to George Benson. "I didn't set out to make an album full of guests," he said. (North County Times)
'SNL' to 'Letterman,' 'Bones' Malone hits every note Jul 1, 2007
Tom "Bones" Malone has performed, recorded and arranged for a veritable who's who of popular music: James Brown, Ray Charles, Blood Sweat & Tears, Frank Zappa, Spinners, Four Tops, Stylistics, Bonnie Raitt, Barry Manilow, Willie Nelson, Sting, John Mayer, Tony Bennett, Harry Connick Jr., Aretha Franklin, Cyndi Lauper, Dionne Warwick, Miles Davis, The O'Jays, Phil Collins, James Taylor, Elton John, Bette Midler, Lou Rawls, Diana Ross, Paul Simon, Luther Vandross, George Benson, Carly Simon, Al... (The Clarion-Ledger)
Andy Milne & Gregoire Maret Duo Debut Album Scenarios Releases June 26, 2007 in USA Jun 26, 2007
For Maret, a sought-after player whose open musicality has inspired artists as far reaching as George Benson, Cassandra Wilson, Me'Shell Ndegeocello, Little Jimmy Scott, Bebel Gilberto and the Pat Metheny Group to seek him out, it marks an opportunity to begin establishing the shape of his own music. For Milne, a proponent of Steve Coleman's highly influential M-Base jazz ideology, it offers a chance to explore his compositions in a fresh context. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Europe's top music festivals! Jun 26, 2007
Van Morrison, George Benson, Sly and the Family Stone, Norah Jones or Placebo ... Dionne Warwick, ex "Beach Boy" Brian Wilson, George Benson or Al Jarreau. (iAfrica.com)
Smooth jazz back as WFMR drops classical Jun 26, 2007
The station hit the air in 1995 with a playlist that included David Sanborn, George Benson, Kenny G and Al Jarreau, all of whom will be featured again at the station. Tom Joerres, president and general manager of WFMR owner , said the decision by WJZI to drop the smooth jazz format opened the door for WFMR to return to its roots. (Milwaukee Business Journal, WI)
Here are a few ideas Jun 23, 2007
Celebrating 30 years of bringing preeminent jazz musicians to the Spa City, this year's two-day summer stint welcomes legendary soul singer Al Green, famous for hits like "Let's Stay Together" and "I'm Still in Love With You." Saturday's schedule features George Benson, India. Arie, David Sanborn, Tower of Power and others. (Albany Times Union)
It took 30 years for Al Jarreau and George Benson to unite Jun 19, 2007
Yes, the collaboration of guitarist-singer George Benson and singer Al Jarreau makes perfect sense. "We always felt that but never said it," Benson said in a phone interview. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
more » Jun 8, 2007
Such is the case with Brother Clinton Davidson, whom I have known both through Dr. George Benson and my wife. For this week, I want to remind you of a man who died in 1983, Brother Andy T. Ritchie. (Searcy Daily Citizen, AR)
Ballyneal: An oasis on the high plains May 30, 2007
The stark, natural landscape and a little Willie Nelson or George Benson on the CD player seem to release the tension of the workaday world into the dry, gusting winds. Today, the Ballyneal golf club experience (like that at Sand Hills and Dismal River) is largely available only to the well-heeled or well-connected. (CNN)
MPFREES: Free Music Downloads May 22, 2007
While this New York jazz guitarist has played in the citys best clubs including the Blue Note and the Village Vanguard he says, "I prefer the subway, the audience appreciates you more there." Whats to be appreciated on his original song "Tastified" is smooth-groove jazz guitar thats part Stevie Ray Vaughan, part George Benson. Darryl Milton, "Long Gone Lonesome Blues". (New York Post -- Entertainment)
2007 Classic Chastain Announces Its Summer Concert Series May 18, 2007
" For the bands 20th year anniversary, The Rippington's have reunited most of the original L.A. musicians who performed on "Moonlighting" and are hitting the road in 2007 for a smooth ride down memory lane. Jazz keyboardist Brian Culberston gracefully joins the Rippington's at the 2007 Classic Chastain summer concert series. Boney James and Musiq Soulchild, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 8 p.m. -- Urban Jazz icon, Boney James, most recently released his tenth record, Shine. For his latest effort, James... (Atlanta Daily World, GA)
R.I.P. 'Studio 60' May 11, 2007
They produced everyone from the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt and Jackson Browne to James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Little Feat, Joni Mitchell, George Benson and so on. It was a staggering achievement. (Fox News)
Smooth Jazz: Muzak for Boomers? May 10, 2007
As the works of jazz artists such as Grover Washington, Ronnie Laws and George Benson began their ascent to the top of the Billboard Charts, mainstream music audiences began to discover the masters of America s true music form again. Suddenly the works of Bird and Monk and their peers long after many had passed from this earth were being sought after and being given the recognition they were denied by previous generations. (Suite101.com)
Great Highlife made in Germany Apr 27, 2007
His solo was so good and original youd think it was George Benson or Bob James on the stage. Is Akyeame back or that performance was just for the cameras. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
New Orleans Jazz Fest: Celebration of a city reborn Apr 27, 2007
For its May 4-6 closer, headliners include John Mayer, Steely Dan, ZZ Top, John Legend, Joss Stone, New Edition and George Benson. MORE. (USA Today)
All that jazz Apr 12, 2007
Jazz icons George Benson & Al Jarreau will definitely draw a big crowd, while Ya' Gozo' The Latin Jazz Band will take jazz standards and give them a decidedly Latin flavor. And popular favorite Chuck Mangione is as charismatic and energetic as ever. (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
Billboard Bits: Atlanta Jazz Fest, Kristofferson, Apple Corps... Apr 11, 2007
George Benson and Al Jarreau will perform Saturday (April 14), Joe Sample and Randy Crawford will take the stage May 12 and Aretha Franklin is scheduled for Sept. 1. Tickets are now on sale. (Billboard.com)
Backup singers never miss a beat on 'American Idol' Apr 7, 2007
" and "The Closer I Get to You" were among his hit duets with Roberta Flack), has toured with George Benson as a percussionist and singer and worked with k.d. lang and Brian McKnight.Gibson has performed with Beyonce, Mary J. Blige and Celine Dion and fronts her own band, Sharlotte's Web. Smith has performed with Whitney Houston and Macy Gray, tours with trumpet player Chris Botti, does TV commercials and sang on "Ally McBeal. "Gibson and Smith have brought out CDs with songs they've written and... (Florida Today)
Backup singers Apr 5, 2007
and The Closer I Get to You were among his hit duets with Roberta Flack), has toured with George Benson as a percussionist and singer, and worked with k.d. lang and Brian McKnight. Gibson has performed with Beyonce, Mary J. Blige and Celine Dion and fronts her own band, Sharlottes Web. (MSNBC -- News)
George Benson and Al Jarreau, Harbour Theatre, Sydney EntertainmentCentre, March 28 Mar 30, 2007
George Benson and Al Jarreau, Harbour Theatre, Sydney Entertainment Centre, March ... George Benson and Al Jarreau, Harbour Theatre, Sydney Entertainment Centre, March 28 ... It was actually a George Benson concert with Al Jarreau as support, plus a handful of duets. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Jazz Fest producers unveil this year's lineup Mar 28, 2007
Opening the second weekend on May 4 are Better Than Ezra, ZZ Top, George Benson and Counting Crows. Cowboy Mouth, John Mayer, John Legend and the Allman Brothers Band perform on May 5. (The Advocate)
Viejas, Humphrey's link up for concerts Mar 26, 2007
June 14: Al Jarreau & George Benson, $90 ... Now, with a Viejas-booked 2007 Humphrey's lineup that mixes such Humphrey's perennials as B.B. King and George Benson with such venue newcomers as Musiq Soulchild and comedian Paul Rodriguez, Bartell is singing a much happier tune. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Britney headed home after completing rehab Mar 23, 2007
" No, she wasn't talking about Pitt. According to the American agency that handled the process, Jolie's adoption of Pax was finalized Tuesday when it was approved by U.S. Embassy officials in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi. SOMETHING'S WRONG WITH NICOLE RICHIE: Nicole Richie has been diagnosed with hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, her rep said Wednesday. The rail thin star of "The Simple Life" has been seeking a medical explanation as to why she can't gain weight. Other than, you know, she... (Contra Costa Times)
Paul McCartney First Artist Signed to New Hear Music Label Mar 22, 2007
The group's current roster of world-class artists includes: Karrin Allyson, George Benson, Chick Corea, Kurt Elling, John Fogerty, Gerald Albright, Will Downing, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Sergio Mendes, Jane Monheit, Ozomatli, John Pizzarelli, Poncho Sanchez, Spyro Gyra, Curtis Stigers, Angie Stone and Tierney Sutton. About Starbucks. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Today In History - March 22, 2007 Mar 22, 2007
Singer-guitarist George Benson is 64. Writer James Patterson is 60. (CBS2.com, CA)
Tickets on sale this weekend Mar 9, 2007
George Benson and Al Jarreau: The Grammy winning jazz artists perform; 8 p.m. April 11; Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; $25-$110. 561-832-7469, 800-572-8471 or kravis. (The Miami Herald)
The Definitive 200: Top Albums Of All Time Mar 7, 2007
George Benson Breezin 1976 178. White Stripes White Blood Cells 2001 179. (CBS 2, NY)
Society of Singers Presents the Satchmo Award to George Benson Mar 1, 2007
Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Society of Singers (SOS) has chosen guitarist, singer and music legend George Benson to receive the Satchmo Award, an honor created by the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation. SOS is a non-profit organization that offers comprehensive services to meet the emergency financial needs of professional singers worldwide. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
The Monster Music(R) George Benson & Al Jarreau Collaboration Givin' It Up Wins Two 2007 Grammy(R) Awards Feb 13, 2007
The Monster Music(R) George Benson rreau Collaboration Givin' It Up Wins Two 2007 Grammy(R) Awards ... The Monster Music(R) George Benson rreau Collaboration Givin' It Up Wins Two 2007 Grammy(R) Awards ... Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Two songs from the Monster Music(R) SuperDisc(TM), High Definition Surround (HDS) release of George Benson and Al Jarreau's Givin' It Up were winners during the 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards, held on February 11, 2007, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. (PR Newswire)
Full list of winners Feb 13, 2007
Pop Instrumental Performance: "Mornin'," George Benson (rreau) ... Traditional Rl Performance: "God Bless the Child," George Benson and Al Jarreau featuring Jill Scott. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
