Wow! This is so good. George Benson is incredible. Not just a great guitarist, great singer, or even just great musician. He’s also a great storyteller, and clearly a great human being.
I recall, when working for Drummer magazine, interviewing several drummers. George comes over here like Omar Hakim did, when I interviewed him. Eloquent, loquacious, just a plain pleasure to talk with and listen to. Full of passion for his art, and loaded to the gunwhales with great stories, wit and wisdom.
It’s so refreshing how open and humble he is. In fact, it’s astonishing. He’s like a force of nature, somehow. And a bit of a sage. He can be simple, and bluesy, or complex and philosophical. In speech and thought, as well as musically.
I’ve loved Benson since childhood. Thanks to a copy of In Flight that my parents had kicking around, back when I was a kid. Watching this I just want to dig deeper into his catalogue. Maybe explore his Jack McDuff stuff?
I loved this interview so much I posted the following comment:
Wow! That’s hands down my favourite musician interview ever. Seriously.
I’ve loved George Benson and his music since childhood. Thanks to a copy of ‘In Flight’ that I grew up with. His version of The World Is A Ghetto is one of my favourite recordings EVER. The synergy in the ensemble is beyond brilliant.
Rick, you do a great job of both prompting George, and yet - as Benson himself says, when talking about musical sensitivity, - keeping out of the way. Well done!
And George… what can we say, but we love you. A great singer, a great guitarist, a great musician, a great storyteller, and an all round great human being.
Incredibly accomplished, and yet so disarmingly open and humble. What a great example! Qualities like love and humility are undervalued in our times, and George Benson exudes these like a boxer produces sweat. Like his music, greatness and goodness seem to flow from him.
I don’t usually go in for ‘gushing fanboy’ type comments. But I was blown away by this wonderful interview. Thank you Rick. Thank you George! We love you ♥️
Rick plays a few snippets of Benson’s playing and singing during the interview, including some of the unison guitar and vocal stuff from the above rendition of On Broadway.
The lyrics (my italics) fit Benson like a glove:
They say I won't last too long on Broadway
I'll catch a Greyhound bus for home, they all say
But they're dead wrong, I know they are
'Cause I can play this guitar
And I won't quit til I'm a star on Broadway
Before watching it, I texted a link to the interview to my jazz guitarist friend, and fellow Beato watcher, Pat. After watching it I texted again:
It's hands down my favourite Beato thing. George is an absolute legend. He's as good a storyteller as he is guitarist/vocalist. And that someone as hugely talented and successful as he is can also be so open, down to earth and humble!? Beyond brilliant, in my opinion. And GB is 81!!! But still has the zesty lust for life of a wide-eyed kid. I think he's touring the UK this year. I'd love to see him perform.