Al Jarreau, George Benson - George Benson and Al Jarreau - Givin' It Up
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Free Music Notes for George Benson and Al Jarreau - Givin' It Up
Free Music Review: A masterful collection of seductive grooves.
Hit: 5 Stars
Though it has taken three decades, the pairing of George Benson and Al Jarreau - peerless music legends who both sprang from jazz into the international R&B and pop mainstream - was pure destiny.
The parallels of their career paths, musical ideologies and fans bases would seem to have deemed it so many moons ago. Both have earned multiple Gold and Platinum albums, totaling millions of copies sold, along with coveted Grammy awards in both the pop and jazz categories. And both gentlemen are consummate and engaging entertainers, each capable of selling out an all-nighter by himself and still barely denting his catalog of timeless classics.
The result is a landmark, 13-song album. Painstakingly prepared by Benson and Jarreau, "Givin' It Up" touches on every style and mood fans could imagine from this stellar event of musical matchmaking.
" Givin' It Up" crackles with inventive covers of standards ranging from the 1940s (Billie Holiday's "God Bless the Child"); the 1960s (Sam Cooke's "Bring it on Home to Me" featuring a surprise cameo by pop legend Paul McCartney); the 1970s (Seals & Crofts' "Summer Breeze"); and the 1980s (Daryl Hall's "Everytime You Go Away"). They also show respect for the music of today, inviting neo soul diva Jill Scott to sing along on "God Bless the Child," and turning in a sumptuous instrumental rendition of singer/songwriter John Legend's " Ordinary People" with Marion Meadows on soprano sax.
"Givin' It Up" also features sizzling jazz jams on two Miles Davis classics: the classy swing of "Four," with lyrics by the great Jon Hendricks and featuring Stanley Clarke on upright bass; and the lowdown blues of "Tutu," rewritten as "Resurrection Blues" by Jarreau and set to Marcus Miller's dynamic original music (a homage to Bishop Desmond Tutu), featuring Miller himself on electric bass and special guest Herbie Hancock in scorching form on acoustic piano.
Proving yet again why he's one of the most talented and popular R&B vocalists working today, Jarreau pens lyrics and sings on one of Benson's biggest hits, "Breezin', and offers a poignant reconciliation song titled "Let it Rain," which also features the evocative muted trumpet of Chris Botti.
The album is a masterful collection of smooth, seductive grooves and inspired reinterpretations of Benson's and Jarreau's most classic songs.
The lively interplay between Benson's singular guitar work and Jarreau's unmistakable vocals give this jazz collaboration a truly one-of-kind sound and delivers harmonic depth and tonal richness which will garner appreciation from pop and jazz aficionados alike.
Whether you're a long-time fan of Benson and Jarreau or experiencing their musical genius for the first time, this album is a treat for music fans everywhere.
Free Music Review: Awesome Twosome
Hit: 5 Stars
This collaboration between George Benson and Al Jarreau is such a clever idea. Two multi-talented jazz icons in one album is simply a treat to my ears. For fans of Benson and Jarreau, this is definitely a "must-add" to your collection.
I missed their much-anticipated concert last summer at the Hollywood Bowl since I wasn't able to be back on time from my summer get-away at Prince Edward Island. My co-workers and I have bought our tickets way ahead of time and have been eagerly waiting for that special show. I've wanted to watch these two favorite artists of mine and I was so disappointed, it would have been like "killing two birds with one stone." So I just gave away my ticket to a co-worker who totally enjoyed the concert. Her gain, my loss! Well, I'm hoping that there will be another joint-concert coming soon and I'll make sure not to miss it.
My favorites from this collection are of course their respective all-time hits, "Breezin'" and "Mornin'." Who would have thought that words have been added to Bobby Womack's stunning and tuneful music? Thanks to Al Jarreau's creative musical mind that we can now enjoy "Breezin'" in two different ways, with or without lyrics. Ditto with "Mornin'" - we'll be delighted with two versions now, an instrumental version or the original. Likewise, this awesome pair gives Seals & Crofts' "Summer Breeze" and Hall & Oates' "Every Time You Go Away" fresh styles and great interpretations with splendid arrangements by Larry Williams.
Also featured in this album are their special guest musicians who all excel in their respective craft namely: Herbie Hancock (piano), Stanley Clarke and Marcus Miller (bass), Marion Meadows (sax), Chris Botti (trumpet), Patti Austin and Jill Scott (vocals on "Let It Rain" and "God Bless The Child," respectively) and Beatles superstar, Paul McCartney (vocals on "Bring It On Home To Me").
It's very rare that two jazz greats are in one album, but George Benson and Al Jarreau made it happen! I just hope that this wouldn't be the last and that there will be another collaboration in the future.
Wholeheartedly recommended.
Free Music Review: Jazz Masters
Hit: 5 Stars
At a time when artists over the age of 40 are relegated to doing albums of covers or remakes of their past hits, Benson and Jarreau put a spin on the concept along with a few twists largely to great results. Starting with Jarreau's take on Benson's, "Breezin" and Benson's take on Jarreau's "Mornin'," George and Al follow up with other covers including an outstanding version of "God Bless the Child" featuring vocals by Jill Scott and a "surprise" vocal performance by Sir Paul McCartney on Sam Cooke's, "Bring It On Home to Me" that ends with an unexpected gospel vamp. These tracks along with the orignal compositions written mostly by Jarreau, including my favorite, "Let It Rain," featuring the fantastic Patti Austin, highlight what would of been a predictable set by two jazz legends. Instead Benson and Jarreau demonstate that they are still relevant in today's market and overall provide a lesson for some of the "new stars," as George refers to in the liner notes, on just how contemporary jazz should be done. Hopefully this is just the beginning and other Benson/Jarreau collaborations to come.Free Music Review: The gathering of two living legends!
Hit: 5 Stars
Al Jarreau is still, owner of one of the most spellbinding voices into the universe of the crooners since the Eighties. Much more consistent than Lou Rawls, Jarreau knew to achieve his glory moment with Moonlighting and so to get a major audience overseas.
The fantastic musical arrangements and his powerful charisma have made of him one of the most estimated, favorite and beloved stars around the muysical firmament.
So when he decided to materialize this well expected project with this living legend of the Jazz - George Benson - the outcome could not be more gratifying and splendid .
And despite the risk to make this utterance, I would say that we are in presence of a classic album that will transcend the test of time for the new gene4rations to come.
In case you don't have it, please go for it. It will be a rewarding experience.
Free Music Review: Excellent & Masterful Collaboration
Hit: 5 Stars
I happened to be searching for lyrics by Al Jarreau during this past Holiday Season and just happened to find this CD in the process. I have been a fan of BOTH Al Jarreau and George Benson for several years but did not know this project had been on the market for some time. (I had serious illness in my family in 2006 therefore missed the CD news release). When I heard the snippets from this release I knew that THIS CD would be my own personal Christmas gift for me. I have had one of the best Christmases in a while just listening to all the songs that George and Al masterfully exhibited. Their intercharge by way of Al's fabulous voice and George's intensely soulful strums on the guitar are purely intoxicating! I later read this was a Grammy Award-Winning CD of which is NO surprise. If you love either Artist you will LOVE this CD!