In the words of George Benson (From the liner notes): "In 1983, I made a promise to the late Count Basie to record with his band an album such as this." Benson assumes the role of both singer and guitarist with the Basie band, everybody brings their A game, and this listener is happy.
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| Billboard, Sept. 22, 1990, p. 74 |
Also notable as Benson's debut as sole producer of an album.
Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart
Peak on Billboard Top Jazz Albums chart: #3
Tracks: I prefer the tracks that feature Benson's fretwork, such as Ready Now That You Are, On Green Dolphin Street, and Basie's Bag, the latter of which won the Grammy award for Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Big Band. Also noteworthy are Skylark and Walkin' My Baby Back Home. I can't figure out the inclusion of Baby Workout unless they wanted a marketable crossover single. That song doesn't even include the Basie band. I dig the tune (especially Benson's solo), it just doesn't seem to fit the album.
Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None - this was a recent pickup from a used bin.
Previously revisited for the blog:
Givin' It Up (2006) (w/Al Jarreau)
Best Of: The Instrumentals (1997)
Collaboration (1987) (w/Earl Klugh)
20/20 (1985)
The George Benson Collection (1981)
Give Me The Night (1980)
Breezin' (1976)
The Other Side of Abbey Road (1970)
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