Artist: George Benson
Title: Live at Montreux 1986 (Mercury Studios)
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Tell me more: A frequent performer at the Montreux Jazz Festival (held every July in Switzerland), George Benson performed a particularly special set in the summer of 1986; indeed the celebrated artist selected this concert as the first of his Montreux performances to be released as a commercial live set. While the performance was released on DVD in 2005, Mercury Studios' newly-issued Live at Montreux 1986 marks the first time the audio-only portion has been available; the DVD+2CD title is an exciting celebration of Benson's astounding talents as singer, guitar virtuoso and band leader.
Blending jazz, pop, soul and R&B during the fast-moving performance, Benson's incredible vocals and lead guitar work impress across the concert recording. While songs such as "Feel Like Making Love," "The Greatest Love of All" and "Turn Your Love Around" focus on his amazing talents as an R&B singer, an equal number of other selections — including the instrumental "Off Broadway," "Love X Love," "Weekend in L.A." and "Affirmation" — demonstrate Benson's incredible artistry as a guitar master. Other highlights include "Love Ballad" showcasing his scat vocals, "My Latin Brother" featuring some notable flamenco-meets-jazz fret work, the dance-fueled "20/20" and an extended version of his timeless hit "On Broadway." Live at Montreux 1986 is a marvelous performance to be sure, with the Pittsburgh native performing a mix of hits and deep cuts before an enthusiastic audience.
Robert Kinsler
