The New Boss Guitar of George Benson

by George Benson, Brother Jack McDuff

Overview

George Benson was only 21 when, on May 1, 1964, he recorded his first album as a leader, The New Boss Guitar of George Benson. At that point, the guitarist had yet to become a huge name in jazz, although many of those who knew him for his work with Jack McDuff's group (which he joined in 1962) agreed that he showed great potential. Benson still had some growing to do in 1964, but even so, this is an impressive debut. The guitarist had developed a distinctive, recognizable sound on his instrument, and he plays with both feeling and technique on five Benson originals (including the sly "Shadow Dancers," the exuberant "Rock-A-Bye," and the earthy blues "I Don't Know") as well as interpretations of "Easy Living" and "Will You Still Be Mine." Benson, of course, had an insightful teacher in McDuff, who plays both organ and piano on this hard bop/soul-jazz date. Tenor saxophonist Red Holloway, another member of McDuff's early-'60s group, is also on board, as are bassist Ronnie Boykins and drummer Montego Joe. In 1964, Benson's best work was yet to come; nonetheless, this album is historically important as well as rewarding. ~ Alex Henderson

Product Details

Release Date:	07/15/2014
Label:	Concord / Fantasy
UPC:	0888072357808
Rank:	63390

Tracks

1. Shadow Dancers
2. The Sweet Alice Blues
3. I Don't Know
4. Just Another Sunday
5. Will You Still Be Mine?
6. Easy Living
7. Rock-a-Bye

Album Credits

Performance Credits

George Benson   Primary Artist,Guitar
Brother Jack McDuff   Primary Artist
Brother Jack McDuff Quartet   Primary Artist,Featured Artist
Montego Joe   Guest Artist,Drums,Percussion
Red Holloway   Guest Artist,Sax (Tenor)
Jack McDuff   Organ,Piano,Keyboards
Joe Dukes   Drums
Ronnie Boykins   Bass

Technical Credits

Rudy Van Gelder   Engineer
Chris Albertson   Liner Notes
Jack McDuff   Composer
George Benson   Composer
Lew Futterman   Producer
Ralph Rainger   Composer
Matt Dennis   Composer
Joe Dukes   Composer
Don Schlitten   Photography
Leo Robin   Composer
Tom Adair   Composer
Phil DeLancie   Digital Remastering