Breezin'

George Benson

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Original Release Date: January 6, 1976
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Warner Bros / Wea
• ASIN: B000002KHU
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  DVD Audio  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #13,222 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Before this album was released in 1976, George Benson was known largely for his Wes Montgomery/Charlie Christian-inspired licks and his stints with Jack McDuff and Miles Davis. Breezin' was a million-selling, Grammy Award-winning LP and made Benson an "overnight" star. The reasons for that success were Tommy LiPuma's topnotch production, Claus Ogerman's ethereal arrangements, and Benson's soulful vocals on Leon Russell's ballad "This Masquerade." Backed by Fourplay drummer Harvey Mason, master percussionist Ralph MacDonald, bassist Stanley Banks, rhythm guitarist Phil Upchurch, and keyboardists Ronnie Scott and Jorge Dalto, Benson and the crew laid down the moods and grooves we now call "contemporary jazz." From the soft-rock of "Six to Four," the midtempo backbeat of the title track, and the Latin-tinged tunes "Affirmation," "So This Is Love?" and "Lady," Benson's fleet-fingered Ibanez guitar lines make the rare leap from straight-ahead to the mainstream. Added to the CD reissue are three bonus tracks not on the LP: a snappy and soulful rendition of "Down Here on the Ground," from the movie Cool Hand Luke, a Bob James-like funk number "Shark Bite," and the single-edit version of "This Masquerade." George Benson was never the same after this record and neither was jazz. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Description
George Benson's "Breezin'" presents the original 1976 album in its entirety in 6-Channel, advanced resolution surround sound from the original master tapes, and also remixed in 96/24 stereo. This program features the monster hit single "This Masquerade" plus 5 more original album tracks. Tracks: Breezin', This Masquerade, Six to Four, Affirmation, So This Is Love?, Lady. Photo Gallery, George Benson's History, Discography, & Credits
Video Interviews and Musician Stories on the Making of "Breezin'"
Bonus Tracks: Shark Bite & Down Here On the Ground; On-Screen Interviews with Benson, producer Tommy LiPuma, engineer Al Schmitt, and Benson sideman Phil Upchurch, Ronnie Foster, and Stanley Banks.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A CLASSIC MADE EVEN MORE CLASSY!!, January 29, 2001

By	David Vall-lloveras (Westlake Village, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This reissued edition of George Benson's 1976 classic album "Breezin" has been augmented, not just by wonderful remastered sound, but the inclusion of worthy bonus material. George was able to crossover into the mainstream through this album and yet keep his jazz identity in tact. But, who knew he could sing as well?

The original album is pure aural joy from the "breezy" opening of the title track through the wistful ending of "Lady." "This Masquerade" became a classic and presented him to a whole new audience. "Six to Four" can still pull me out of a funky downer and have me tapping my feet, pen, pencil.... Affirmation is great during a Sunday morning "breakfast in bed."

Even if you own the previous CD issue of "Breezin," this new edition boasts wonderful remastered sound, new liner notes and two previously unreleased tracks. "Down Here on the Ground" is a real find giving George another chance to vocally enchant with a Stevie Wonder-like charm that many of today's male R&B singers and groups attempt, yet fail miserably to achieve. Also included are "Shark Bite", a funky instrumental that could be used in a 1970's "Lock, Stock" type movie or your Sunday morning "smooth jazz" music mix; and the edited 45rpm single version of "This Masqerade." The original album just ended too quickly. This new expanded edition seems just right!

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent from End to End, January 2, 2004

By	Fred McGhee "fredmcghee" (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

George Benson's crowning achievement. Superb musicianship throughout by all the players. This record is eminently listenable, even danceable in spots, and the improvisation is tasteful and imaginative throughout.

There is no point in having a discussion about this record with snobby jazz purists. The don't get it, and never will. George Benson's reputation as a jazz AND pop guitarist of the highest calibre is set in stone and noone is going to change that.

This is a seminal album; one of the greatest jazz-pop records ever made, very influential, and aging very, very well.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true classic. Benson's best album thus far., August 7, 2000

By	historyone (Republic of Texas, USA) - See all my reviews

This is George Benson's crowning achievement of his Jazz Career. It received the 1976 Grammy which it richly deserved. His Guitar playing on this is flawless and the only song that he sing's on this album is "This Masquerade" is outstanding. You can hear the emotion of not only his singing but the way he plays the guitar on this album. From "This Masquerade" to "Six to Four", "So this is Love" "Lady" and the other songs on here are a delight to listen to whether you are with the one you love, or traveling down the highway, this is the one album that all Jazz or Easy Listening fans should have. It is simply outstanding and stood the test of time in the best of ways..A pure delight to listen to!