Givin' It Up

George Benson

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 24, 2006)
• Original Release Date: October 24, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Concord Records
• ASIN: B000HT3Q3M
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (56 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,665 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Not trusting the drawing power of its co-billed veterans, singer-guitarist George Benson and singer-"vocal percussionist" Al Jarreau, or the eventfulness of their teaming, the producers of Givin' It Up have hedged their commercial bets with a full array of guest stars. But none of the guest singers lifts the proceedings above a sleek professionalism--not Paul McCartney, who participates in a humdrum, album-ending jam on Sam Cooke's "Bring It on Home to Me"; not the wonderful Jill Scott, who emulates Billie Holiday on a modest treatment of "God Bless the Child"; and not old pro Patti Austin. Herbie Hancock, Chris Botti, Stanley Clarke, and Marcus Miller also turn up, agreeably but unexcitingly enough, among smooth jazzers including Marion Meadows and Patrice Rushen. The material ranges from two songs to which Jarreau adds lyrics--the 1976 Benson hit "Breezin'" and "'Long Come Tutu," based on the Miller-written title track of Miles Davis's "Tutu"--to covers of Seals and Crofts' "Summer Breeze" and the Daryl Hall-penned Paul Young hit, "Every Time You Go Away." Benson and Jarreau seem a bit hemmed-in by the crowd of name contributors. Even in smooth mode, they have done livelier work than this. --Lloyd Sachs

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A masterful collection of seductive grooves., March 2, 2007

By	joemacktheknife (East Hampton, NY) - See all my reviews

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Real Music - Real Musicians - Really Really Good Stuff!!!!!!!, January 16, 2007

By	Soulin' (New York City) - See all my reviews

I've been a fan of both these guys for years but in recent times have felt Al's voice in particular to be not what it once was - Well let me admit my error. This is a superb effort!!! George is still the greatest guitarist out there..sure it ain't straight Jazz - that's it's beauty!
A wonderful hybrid of styles anf for my money 'All that I am' has one of the best vocal performances of George's career (a sweet but moving tune)
The syncopations in 'Don't start no stuff' are sensational.
All up a great set from two of music's real stylists and boundary pushers!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Smiles For Miles!, March 29, 2007

By	Illuminati (Detroit, MI) - See all my reviews

Once you put this CD into your player, It should get lots of mileage. Certain a modern day classic by two virtuoso's. It's in full rotation on my iPods (or iPae?) As well as my CarPod. (fulltime iPod in car).
Touching on the other reviewer,You WILL play this CD from start to finish like the good ole days!