George Benson

Miles Davis' golden pupil

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Miles Davis had made him his student. George Benson, a guitarist who makes hearts beat and loves waltz, has spent his life sharpening jazz melodies with funk accents to make our nights more beautiful. Today he is celebrating a career out of the ordinary !

George Benson has class. The virtuoso from the ghettos of Pittsburgh, a man of heart with golden fingers and light Gibson's style, has been playing for ages with his smooth voice and his aerial guitar to knock us out on the dance floor. Even the illustrious Miles Davis, prince of American jazz, could not resist his mad charm, making him his regular student. Because George Benson has a secret: absolute elegance. To the very end of his discography, the gifted American, carried by the sounds of Charlie Parker, Billy Eckstine and Tony Bennett, has built a chic and subtle universe, bringing jazz purists and pop fans face to face. Unpredictable in the soul, George Benson does not deny himself anything. For the West Coast guitarist, with a rare modesty, likes to put himself in danger: it has even become his secret pleasure.

No matter the trends, no matter the critics: the father of the RnB doesn't care what anyone says. George Benson is a free man! Forerunner of hard bop, he marries influences and beings with romance, lightness and brio. Under his six-string flights and his majestic rhythms dance the crowds. Without a doubt, George Benson, a lifelong friend of Al Jarreau, is the instigator of a gentle, exquisite and swaying stroll along the roads of a nocturnal, beautiful and seductive America. The King of Pennsylvania masters the route, and Give Me the Night is never far away. The man enters the stage. First sincere vibrations: let the adventure begin !

Highlights

1964

Meeting with Miles Davis

Barely of age, the prodigy from Pittsburgh was barely able to play his scales. He released his first record, which allowed him to be quickly noticed by the legendary Miles Davis. By taking him under his wing, the Illinois jazzman allowed George Benson to refine his style and launch a flamboyant career.

1976

From ghettos to armoured rooms

George Benson composed at a frenetic pace, sometimes up to three records a year by the end of the sixties. But his first breakthrough came in 1976 with the album Breezin' and the single This Masquerade. His career took off: success would never leave him. The kid from the ghettos became a major musician !

1979

On the roof of the world

When someone says George Benson, you must answer Give Me The Night. Produced by Quincy Jones, the single from the eponymous record is an outstanding success, from east to west, north to south. The wave swallowed up all continents and destroyed all borders. George Benson becomes a legend: this track will become a must in the set list of disc jockeys from here and elsewhere.

1984

Always at the top of the charts

George Benson performs Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You, a song written by Michael Masser and Gerry Goffin. Once again, the song is a real hit, especially in the United States. But it is thanks to the cover of Glenn Medeiros, a young singer from the island of Kauai, that the single will cross the borders to become a worldwide hit.

2019

So far, so good

"I'm a fan of the music made by these two men". With these words, George Benson presents his new album, a tribute to Chuck Berry and Fats Domino. Female backing vocals, sensual and elegant melodies: the hero of hard bop proves that he is still here, creative as ever !

Testimonials

The fans speak
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Seen in the press

On stage, George Benson is a character. He is impressive, as much for his charisma as for his sincerity. It's a real moment of sharing, where you move your head and shoulders to the rhythm of his guitar flights.

Guy, after the concert in Juan Les Pins

If Miles Davis fell under his spell, it is no coincidence that George Benson is a musician of immeasurable talent. Through his eclecticism, he has brought a real freshness to contemporary music, mixing influences with elegance and audacity. He is also an unconditional lover of France. He comes here every year to play. Seeing him always so creative and fit on stage is a real pleasure !

From the very first notes, the room is conquered, the bodies begin to undulate and hum the words. The children on their parents' shoulders to be able to see the show, we see joy on their faces. The pieces follow one another and make an air of lightness float. Benson transports. It's always a pleasure to admire the great names in music.

George Benson, or the story of a kid from Pittsburgh who became a huge jazz guitarist before reinventing himself as a triumphant pop singer and earning his place in the pantheon of black American music.

Concert & Co - MusiqXXL