Lee Ritenour: 6 String Theory (2010)

It’s hard to believe that 2010 marks 50 years since Lee Ritenour starting playing the guitar, setting in motion a career that legends are made of. A career that has earned him 19 GRAMMY® nominations, a GRAMMY Award, numerous #1 spots on guitar polls, A Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian SJ Awards, and the prestigious “Alumnus of the Year” award from USC. During his illustrious career, he has recorded over 40 albums, with 35 chart songs and was a founding member of the group Fourplay, considered the most successful group in contemporary jazz. As a young guitarist his diverse musical style became the foundation of over 3,000 sessions, covering a broad spectrum of artists ranging from his first session at 16 with the Mamas and Papas, to Pink Floyd, Steely Dan, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Simon & Garfunkel and Frank Sinatra. On his latest endeavor, 6 String Theory, Ritenour celebrates the instrument that has allowed him this blessing, the guitar; -by producing and assembling a star-studded tribute with the greatest and soon- to- be greatest guitarists of our time.

For 6 String Theory, Ritenour is also among the twenty legendary world class guitarists starring on the recording, which he produced along with John Burk of the Concord Music Group. Joining him in this tribute to the guitar, the all-star line-up includes: George Benson, BB King, Slash, Steve Lukather, John Scofield, Robert Cray and Vince Gill among many other superstars. Blending rock, blues, jazz, acoustic, country and classical, they come together for a seamless project that promises to take the listener on a musical journey and exploration of the guitar. Also featured on vocals are BB King, Robert Cray, Vince Gill, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Majal, Joe Bonamassa and Jonny Lang.

Blending together styles, ages and musical colors, Lee Ritenour’s 6 String Theory promises to be one of the greatest guitar recordings ever made!

Tracklist:

01. Lay It Down (Ft. John Scofield) 5:58

02. Am I Wrong (Ft. Keb' Mo' And Taj Mahal) 4:07
03. L.P. (For Les Paul) (Ft. Pat Martino, And Joey DeFrancesco) 4:50
04. Give Me One Reason (Ft. Joe Bonamassa And Robert Cray) 5:14
05. "68" (Ft. Steve Lukather, Neal Schon, And Slash) 4:58
06. In Your Dreams (Ft. Steve Lukather, And Neal Schon) 5:57
07. My One and Only Love (Ft. George Benson) 1:44
08. Moon River (Ft. George Benson And Joey DeFrancesco) 4:57
09. Why I Sing the Blues (Ft. B.B. King, Vince Gill, Keb' Mo', Johnny Lan) 6:34
10. Daddy Longlicks (Ft. Joe Robinson) 1:54
11. Shape of My Heart (Ft. Steve Lukather, And Andy McKee) 4:48
12. Drifting (Ft. Andy McKee) 3:40
13. Freeway Jam (Ft. Mike Stern, Tomoyasu Hotei,) 4:56
14. Fives (Ft. Guthrie Govan And Tal Wilkenfeld) 4:33
15. Caprices, Op. 20, No. 2 and 7 (Ft. Shon Boublil) 3:30
6 String Theory
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George Benson: While the City Sleeps (1986)

The transformation of George Benson, guitar icon, into George Benson, pop singer, is completed here, on While the City Sleeps, for there are no instrumentals at all on this hard-sell, synth-laden series of ballads and dance tunes. This is marginally better than 20/20, for at least Michael Walden's high-tech production (with added tracks by Kashif and Tommy LiPuma) has more punch, and the material, though still mostly lame, is easier to take. There is very little guitar to be heard, and what little there is can usually be found hidden behind Benson's scatting or the pulsating electronics. The best bet for ferreting out some strong guitar is on "Love Is Here Tonight," but it's deep within the mix. For those who care, an animated Kenny G turns up on "Did You Hear Thunder." -- AMG

While the City Sleeps

Part 1 - Part 2 (RS) / Part 1 - Part 2 (HF) flac

George Benson with McCoy Tyner Trio: Round Midnight (2007) [lossless]

Live album recorded in Fort Lauderdale (Florida) in 1989.

George Benson (gtr, voc), McCoy Tyner (p), Avery Sharpe (b), Aaron Scott (dr).

Songs:

1. Stella By Starlight

2. Here, There & Everywhere

3. Don't Leave Me

4. Round Midnight

5. Monk's Dream

6. Hipside

7. At The Mambo Inn

Highly recommended!!!

George Benson: 20/20 (1987)

George Benson certainly is a good soul vocalist, fervently turning every phrase as if he meant every lovelorn syllable. Here on 20/20, though, he is shackled by stale pop/soul sentiments and one hack arrangement after another, assembled in no less than 17 studios! Russ Titelman, who shows only a flickering awareness of Benson's huge talent, is the producer, spelled twice by the even more commercial Michael Masser. The only bright spots are the tense high-tech title track and — surprise — an elegant Count Basie-like treatment of "Beyond the Sea," and with several jazz luminaries in the all-star band and Frank Foster and Ralph Burns handling the chart. There's only one instrumental, "Stand Up," and it ain't much.

George Benson - Songs and Stories (2009)

George Benson is truly a legend; a guitarist of unparalleled chops and a vocalist with great emotional range and sophistication, and his latest release finds him at his very best! Songs and Stories is a collection of tunes penned by some of the most prolific and enduring songwriters of the last half-century such as James Taylor, Smokey Robinson, Lamont Dozier, Bill Withers, Donny Hathaway, and several others. The album also includes guest performances by David Paich, Gerald Albright, Lalah Hathaway, Lee Ritenour, Norman Brown, Patti Austin, Steve Lukather, Tom Scott and many more.