VA - George Benson, The Sideman Project (A Butterboy Compilation) + George Benson - Solo (A Butterboy Compilation) (9 x CDs)

GEORGE BENSON

VA - George Benson, The Sideman Project (A Butterboy Compilation) + George Benson - Solo (A Butterboy Compilation) (9 x CDs)

George Benson, born on March 22, 1943, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a celebrated American jazz guitarist, singer, and songwriter. From an early age, Benson demonstrated extraordinary musical talent, performing in nightclubs by the age of seven and recording his first single at nine. This prodigious start laid the groundwork for a legendary career that spans multiple genres, including jazz, R&B, and pop. With accolades such as ten Grammy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Benson is renowned for his virtuosic guitar playing, smooth vocals, and innovative artistry. While his solo success is remarkable, his contributions as a sideman have equally defined his impact on the music world.

Benson’s career as a sideman began to take shape in the 1960s when he joined the Jack McDuff Quartet. This collaboration with the iconic organist provided Benson with an ideal platform to refine his technique and explore soul jazz, a genre that strongly influenced his early work. His ability to complement McDuff’s dynamic organ playing with his fluid guitar lines marked Benson as an exceptional team player and solidified his reputation as a highly skilled sideman.

As his career progressed, Benson collaborated with an array of legendary musicians, bringing his distinctive sound to their projects. Notably, his work with trumpeter Freddie Hubbard on the album Straight Life highlights his talent for enhancing complex compositions. Benson’s melodic and rhythmic guitar lines added a distinctive texture to Hubbard’s adventurous trumpet solos, demonstrating his ability to elevate the overall musical experience.

Benson's collaborations also extended to saxophonist Stanley Turrentine, particularly on the iconic album Sugar. His contributions to Turrentine’s soulful and expressive saxophone performances provided a smooth and rhythmic foundation, enhancing the album's rich, jazzy atmosphere. Additionally, Benson’s brief but impactful collaboration with Miles Davis showcased his ability to adapt to Davis’s avant-garde musical vision. His warm, intricate guitar work complemented Davis’s innovative compositions, further affirming Benson’s versatility and artistry.

A standout collaboration in George Benson's career was his work with Earl Klugh on the 1987 album Collaboration. This smooth jazz milestone showcased the seamless interplay between Benson's expressive electric guitar and Klugh's refined classical guitar. Together, they created a cohesive and melodious fusion that resonated with listeners. The album's acclaim underscored Benson's exceptional talent for immersing himself in diverse musical settings while preserving his distinctive artistry.

Throughout his illustrious career, George Benson has consistently excelled as a sideman, enriching the works of countless artists. His profound musical intuition, technical expertise, and collaborative spirit have left an indelible mark on jazz and beyond, cementing his legacy as one of the most accomplished and influential guitarists in modern music history.

This collection of 152 tracks showcases George Benson's contributions as a sideman on albums by various artists. Beyond highlighting Benson's remarkable input to these exceptional pieces, it stands as a captivating jazz anthology that every music enthusiast should take the time to appreciate. All tracks are presented in chronological date order (except track 1).

As a BONUS I have created a George Benson Solo set consisting of 30 tracks, from his first recording at just 11 years old "It Should Have Been Me No. 2" in 1954; to his latest tracks from his most recent album was "Walking to New Orleans" released in 2019 at the age of 76.

George Benson, Solo (A Butterboy Compilation)

George Benson's solo career is a remarkable journey of musical innovation and crossover success. Emerging from the jazz world as a prodigious guitarist, Benson's solo work brought him international acclaim, blending jazz, R&B, and pop into a seamless and accessible style. His 1976 album Breezin' was groundbreaking, becoming the first jazz album to achieve platinum status. The hit single "This Masquerade" showcased his silky-smooth vocals alongside his virtuosic guitar skills, solidifying his dual identity as a singer and instrumentalist.

Benson's later works, such as Give Me the Night [1980] and 20/20 [(1985], maintained his chart-topping success with a fusion of upbeat rhythms and soulful melodies. His ability to evolve and innovate while staying true to his roots has earned him ten Grammy Awards and enduring admiration from fans and critics alike. Benson's solo career exemplifies his ability to transcend genres, leaving a lasting legacy in music history. (B)

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Track lists

CD1

01 B.B. King - I Got Some Help I Don't Need 14:47 1998

02 Jack McDuff - It Ain't Necessarily So 6:37 1963

03 Brother Jack MC Duff - Dink's Blues 6:19 1963

04 Jack McDuff - A Kettle of Fish 3:58 1964

05 Jack McDuff; Red Holloway; George Benson; Joe Dukes - Wives & Lovers 8:01 1964

06 Jack McDuff; Red Holloway; George Benson; Joe Dukes - Denise 6:31 1964

07 Jack McDuff - Rail Head 5:52 1964

08 Jack McDuff - Bossa Nova West 5:42 1964

09 Joe Dukes with the Brother Jack McDuff Quartet - Soulful Drums 6:09 1964

10 Jack McDuff - Midnight Sun 6:28 1964

11 Jack McDuff - Another Goodun' 7:59 1964

12 Jack McDuff - Four Brothers 4:32 1964

13 Brother Jack McDuff - The Party's is over 6:51 1965

14 Brother Jack McDuff - The three days Thang 3:37 1965

15 Jack McDuff - Scuffin´ 4:53 1965

16 Red Holloway - Movin' On 3:28 1965

17 Red Holloway - Good and Groovy 4:04 1965

18 Red Holloway - I'm All Packed 5:06 1965

19 Lonnie Smith - Sideman 4:45 1966

CD2

20 Lou Donaldson - Aw Shucks! 7:23 1967

21 Lou Donaldson - The Thang 3:34 1967

22 Jack McDuff, George Benson, Joe Dukes - East of The Sun 5:13 1967

23 Jack McDuff, George Benson, Red Holloway, Joe Dukes - Hallelujah Time 2:56 1967

24 Roberta Peck - Si, Si Senor 2:36 1967

25 Hank Mobley - Reach Out I'll Be There 6:49 1968

26 Hank Mobley - Good Pickin's 5:32 1968

27 Brother Jack McDuff - The Midnight Sun 6:23 1967

28 Larry Young - Call Me 7:34 1968

29 Larry Young - Heaven on Earth 6:05 1968

30 Jack McDuff - Lew's Piece 8:18 1968

31 Jack McDuff - Opus De Funk 6:57 1968

32 Lee Morgan - Avotcja One 6:45 1968

33 Lee Morgan - Durem 7:28 1968

34 Lou Donaldson - Love Power 7:46 1968

35 Lou Donaldson - Bag of Jawels 9:44 1968

36 Jaki Byard - Music to Watch Girls By 3:44 1968

37 Jaki Byard - Ray's Blues 6:47 1968

38 Miles Davis - Paraphernalia 12:38 1998

CD3

39 Jimmy Smith - Some of My Best Friends Are Blues 7:55 1968

40 Jimmy Smith - This Guy's in Love for You 5:56 1968

41 Hubert Laws - How Long Will it Be? 6:14 1969

42 Jack McDuff - English Country Gardens 4:11 1969

43 J.J. Johnson & Kai Winding - Mojo 11:29 1970

44 Jack McDuff & George Benson - Our Miss Brooks 10:09 1969

45 Stanley Turrentine - Gibraltar 9:36 1970

46 Stanley Turrentine - Sunshine Alley 10:48 1970

47 Freddie Hubbard - Mr. Clean 13:37 1970

48 Freddie Hubbard - First Light 11:05 1971

49 Johnny Hammond - I Don't Know How to Love Him 7:33 1971

50 Freddie Hubbard - Povo 14:46 1972

51 Freddie Hubbard - Sky Dive 7:37 1972

52 Airto Moreira - Lucky Southern 2:37 1972

53 Hank Crawford - We Got A Good Thing Going 5:58 1972

54 Hank Crawford - I'm Just A Luck So and So 6:55 1972

55 Esther Phillips - Cherry Red 4:36 1972

56 Don Sebesky - Firebird / Birds of Fire 13:56 1973

57 Johnny Hammond Smith - Higher Ground 10:43 1974

CD4

58 Johnny Hammond Smith - Summertime/The Ghetto 10:15 1974

59 Johnny Hammond Smith - Big Sur Suite 9:27 1974

60 Freddie Hubbard - Son of Sky Dive 13:21 1975

61 Lonnie Liston Smith - Flavors 10:26 1977

62 Hubert Laws - Midnight at the Oasis 5:26 1975

63 Ronnie Foster - Tuesday Heartbreak 4:51 1975

64 Helen Humes - He May Be Your Man 4:38 1975

65 Helen Humes - I Don't Know His Name 3:39 1975

66 Stanley Turrentine - More 6:09 1975

67 Stanley Turrentine - Just as I Am 5:22 1975

68 Harlem Underground Band - Ain't No Sunshine 2:18 1976

69 Harlem Underground Band - Finger in It 5:41 1976

70 Stevie Wonder - Another Star 8:08 1976

71 Pee Wee Ellis - Gotcha! 6:15 1976

72 Claus Ogerman - Time Passed Autumn (Interlude and Part II) 2:48 1977

73 Maynard Ferguson - Mister Mellow 6:28 1977

74 Harvey Mason - What's Going On? 8:31 1977

75 George Benson - Erotic Moods 3:13 1978

76 George Benson with the Harlem Underground Band - Sweet Taste of Love 8:27 1978

CD5

77 Tony Williams - Hip Skip 8:07 1979

78 Tony Williams - Coming Back Home 6:08 1979

79 Freddie Hubbard - To Her Ladyship 6:01 1978

80 Eumir Deodato - Love Island 6:40 1978

81 Ronnie Foster - Let Me in Your Life (George Benson Backing vocals only) 6:11 1979

82 Miles Davis - Side Car II 3:40 1979

83 Miles Davis - Sanctuary 8:53 1979

84 Chaka Khan - We Got The Love 3:32 1978

85 Minnie Riperton - You Take My Breath Away ( George Benson vocal) 4:32 1980

86 Dexter Gordon - Hi-Fly 9:36 1980

87 Dexter Gordon - Gotham City 9:18 1980

88 George Benson - Love All The Hurt Away (Duet with Aretha Franklin) 4:08 2003

89 Fuse One - Sunwalk 9:41 1981

90 Greg Phillinganes - Girl Talk 4:32 1981

91 Sadao Watanabe - Orange Express 4:39 1981

92 Jimmy Smith - Endless Love 7:11 1982

93 Jimmy Smith - Ain't Misbehavin' 3:57 1982

94 Benny Goodman - Seven Come Eleven 3:39 1993

95 Jorge Dalto & Super Friends - Poinciana 6:01 1983

96 Jorge Dalto & Super Friends - My Latin Brother 4:58 1983

97 Jorge Dalto & Super Friends - Hotel Du Globe 5:34 1983

98 Jorge Dalto & Super Friends - Nightline 6:29 1984

99 Jorge Dalto & Super Friends - Song for Adela 5:21 1984

CD6

100 Kashif - I’ve Been Missin’ You 4:17 1984

101 Bobby Womack - Through The Eyes of A Child 5:21 1984

102 Ivan Lins & George Benson - Juntos 4:35 1984

103 Frank Sinatra - It’s All Right With Me 2:42 1984

104 Frank Sinatra - Mack the Knife 4:54 1984

105 Jean-Luc Ponty - Modern Times Blues 7:18 1984

106 Stanley Turrentine - Plum 6:06 1984

107 Stanley Turrentine - Straight Ahead 6:24 1984

108 Chet Atkins - Sunrise 4:11 1985

109 Ronnie Cuber - Passion Fruit 7:04 1986

110 Ornella Vanoni - ...E Penso A Te 3:50 1986

111 Barnaby Finch - Don't Touch My Moustache 5:20 1986

112 Tony Bennett - Cheek to Cheek 3:25 1987

113 Freddie Hubbard - Battlescar Galorica 8:10 1987

114 Freddie Hubbard - A Saint's Homecoming Song 11:17 1987

CD7

115 George Benson & Earl Klugh - Brazilian Stomp 5:39 1987

116 George Benson & Earl Klugh - Dreamin' 5:49 1987

117 George Benson & Earl Klugh - Mt. Airy Road 7:52 1987

118 George Benson & Earl Klugh - Since You're Gone 5:49 1987

119 Chaka Khan - The End of a Love Affair 5:12 1988

120 Quincy Jones - Birdland 5:34 1989

121 Quincy Jones - Setembro (Brazilian Wedding Song) 5:04 1989

122 Lou Rawls - You Can't Go Home 5:33 1989

123 Jon Hendricks and Friends - Listen to Monk 6:35 1990

124 Gwen Guthrie - I'll Give My Best to You 4:03 1990

125 Hank Crawford with Jimmy McGriff - The Frim Fram Sauce 8:38 1991

126 Jack McDuff - Mo' Candy 6:50 1992

127 Jack McDuff - Pump it Up 4:07 1992

128 Chet Atkins - Dream 4:36 1994

129 Lonnie Smith - I Can't Stand It 8:24 1970

130 Lonnie Smith - Love Bowl 9:43 1970

131 Nuyorican Soul - You Can Do it (Baby) 8:43 1997

132 Mary J. Blige - Seven Days 5:09 1997

133 Nils - Yesterday's Dream 4:43 1998

CD8

134 B.B. King - Just A Little Love 11:10 1998

135 Lena Horne - Sleepin' Bee 3:37 1998

136 Lena Horne - Willow Weep for Me 3:54 1998

137 Brother Jack McDuff - Cold Duck Time 5:20 1999

138 Brother Jack McDuff - The Scratch 7:11 1999

139 Kenny G - Summertime 6:46 1999

140 Tomatito - La Vacilona 3:52 2001

141 Freddie Hubbard - Red Clay (Alternate Version, Live) 18:45 2001

142 Minnie Riperton with George Benson Band - Lovin' You (Live reprise) 4:24 2001

143 George Benson with Jools Holland - Teardrops from My Eyes 4:42 2003

144 Vanessa Williams feat. George Benson - Never Can Say Goodbye 5:04 2005

145 Vanessa Williams feat. George Benson - With You I’m Born Again 3:54 2005

146 Rod Stewart - Let's Fall in Love (feat. George Benson) 3:15 2005

147 Cafe Soul All-Stars - Pages (feat. George Benson) 5:16 2005

148 Boney James - Hypnotic 4:13 2006

149 Take 6 feat. George Benson - Straighten Up and Fly Right 3:24 2008

150 Preston Glass Ft. George Benson - Fine as Burgundy Wine (Interlude) Ft. George Benson 1:13 2010

151 Gorillaz - Humility (feat. George Benson) 3:18 2018

152 Count Basie Orchestra - Rock Candy 5:26 2023

George Benson - Solo (A Butterboy Compilation)

01 George Benson - It Should Have Been Me No. 2 2:34 1954

02 George Benson - Shadow Dancers 4:49 1964

03 George Benson - The Sweet Alice Blues 4:42 1964

04 George Benson - Ain't That Peculiar 2:56 1964

05 George Benson - Benson's Rider 7:26 1964

06 George Benson - My Babe 2:55 1964

07 George Benson - The Cooker 4:19 1967

08 George Benson - Walk on By 3:26 1968

09 George Benson - Footin' It 4:26 1968

10 George Benson - Tell it Like it Is 2:51 1969

11 George Benson - Because/Come Together 7:25 1969

12 George Benson - Breezin' 5:41 1976

13 George Benson - The Masquerade 3:21 1976

14 George Benson - The Greatest Love of All 3:34 1977

15 George Benson - On Broadway (Live) 5:13 1978

16 George Benson - Love Ballad 4:17 1979

17 George Benson - Give Me The Night 3:42 1980

18 George Benson - Love X Love 3:50 1980

19 George Benson - Turn Your Love Around 3:50 1981

20 George Benson - In Your Eyes 3:22 1983

21 George Benson - Lady Love Me (One More Time) 4:01 1983

22 George Benson - 20/20 4:05 1985

23 George Benson - Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You 4:02 1985

24 George Benson - Shiver 3:35 1986

25 George Benson - Let's Do it Again 3:40 1990

26 George Benson - Standing Together 4:09 1998

27 George Benson - Nature Boy 4:21 2000

28 George Benson - Unchained Melody 3:56 2009

29 George Benson - Walking to New Orleans 4:08 2019

30 George Benson - Blue Monday 3:03 2019

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Music weaves itself into the fabric of our emotions, dances through the corridors of memory, and whispers to the soul of who we are. Sharing these stories deepens the connection, turning the experience into something timeless and profound.

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