The incomparable guitarist George Benson has released The Greatest Hits Of All CD and basically it is exactly that.
I’ve got one word to describe this one, Wow!
This is one of the greatest greatest hits CD’s I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing.
Benson has been in the music game for so long I have to admit I had forgotten about some of these outstanding tunes. It’s really a testament to the fact that he has been a true hit maker for over 30 years now. Virtually defining the quiet storm format back in his younger days, and he continues to roll along even today.
A lot of these songs I remember hearing on the radio back in the days when I didn’t really know who was singing or playing them. Not knowing it was George Benson!
With the release of The Greatest Hits Of All, Benson’s artistic excellence is on full display as he mixes his at once smooth and funky guitar playing style throughout the collection.
The CD is packed with 19, I say again nineteen!, of Benson’s chart topping hits from his very long and amazingly outstanding career.
It begins with one of Benson’s best songs of all, This Masquerade and just rolls right through 18 more of what a lot of people will agree are some of the greatest songs we as music fans have heard over the last 30 years.
Benson, with his signature smooth guitar playing, showing why he his now considered one of the greatest artists of our time.
Contributors on the project includes an amazing line up of musicians with whom Benson has collaborated over the years. Industry heavy hitters like Michael Boddicker, Earl Klugh, Phil Upchurch, Marcus Miller, Lee Ritenour and Narada Michael Walden just to name a few, and the list actually goes on and on and on.
Benson’s The Greatest Hits Of All is simply an outstanding collection. If you love music this is not a CD you SHOULD get. It’s one you NEED.
Release Notes:
George Benson originally released The Greatest Hits Of All Time on July 8, 2003 on the Rhino record label.
CD track list follows:
1. This Masquerade
2. Breezin’
3. The Greatest Love Of All
4. On Broadway (Live)
5. Love Ballad
6. Unchained Melody
7. Give Me The Night
8. Love X Love
9. Turn Your Love Around
10. Love All The Hurt Away
11. Never Give Up On A Good Thing
12. Being With You
13. Lady Love Me (One More Time)
14. 20/20
15. I Just Wanna Hang Around You
16. Kisses In The Moonlight
17. Shiver
18. Let’s Do It Again
19. Standing Together
By: Tom Milson
There are many parts of Florida that, through no fault of their own, are often overshadowed by Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, simply because of the peerless nightlife that can be found in these cities. Jacksonville is one such city; it is Florida’s largest, and has a huge number of activities and attractions, but you rarely hear it mentioned in the same breath as Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, or even Orlando. There’s really no reason for this, other than its comparatively remote location, and serious Florida travelers should consider visiting, as you will never run out of things to do in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville offers shops and restaurants that rival those found in any other part of Florida, has twenty miles of Atlantic coast, several championship golf courses, and a handful of state parks to explore. Having an abundance of both city and outdoor attractions means that Jacksonville is a fantastic vacation destination. For those who enjoy shopping (as well as historic districts), check out the Avondale/Riverside district on the north bank of the St. Johns River. There is also a quaint shopping district in San Marco Square, south of the river. If you seek more cultural/educational destinations, Jacksonville has those in spades as well – check out the Jacksonville Historical Center and the Jacksonville Maritime Museum. If you enjoy music, you’re in luck, because Jacksonville hosts the second largest jazz festival in the nation.
If there is one thing you should go to Jacksonville for, it is the Jazz Festival. They have so many fantastic musicians all in one place, it’s really a must see for jazz fans. Last year, the highlight for me was undoubtedly Herbie Hancock performing with Marcus Miller on bass and one of my favorite up-and-comers on guitar, Lionel Loueke. One of the best things about the festival is that it is by no means only for aficionados. Many people get there first real exposure to jazz at this festival, and end up loving it for the rest of their lives. It’s really worth it if you can make it – the 2007 festival runs from April 12-15.
But, how best to get to Jacksonville for the festivities? Why, it shouldn’t surprise you that a limousine is the preferred mode of transportation for anyone in Florida. Limousines enhance any pleasurable experience, so keep Mirage in mind when you head to the festival this coming April!
By: Nicholas Jurkowski