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George Benson/Al Jarreau Givin' It Up Release Date: 2006 10 24 Label: Concord Records Givin' It Up finds crossover jazz icons guitarist George Benson and vocalist Al Jarreau teaming up for a breezy, enjoyably melodic session that highlights both artists' long careers. Technically a duo album, it is Benson's first since signing with Concord Records. As such, it works as a nice reintroduction to both artists and even finds them reworking the Bobby Womack classic "Breezin'," which Benson originally covered on his 1976 album of the same name. Here listeners get Jarreau adding lyrics and vocals on a version that really evokes the classic '70s jazz-meets-R&B sound that was an original hallmark of smooth jazz. In that sense, Givin' It Up is a true joy for fans of that more organic, song-oriented approach to crossover music, with Benson and Jarreau digging in to such great songs as Seals & Crofts' "Summer Breeze," John Legend's "Ordinary People," and Darryl Hall's "Every Time You Go Away." Also adding some unexpected fun and celebrity sheen to the proceedings is an impromptu appearance by Paul McCartney, who joins in on Sam Cooke's gospel-inflected "Bring It on Home to Me." Throw in appearances by trumpeter Chris Botti, vocalist Patti Austin, pianist Herbie Hancock, and bassist Marcus Miller and Stanley Clarke, and Givin' It Up proves music is always fun with a little help from your friends. Matt Collar, All Music Guide Tracks: Title Composer Time 1 Breezin' Womack, Jarreau 5:40 2 Mornin' Jarreau, Foster, Graydon 5:03 3 'Long Come Tutu Miller, Jarreau 6:38 4 God Bless the Child Herzog, Holiday 3:42 5 Summer Breeze Seals, Crofts 5:03 6 All I Am Rideout, Jackson 3:24 7 Ordinary People Will I Am, Legend 5:19 8 Let It Rain Eastmond, Jarreau 4:55 9 Givin' It Up for Love Jarreau, Ravel 3:58 10 Every Time You Go Away Hall 4:31 11 Four Davis, Hendricks 5:15 12 Don't Start No Schtuff Turano, Jarreau 4:45 13 Bring It on Home to Me Cooke 4:24 Releases: Year Type Label 2006 CD Concord Records

Member Of: The George Benson Quartet More >> Similar Artists: Stevie Wonder Mark Whitfield Al Jarreau Earl Klugh Mark Colby More >>

Influenced By: Wes Montgomery Charlie Christian Tal Farlow Louis Armstrong Grant Green More >> Followers: Kem John Abercrombie Kenny Poole Kevin Eubanks Melvin Taylor More >>

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