Though Wes was great, George came into the scene with an energy and bounce as well as flow and fluidity to his playing that till today is unmatched. Many try to copy his style and some of these guitarists I know personally but the sad thing is they go on to make recordings and do not acknowledge George's influence on them. They mention other influences but the one that stands out the most in there playing is George's. John Schofield is another great guitarist. Different then George harmonically.
@rillloudmother Wes was important in the development of George, just like Christian was important in the development of Wes, and George has thus influenced a new school of jazz guitar. They are equals in my mind. They both achieved the highest status. The only difference was George made more cheesy albums, but when they play they're both a top the jazz world.
@rillloudmother I don't know man. I think George is pretty innovative. His picking style was quite revolutionary, and loads of Jazz players have copied it.
@Sunderlanding agreed, but who before Wes had the single line/octaves/chords type solo? that's innovative on so many levels, imo [technique, textural, and harmonically, etc...].
@rillloudmother That's true, and I'm not saying George in more innovative than Wes, just that there is a good argument to be made that he's his equal.
@Sunderlanding fair enough, i do love me some Benson lines i must admit.
he has one where he descends from the 5th of the blues scale to the minor 3rd in 16ths then descends from the b5th to the major 2nd continuing in 16ths and then goes major 2, b3, major 7th, root; it's so bluesy and so jazzy all at the same time. genius!
That's my brother you'd expect nothing less of the man. I'd love to meet the next time he goes to Patterson
gibsoneer321 2 weeks ago
I can't believe this thread has no profanity on it. And rightly so because George's followers are like himself.
cedjazz 1 month ago
GB is the man !!!
SRVMOE 1 month ago
George Benson is an incredible guitar player & human being.
normy999 5 months ago
"Body Talk" changed my life
jwallguitar 5 months ago
Though Wes was great, George came into the scene with an energy and bounce as well as flow and fluidity to his playing that till today is unmatched. Many try to copy his style and some of these guitarists I know personally but the sad thing is they go on to make recordings and do not acknowledge George's influence on them. They mention other influences but the one that stands out the most in there playing is George's. John Schofield is another great guitarist. Different then George harmonically.
intelimundo 1 year ago
@intelimundo Dude, Wes' contribution cannot be overestimated, there would be no GB without Wes and Grant Green and Tal Farlow etc...
Don't get me wrong I love GB, but c'mon basically nobody compares to Wes. Just listen to Smokin' at the Halfnote a few times and see what I mean.
rillloudmother 11 months ago
@rillloudmother Wes was important in the development of George, just like Christian was important in the development of Wes, and George has thus influenced a new school of jazz guitar. They are equals in my mind. They both achieved the highest status. The only difference was George made more cheesy albums, but when they play they're both a top the jazz world.
Sunderlanding 7 months ago
@Sunderlanding playing wise yes. innovation wise, it's all about Wes.
they both ha their fair share of chesey albums, but a brother's gotta make a living, right?
rillloudmother 7 months ago
@rillloudmother I don't know man. I think George is pretty innovative. His picking style was quite revolutionary, and loads of Jazz players have copied it.
Sunderlanding 7 months ago
@Sunderlanding agreed, but who before Wes had the single line/octaves/chords type solo? that's innovative on so many levels, imo [technique, textural, and harmonically, etc...].
rillloudmother 7 months ago
@rillloudmother That's true, and I'm not saying George in more innovative than Wes, just that there is a good argument to be made that he's his equal.
Sunderlanding 7 months ago
@Sunderlanding fair enough, i do love me some Benson lines i must admit.
he has one where he descends from the 5th of the blues scale to the minor 3rd in 16ths then descends from the b5th to the major 2nd continuing in 16ths and then goes major 2, b3, major 7th, root; it's so bluesy and so jazzy all at the same time. genius!
rillloudmother 7 months ago
@rillloudmother Yea they're both awesome players with plenty of great lines to go around!
Sunderlanding 7 months ago
@rillloudmother django
hannahsfive 1 month ago
what a man. truly a humble but incredible musician
ChapterVIII09 1 year ago
First time i saw GB was in 1973 in London during the KUDU / CTI era....he literally melted the stage. The best since Wes Montgomery.
taildragger53 1 year ago
gEORGE,YOU NEED TO GET TOGETHER WITH EDDIE BACKUS SENIOR.THE TIME IS NOW GEORGE.
shecky308 1 year ago
I thought ted dunbar owned wes' florentine cutaway L-5?
wesgreen11 1 year ago
long live KING George !
hotfunkcooljazz 1 year ago
such a great great player. amazing. i have alot of his records.
theinck 1 year ago
such a great great player. amazing. i have alot of his records.
theinck 1 year ago
thanks for this great post, george is such a great mentor, great inspiration!
goodsi 1 year ago