Benson is a monster jazz guitarist. Too many people think of him only as a popstar.
He’s amazing.
How did I not know this???
Leon Russell’s widow should still send him a Christmas card every year.
Wes Montgomery crossed over too, basically doing covers of Beatles songs.
He certainly is, and has been for 50+ years. When he came out w/Breezin’ in the 70’s he probably multiplied his income 2000 times. Before that, he was a bar-band jazz player in the “chitlin” circuit and nobody ever knew he could sing, and sing very well.
He also played on some Sinatra sessions in the early 60’s.
The really odd thing is, for me, when I watch YT videos of him playing (and I play guitar) it doesn’t at all look like his hands are playing the notes that are coming out.
None better.
Yeah. Not a lot of people know Benson before Breezin.
They can check out this mad genius level 1960’s multi-track gem. Could have been a James Bond theme song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBIGwwgJnWI&list=PL0RNmJPHxmg8x9JNGrpqvcrMYC2j2HK8f&index=3