George Benson - Absolute Benson (2000)

Its been years since I've bought a George Benson album. Having been a fan of his guitar virtuosity from the days of White Rabbit and Good King Bad, I was dismayed by his seemingly permanent move to the world of disco and soft jazz/soul. The teaser for Absolute Benson promised a taste of the old days once again so I was lured into buying the album. Well, it took a few listens to appreciate what George was doing here. It is not like the days of long ago, but neither is Absolute Benson like the disco pop atrocities of the late 70s-80s. That veteran producer Tommy LiPuma is here is a plus, so is the presence of keyboard master Joe Sample. As it turns out, Absolute Benson is an enjoyable mixture of jazz and blues with just enough guitar heroics to evoke the days of old, but also enough understatement to let you know that this is a new day. The album is smooth enough to play at the office, yet generates enough musical energy to make it perfect background for a party. My favorite cuts are the last two, the bluesy Come Back Baby and the George Benson-Joe Sample composition Medicine Man. If you are an old time fan who has been ambivalent about the musical path Benson has taken, its time to shake it off because he proves here that he's still cookin'.