The George Benson Quartet - The George Benson Cookbook (1966) [2015 Japan Jazz Collection 1000]

Reissue with the latest remastering. Comes with liner notes. While the phenomenal success of George Benson’s Breezin’ (1976) album may have fattened his wallet; it led the guitarist down a path that dismayed jazz critics worldwide. Indeed, the bulk of Benson’s albums over the past 20 years have featured considerably less jazz and, unfortunately, more pop. Not so with The George Benson Cookbook (1966). This sizzling CD features the then young, hotshot string-picker on 14 swingin’ bebop/soul-jazz tracks. Benson kicks things off in rapid fashion with the aptly titled, "The Cooker." Not only does this track feature blazing licks from Benson, but baritone saxophonist Ronnie Cuber and organist Lonnie Smith also weigh in with tasty solos.

The rest of the material presented here is a mix of greasy blues, straight-ahead swing and R&B grooves. A hint of Benson's later crossover success can be found on this reissue’s two vocal tracks, "All of Me" and the previously unreleased, "Let Then Talk." A good place to start with Benson as he used to be.

Tracks:

01 - The Cooker
02 - Benny's Back
03 - Bossa Rocka
04 - All Of Me
05 - Big Fat Lady
06 - Benson's Rider
07 - Ready And Able
08 - The Borgia Stick
09 - Return Of The Prodigal Son
10 - Jumpin' With Symphony Sid
11 - The Man From Toledo (bonus track)
12 - Slow Scene (bonus track)
13 - Let Them Talk (bonus track)
14 - Goodnight (bonus track)

Personnel:

George Benson - guitar, vocal
Ronnie Cuber - baritone sax
Lonnie Smith - organ Hammond B-3
Billy Kaye - drums
Jimmy Lovelace - drums
Marion Booker - drums

guest artists:
Bennie Green - trombone
All Hall - trombone
Albert Winston - Fender bass
Lenny Seed - conga drums
King Curtis - tenor sax, electric tenor sax
Blue Mitchell - trumpet