George Benson - Livin' Inside Your Love (1979)

The success of Weekend in L.A. no doubt prompted producer Tommy LiPuma and Warner Bros. to give George Benson another double album (now on one CD) – and this, like its three Warner predecessors, also went Top Ten. It is also, alas, slicker, more romantic in mood, and more bound by perceptions of formula than the others, fussed over in three different studios in earnest search of another hit single (the dance-tempo cover of L.T.D.'s "Love Ballad"). Most of the touring band, including Ronnie Foster, Ralph MacDonald and Phil Upchurch, is back, and Claus Ogerman's soft symphonic touch provides most of the backdrops, with Mike Mainieri supplying the orchestra on three tracks. Even at this point, the great guitarist is still given much room to burn – the balance between instrumentals and vocals remains close – and Benson comes up with some tasty stuff when the rhythm section pushes him on "Nassau Day" and "You're Never Too Far from Me." Ultimately there is just enough jazz content amid the velvet soul to keep guitar buffs interested.


Tracks:

01. Livin' Inside Your Love 6:37
02. Hey Girl 4:31
03. Nassau Day 6:10
04. Soulful Strut 5:36
05. Prelude to Fall 6:28
06. A Change Is Gonna Come 3:42
07. Love Ballad 5:15
08. You're Never Too Far From Me 6:41
09. Love Is A Hurtin' Thing 4:25
10. Welcome Into My World 4:08
11. Before You Go 6:23
12. Unchained Melody 6:32

Personnel:

George Benson - guitar, vocals
Ronnie Foster - Fender Rhodes, Yamaha CP30, Mini-Moog, Polymoog
Jorge Dalto - acoustic piano, clavinet, Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer
Greg Phillinganes - Fender Rhodes (2)
Earl Klugh - acoustic guitar
Phil Upchurch - rhythm guitar
Mike Mainieri - vibraphone (5)
Robert Popwell, Jr. (5, 7, 10), Stanley Banks (8, 11), Will Lee - bass
Steve Gadd - drums
Ralph MacDonald - percussion