08/09/11

George Benson to Release ‘Guitar Man’ on October 4

New album will spotlight Benson’s guitar work

By Jeff Tamarkin

George Benson will release a new album, Guitar Man, on October 4. As its title implies, the 12-song collection finds Benson, who is both a renowned jazz guitarist and pop-jazz vocalist, bringing his main instrument to the forefront.

Accompanying Benson on this recording is a team of both veterans and newcomers: pianist Joe Sample, keyboardist and musical director David Garfield, bassist Ben Williams and drummer Harvey Mason. For the project, the crew came together in the studio with a minimum of prior rehearsal time, what Benson describes as an “old school” approach.

Benson will tour in support of Guitar Man. The live shows will feature Benson’s guitar playing and classic Benson hits, along with an acoustic presentation of a few songs from Guitar Man

Tour dates

Oct. 1—Austin, TX - The Riverbend Centre
Oct. 2—St. Louis, MO - Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, University of MO
Oct. 14—Phoenix, AZ - Sage Court, JW Marriott
Oct. 16—Atlanta, GA - Symphony Hall
Oct. 19—Englewood, NJ - Bergen Performing Arts Center
Oct. 20—Morristown, NJ - Morristown Civic Center
Oct. 21—New York City, NY - Town Hall
Oct. 23—Glenside, PA - Keswick Theatre