George Benson and Al Jarreau: Givin It Up

George Benson and Al Jarreau
Givin' It Up
Concord
2006-10-24

Al Jarreau’s smooth liquid vocals have graced our ears for the past 30 years, and what better way to enhance that experience than to record with an equally talented old friend, George Benson. This Fall, the two very gifted artists teamed up to release Givin’ It Up from the Concord Music Group.

This glorious album opens with Al Jarreau’s vocal percussion flirting with a cha cha-like beat before accompanying Larry Williams’ arrangements to Benson’s “Breezin'”. Jarreau mixes silky smooth vocals with a staccato vocalization throughout “Breezin'”. Benson also lends his vocals to this great tune. Abraham Laboriel’s strong electric bass work couples with the guitars of Benson, A. Ray “The Weeper” Fuller, and Dean Parks to present us with a spectacular rhythm section. The incomparable Vinnie Colaiuta rounds out the rhythm boys with Williams on keys and Paulinho Da Costa keeping the percussion beats.

Michael Broening came up with some lush arrangements for “Mornin'”, an original composition from the pens of Mssrs. Jarreau, David Foster, and Jay Gordon. This song is also introduced through Jarreau’s percussive vocals, which is a common thread for this CD. Benson’s guitar work has always captivated me, and his creamy smooth licks for “Mornin'” are once again spellbinding. Marion Meadows’s saxophone teases us with cameo appearances, and I found myself unconsciously and rhythmically swaying to “Mornin'”.

Jarreau and Benson provide a more subtle cover of Seals and Crofts’ “Summer Breeze”. For me, the real highlight on “Summer Breeze” does not come from Benson and Jarreau’s vocals, but through the elegant piano and keyboard chops of Larry Williams, Vinnie Colaiuto’s magnificent drumming, and some fabulous guitar work.

Fingering the keys to his sax, Marion Meadows ensures a sweet melodic lilt to John Legend’s “Ordinary People”. Jarreau and Benson’s understated vocals add to the beauty. Patti Austin (vocals) and Chris Botti (trumpet) guest on “Let It Rain”. The soulful Perry sisters (Lorraine, Sharon and Darlene), Sandra Simmons Williams, Maxi Anderson, and Valerie Pinkston provide backup vocals.

For me, the song “Every Time You Go Away” does not work as well with smooth jazz as it did for Paul Young’s pop chart buster from the ’80s. Smooth jazz, by nature, tends to be relaxing, and Darryl Hall’s lyrics are passionate and urgent. Fans of scat will love the eleventh track, “Four”. The scatting has a simple piano accompaniment (Patrice Rushen), a solid bassline by Stanley Clarke, and Colaiuta’s brushes on the cymbals.

Wouldn’t you like to be backup singers Alethea Mills, Chavonne Morris, and De’Ante Duckett and say you recorded with one of history’s most famous trios: Paul McCartney, George Benson, and Al Jarreau? That is just what they did for the tune “Bring It on Home to Me”. Randy Waldman’s soulful gospel-tinged grooves work well for both the instrumentalists and the vocalists. The song ends with what I would guess was some great improvised music.

RATING 7 / 10