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GEORGE BENSON IN CONCERT:
George Benson brings his gifted guitar playing and sonorous voice to every stage he graces, consistently impressing fans at his live performances with his soulful and swinging jazz sound. In concert Benson unleashes a furious flurry of melodic guitar mastery on supercharged renditions of standards like “Take Five”, “On Broadway”, and the perennial favorite “This Masquerade”. He’s also a skilled band leader, hanging back with his infectious smile as he lets the talented members of his top-notch ensemble execute moving, eloquent solos. Ticket buyers can expect a jaw-dropping display of six-string showmanship every time George Benson brings his funky and fluid fretwork on tour.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
Pittsburgh-born George Benson was a child prodigy who had already cut his first single by the age of ten. He spent the remainder of his adolescence training under organist Jack McDuff before making his debut as a bandleader with the 1964 album The New Boss Guitar of George Benson. He continued to climb the ranks of the jazz world, even appearing on the track “Paraphernalia” from Miles Davis’ 1968 album Miles in the Sky. The virtuosic Benson scored a huge crossover hit in 1976 when he pulled double-duty on vocals and guitar for “This Masquerade”, which took home the Grammy for Record of the Year. With the encouragement of Quincy Jones, Benson explored vocals during the ‘70s and ‘80s, leading to the most commercially successful period of his career. He returned to his instrumental jazz roots at the dawn of the ‘90s and toured with renowned contemporaries like Chet Atkins and Al Jarreau into the new millennium. Ten Grammys and countless breathtaking solos later, George Benson still gives audience members an unparalleled listening experience with his amazing instrumental prowess and undeniable grooves.
Music and performance was excellent. Venue was terrible. To pay the price that I did for an unreserved plastic garden chair was pathetic. I could have paid nothing, stood 20 feet behind where I sat (outside the tent) and have had the same sight line and experience was very sad.
We weren't sure what to expect with general admission at Nathan Phillips Square. Thankfully there was seating, and we found a pretty good seat slightly to the left of the stage. The Opening Act ramped up the audience and was a delight having never heard them before. George was amazing and his band equally fitted his style. It was obvious they had a lot of fun together traveling and playing their music. We would highly recommend his concert and hope he comes back to Toronto again soon.
George Benson never disappoints. I have been following his career for over 30 years and have seen him on numerous occasions. His shows are full of energy, his band is incredibly tight, and of course his guitar playing and vocal range are amazing.
Absolutely top notch performances. George Benson's guitar work and vocals were all we expected - and more. Exciting and lively. A bit too loud though. The seating however was very bad. Rows were placed about 8" apart. When I pay $75 per ticket I expect better than that. Not acceptable. No reserved seating. First come first in and squished.
Band was great. base guitar was loads of fun, moving around the stage. Keyboarding was great, drummer was fantastic. George was phenomenal!
GEORGE BENSON HAS BEEN IN THE MUSIC BIZ FOR MANY, MANY YEARS, AND I'VE SEEN HIM MORE THAN 10 TIMES, AND HE SURPASSES MY EXPECTATIONS EVERY TIME! HE NEEDS TO COME BACK TO TORONTO IN A MORE COMFORTABLE VENUE, SUCH AS ROY THOMPSON HALL, MASSEY HALL. I LOVE HIM AND WOULD SEE HIM EVERYTIME HE COMES TO TORONTO.
This guy is still amazing. Well worth every penny.
I can now mark another legend off my list. George is old but hasn't lost anything. Really solid band. These guys have alot of fun playing music and it shows. Thanks for coming to Toronto George Benson.
fantastic and the recepition he recewived made him play much longer due to the enthusiasim of the crowd. How many were in the audience? The choice was amazing of the name stars!
so glad to have had the chance to see him. Thank you Toronto Jazz Festival for brigning George to Toronto
A true entertainer. We have enjoyed his music for years but you really appreciate him when you see him LIVE with all of his energy. If you are going to you a live show and you do not want to sit still in your seat, go see George Benson!
