George Benson - Walking to New Orleans

by Lisa Torem

published: 4 / 7 / 2019

Label: Provogue
Format: CD

Fantastic 50's rock and roll covers on latest album from jazz guitarist veteran George Benson

Review

Primarily known as an American jazz guitarist, George Benson began his career at 21. During his lengthy solo career, he has never shied away from exploring a number of genres, including R & B and pop. His scat singing has also attracted a wide fan base. For ‘This Masquerade,’ he was awarded a Grammy for Record of the Year. Many equally impressive awards have followed. More recently, Benson and band will embark on two dates at London’s Hammersmith Apollo on July 18 and 19th. ‘Walking to New Orleans’ is a veritable cake walk set to invigorating music. Benson captures the essence of classic rock and roll jams such as ‘Nadine’ (Is It You) and the coy ‘Ain’t That a Shame’. Sound familiar? That’s because he’s got a bee in his bonnet for legends Chuck Berry and Fats Waller… Although the bold, ‘I Hear You Knocking’ has gone through a number of iterations over the years, Benson’s astute band members nail the naughty, rhythmic hook. And when tributing major US music cities with ‘Memphis, Tennessee’ and the title song, ‘Walking to New Orleans,’ the band artfully balances virtuosic solo with contagious beats and counter-rhythms. Whilst many of the songs are extremely familiar, the ones that captured my interest were Berry’s ‘Havana Moon’ and ‘How You’ve Changed’ as well as Waller’s misty ‘Blue Moon,’ which weighs in with a cool insouciance. Keep in mind that this recording find Benson wearing a brand new pair of shoes. After all, his previous record, 2013’s ‘Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole’ boasted orchestral touches. Here he shows off some spats. This music doesn’t require such lush precision, instead it finds its voice with intuition and the skills of Nashville’s finest: drummer Greg Morrow, guitarist Rob McNelley, pianist Kevin McKendree and bassist Alison Prestwood. At the helm, producer Kevin 'The Caveman' Shirley presides, providing sheen, as he has with such luminaries as Joe Bonamassa and John Hiatt. In summary, ‘Walking to New Orleans’ deserves a big shout-out. Whilst Benson has more than proven his mettle in smooth jazz and contemporary blues over the course of his prestigious career, this album finds him settling into a satisfying, slow burn. And that’s mighty impressive, too.

Track Listing:-

1 Nadine (Is It You)
2 Ain't That A Shame
3 Rockin' Chair
4 You Can't Catch Me
5 Havana Moon
6 I Hear You Knocking
7 Memphis, Tennessee
8 Walking To New Orleans
9 Blue Monday
10 How You've Changed