George Benson & The Brother Jack McDuff Quartet – The New Boss Guitar

1964 debut LP from jazz guitarist George Benson, reissued

When iconic jazz guitarist George Benson first stepped onto the scene in the ’60′s with his own recordings, he aligned with the famous Prestige Records and put out the exceptional debut LP The New Boss Guitar.

Released in 1964, many innovations would occur in music a few years later and it was through jazz that innovations were happening in the fastest and most expansive of ways. Coltrane, Miles and many other jazz giants were changing the formats of instrumentation, modes and every other aspect known to represent the body of jazz in the ’60′s and it left a lot of room for growth as the media was glued to this movement. George Benson was just as integral in this era of shifting concepts, expanding on a plethora of jazz modes using the guitar in a way never heard before. The New Boss Guitar showcased Benson and organ legend Brother Jack McDuff blowing through masterful chord progressions and an undeniable level of soul.

“George Benson was only 21 when, on May 1, 1964, he recorded his first album as a leader, The New Boss Guitar of George Benson. At that point, the guitarist had yet to become a huge name in jazz, although many of those who knew Benson for his work with Jack McDuff’s group (which he joined in 1962) agreed that he showed great potential. Benson still had some growing to do in 1964, but even so, this is an impressive debut. The guitarist had developed a distinctive, recognizable sound on his instrument, and he plays with both feeling and technique on five Benson originals (including the sly ‘Shadow Dancers,’ the exuberant ‘Rock-A-Bye,’ and the earthy blues ‘I Don’t Know’) as well as interpretations of ‘Easy Living’ and ‘Will You Still Be Mine.'” — AllMusic.com

Format: Vinyl Record

1 Lp