There's always hope. I'm 66 & played in bars and night clubs in a couple rock bands when I was 15 in 1974, and served free drinks then. Still practice, mainly when I'm sober; had big chances in the past but alcohol took the coordination and creativity out of my brain and fingers. Message: Alcohol will get on your back and though you think you sound better drunk; just listen to recordings and chances are you'll find you play better sober.
Something about George Benson that just oozes class. It's there when he speaks, it's there when he plays and it's evident when he's just listening, you know he appreciates life and is just as at home in the audience as he is on a stage. Lots to learn from the man.
He came into 6th Ave Electronics in the 90s with all his sons..I was a salesman then..nicest guy to me and everyone there..all you heard in the store was. "Dad! Dad! Dad!like kids in a candy store lol..a great memory for me..
I have been playing guitar for two years but my father took me to see Mr. Benson at a local club. It was amazing! It was the band that included Earl Klugh on class with HR as well as gentlemen on the B3 Oregon. Whose name I can’t remember. But during the break I went up to George and paid my respects. And I was so tongue-tied and shy. And he looked at me and he said, now son do you play guitar? And I said well Mr. Bisson I thought I did, that is until I heard you play! He thought that was very very funny. He’s a very cool guy and he really inspired me. I came home that night and just wanted to play, play, play and I practiced real real hard. I ended up having a 50 year career in the music business. They will became famous or anything like that, but I did learn how to make a living. Thanks to you Mr. George blessed you are a true artist and the wonderful he would be
In addition to being a wonderful musician, George Benson seems to be a gifted teacher and communicator who is a pleasure to be around and learn from. I’m impressed. What a guy!
I saw GB at the Opry House in Nashville many moons ago. When they started the opening bars of the first song... I don't even remember what it was at the time... my wife grabbed my arm because the tears were streaming down my face.. Thank you Mr Benson... you are truly a national treasure
“I don’t really call it practising.” Priceless! Nor will will I from now on. BEST advice ever re practice. It’ll never be a boring chore from now on for me. ❤
Met George at his home in Arizona, did some work for him. He is a nice guy, genuine and approachable. Also met him at a music store in Chicago area when I was just a kid starting to play. Talented man!
One of the greatest of all time - George Benson! Saw him perform with a young Earl Klugh as a guest with George's group at The Jazz Workshop in Boston, MA on Feb. 27, 1973. From six feet away at a front table. Fabulous as he smiled the whole time. To me one of George's abilities is the tie of his vocal skills with knowing how to phrase what he hears in his mind with intention.
I've been listening to him for 40 years. As far as I am concerned, he is articulating differential equations because it is way beyond my understanding. The other part is his manual dexterity. The ordinary human can't do it. It's like Randy Moss catching a football thrown out of bounds that he easily brings back into play after a one handed catch.... George Benson is beyond brilliant.
@abbaby68 Just like an athlete, he practiced very hard. Nevertheless, he has God given talent. There are many great players, but few have his creativity, control, and expression.
I've been a Benson fan since the late seventies, listening to his songs like Give me the night, and Turn your love around. As I got older, I got into his other stuff. He's brilliant.
National treasure (world treasure too). Also love his story about hearing and admiring Pat Martino for the first time. Benson's humility makes his accomplishments even more incredible.
I remember 30 years ago I heard a quick melody prior to the to the start of movies at the theaters. Now I remember it was the opening to Breezing with clouds. About 7 seconds long. It gave the intro to every movie but it took me years to find the rest of the song. True!
I've been a George Benson fan since the 70's. He always seemed so technically knowledgeable about music structure. You could hear it in his playing. This is the first interview with him I think I've ever seen. He is so impressive in the way he articulates his ideas. One of the greats!
The skills and accomplishments he's shared on his musical journey are great and inspiring. A living legend who's still learning, cuz true musicians never stop.
Off the charts talent/brilliance... Tremendous range, including silk vocals... And a special blend of modesty and (very justified) pride. GB’s “This Masquerade” was a revolution in the world of a young piano player. Have loved this artist ever since!!!
Check out his instructional dvd. It's all basically "sometimes I feel like doing this," and then he plays the most incredible lines and chord solos off the cuff. Amazing
I'm glad that George is willing to take the time to talk about his process. It's not gonna work for me, though. I do hope to become the best player I can become, but George Benson is who I look up to as a master of his craft and I am content to simply listen and appreciate him sharing his gift with the rest of us.
One of the absolute Masters. And such a nice, down to earth guy. I could see him being a great teacher as well. He connects the theory/technique to the music in such an effortless and natural way
This just reminded me that George Benson is featured on the new Bootsy Collins album. I just checked out the title track ("The Power of the One"), and it's a BLAST! George is killin' it, of course!
I don’t think I’ve ver seen anyone dispense so much great advice about how to approach the guitar, and music generally, quite so generously. That was truly beautiful. Thank you George Benson.
I've played guitar since the late 70's and never really liked George Benson's music. However, I bought one of his cassettes in the early 80's because I was so blown away by his mastery of the guitar. He is IMO in the top 10 in the world.
Unfair how much he was willing to practice you mean? That man has practiced more than you could even imagine in 100 years. He has failed more times than you've taken a piss, nothing unfair about it. He damn well earned every bit of it. Give credit where it's due, to the hard work.
Leland Gaunt anyone with half a brain can see that he would have practiced guitar a lot- all good musicians do. But he clearly has a naturally good singing voice (like most great vocalists) and a gift for music. That’s all I was saying. Sorry if you disagree.
As I suspected. Play, practice, learn, If you have the desire you will put in the time. Jazz was always over my head. I'm beginning to dabble in it now. George is and great place to start.
George is so cool . A real artist, talent, what have you. I saw him live, way back when Mascaraed hit the charts. His up beat persona filled the venue with love and his talent was and is truly amazing. Looks like he found the fountain of youth, as well.
Thank you so much for posting this remarkable video. In addition to the valuable harmonic ideas in this lesson, it's inspiring to see how Benson's theoretical expertise and analytic thought process inform his approach to the instrument. Also, as a proven and singular master of phrasing, tone production, and speed, it's refreshing to enjoy Benson's bright, eager, and everyday personality. Imagine if you had a teacher whose playing could make you cry (and also make you wanna quit playing for a while, sigh), and who then patiently showed you his version of the neck and how you could meaningfully add it to your own.
such a brilliant musician, always loved and appreciated everything he's done, I'm not a jazz guy really, but he transcends genres so creatively into something everyone can love, really humble guy to.. musical genius
Either people are “jazz people,” and they know it; or they’re “jazz people” who just don’t realize it yet. There is no third category unless you just don’t like music imo.
A very tasteful player who plays for the song rather than over it; saw him play London's Royal Albert Hall a few years back - a great night and very enjoyable gig. Nice tutorial from a modern-day great guitarist. Thanks.
The Master......the link from Wes Montgomery to Norman Brown......I could listen to his music all day......so many genres, riffs, and chords, and grooves........every interview is a masterclass in music......I've always wanted to ask him which came 1st: the guitar solo or the vocal riff for "On Broadway"? The man is incredible.......😏
G.B. my man....you have been a huge part of my life in general, not to mention a crazy musical influence with regard to my playing. Saw you first at Red Rocks in 1978, and you played the entire Breezin' album, with Randy Crawford pitching in....Wow, life was so much simpler back then. Loved your work with Mr. Sample, R.I.P. maestro...life goes on....I still love going back to White Rabbit and all those early albums that are just insane....keep inspiring all of us who are always amazed at what you do!!!
The "Weekend in L A" album really had an impact on my ability to hear, and listen back in the day 1981 when I started playing. George had a smoothness comparable to Paul Desmond on the sax. George is a master elite player, God Blesd him.
I was 13 years old when Breezin’ came out. I asked my teacher to show me the main lick. From there I figured out the rest. That album opened up a whole new world for me.
New Jersey that's why? Love you Mr Atlantic City! Im from the shore Asbury Park my uncle Ralph Benton my father Elwood White( RIP both) both musicians love you always talked about you growing up from DC to NY you are the ledgen complete musician thank you
Just knowing that George still practices means there's still hope for me.
There's always hope. I'm 66 & played in bars and night clubs in a couple rock bands when I was 15 in 1974, and served free drinks then. Still practice, mainly when I'm sober; had big chances in the past but alcohol took the coordination and creativity out of my brain and fingers. Message: Alcohol will get on your back and though you think you sound better drunk; just listen to recordings and chances are you'll find you play better sober.
Translated from Humblese - " By the time I was 15, I was a Virtuoso "
.. What A Class Act that Man is.
Gentleman
@@larseriksson1184 An Absolute
my favourite jazzer
Something about George Benson that just oozes class. It's there when he speaks, it's there when he plays and it's evident when he's just listening, you know he appreciates life and is just as at home in the audience as he is on a stage. Lots to learn from the man.
Because he’s old school and knows how to speak
Great musicians often have strong personalities that are congruent with their art
@@mitchweiner you're so right he's articulate both in his playing and speech
Trillion percent
Now,most of young" musicians?" use pre sets chords machines to apply on his " music" ... so, you can imagine a kind of " music" is coming...
He came into 6th Ave Electronics in the 90s with all his sons..I was a salesman then..nicest guy to me and everyone there..all you heard in the store was. "Dad! Dad! Dad!like kids in a candy store lol..a great memory for me..
I have been playing guitar for two years but my father took me to see Mr. Benson at a local club. It was amazing! It was the band that included Earl Klugh on class with HR as well as gentlemen on the B3 Oregon. Whose name I can’t remember. But during the break I went up to George and paid my respects. And I was so tongue-tied and shy. And he looked at me and he said, now son do you play guitar? And I said well Mr. Bisson I thought I did, that is until I heard you play! He thought that was very very funny. He’s a very cool guy and he really inspired me. I came home that night and just wanted to play, play, play and I practiced real real hard. I ended up having a 50 year career in the music business. They will became famous or anything like that, but I did learn how to make a living. Thanks to you Mr. George blessed you are a true artist and the wonderful he would be
You jazz guys shred that's why.
I don't understand all of what you're communicating, but I get the point. Super cool!
Great story Mr. Universe, and congrats on making something in the industry. 🤙
That’s a great story , I think your grammar needs work though 😀
I been playing guitar for a month. Just getting the hang of switching between chords fast. Can’t play a song but I get better everyday. You have tips?
Bless George Benson.
In addition to being a wonderful musician, George Benson seems to be a gifted teacher and communicator who is a pleasure to be around and learn from. I’m impressed. What a guy!
I saw GB at the Opry House in Nashville many moons ago. When they started the opening bars of the first song... I don't even remember what it was at the time... my wife grabbed my arm because the tears were streaming down my face.. Thank you Mr Benson... you are truly a national treasure
“I don’t really call it practising.”
Priceless!
Nor will will I from now on. BEST advice ever re practice. It’ll never be a boring chore from now on for me. ❤
Right!? A change of perspective can definitely help propel your skill further faster
If practicing something is a boring chore, you just need to stop doing that thing, because you don't have what it takes
Man, I'd give anything to spend some time talking and playing with him. He seems like a real human. And what a talent.
Met George at his home in Arizona, did some work for him. He is a nice guy, genuine and approachable. Also met him at a music store in Chicago area when I was just a kid starting to play. Talented man!
🥳🥳💖💖
Been a fan of George since the late 70`s when I was just a kid. Mega talented guitarist, singer and performer. A very inspiring gentleman.
One of the greatest of all time - George Benson! Saw him perform with a young Earl Klugh as a guest with George's group at The Jazz Workshop in Boston, MA on Feb. 27, 1973. From six feet away at a front table. Fabulous as he smiled the whole time. To me one of George's abilities is the tie of his vocal skills with knowing how to phrase what he hears in his mind with intention.
My favorite guitarist, George Benson !
Along with joe pass and Wes Montgomery and bill frissell plus pat metheney a few of my favorite jazz legends and pat martino tommy Emanuel
I've been listening to him for 40 years. As far as I am concerned, he is articulating differential equations because it is way beyond my understanding. The other part is his manual dexterity. The ordinary human can't do it. It's like Randy Moss catching a football thrown out of bounds that he easily brings back into play after a one handed catch.... George Benson is beyond brilliant.
@abbaby68 Just like an athlete, he practiced very hard. Nevertheless, he has God given talent. There are many great players, but few have his creativity, control, and expression.
Verrrrrrry accurate analogy, brother!
Spot on! Some are mutants we will never understand or attain.
I've been a Benson fan since the late seventies, listening to his songs like Give me the night, and Turn your love around. As I got older, I got into his other stuff. He's brilliant.
Ed your definitely an engineer or scientist, differential equations!! LOL. I don’t think most people would know what that is.
National treasure (world treasure too). Also love his story about hearing and admiring Pat Martino for the first time. Benson's humility makes his accomplishments even more incredible.
You said that right...his humility paired with his skill just makes you admire him more
I had the PRIVILEGE of seeing him in concert in 2002,. He was too good! Super clear, everything landed, super clean, just an amazing musician!
And the dude can’t even read music. He just hears it
I remember 30 years ago I heard a quick melody prior to the to the start of movies at the theaters.
Now I remember it was the opening to Breezing with clouds. About 7 seconds long.
It gave the intro to every movie but it took me years to find the rest of the song.
True!
It is hard to do justice in words to a man as accomplished and talented as George Benson, he is just an amazing musician!
I could listen Mr. Benson play and talk about music all day long .
"There's got to be an ending. A place of agreement. We all get back to the root, but in an interesting way." Genius.
That's the line that stuck out for me, too.
I could listen to him all day. Mostly don’t understand the theory he’s talking about, but I still find him fascinating
One of the nicest guyes in the business, master of the gutair and one hell of a song writer.
And a pretty decent singer, too, while we’re at it
I've been a George Benson fan since the 70's. He always seemed so technically knowledgeable about music structure. You could hear it in his playing. This is the first interview with him I think I've ever seen. He is so impressive in the way he articulates his ideas. One of the greats!
The skills and accomplishments he's shared on his musical journey are great and inspiring. A living legend who's still learning, cuz true musicians never stop.
Off the charts talent/brilliance... Tremendous range, including silk vocals... And a special blend of modesty and (very justified) pride. GB’s “This Masquerade” was a revolution in the world of a young piano player. Have loved this artist ever since!!!
Check out his instructional dvd. It's all basically "sometimes I feel like doing this," and then he plays the most incredible lines and chord solos off the cuff. Amazing
but is it good instructions?
Its other worldly God mode ...
I'm glad that George is willing to take the time to talk about his process. It's not gonna work for me, though.
I do hope to become the best player I can become, but George Benson is who I look up to as a master of his craft and I am content to simply listen and appreciate him sharing his gift with the rest of us.
One of the absolute Masters. And such a nice, down to earth guy. I could see him being a great teacher as well. He connects the theory/technique to the music in such an effortless and natural way
I basically didnt understand anything he said, but fun video
@@southsideman4891 hahahah your comment made me laugh...love the honesty
@@lorianguillaume :)
fantastic voice for a guitarist ,great to listen to these boys talk
George Benson has such a voice. Just a nice very clear diction and deep notes.
George Benson an absolute legend for decades now.
What a talented, gifted, hard working man. A true gift to guitar players. One helluva singer also!
What mastery! Thanks, Mr.Benson...Also, thanks to the host for listening well so for Mr.Benson could flow.
George Benson is an amazing musician. It lives in the man.
Not much on Jazz Guitar, never had the urge to chase it.
But blending the spirit and know how, ... priceless.! The man is a National Treasure.!
What a privilege to have this master share so generously and anaffectedly. Thank you!
This just reminded me that George Benson is featured on the new Bootsy Collins album. I just checked out the title track ("The Power of the One"), and it's a BLAST! George is killin' it, of course!
Love how he accompanies the guitar
Benson is a legend of immense knowledge and talent. Love that tone!
Georges Benson ¡you are very great, thank you!
What an amazing soul George has. Beautiful guitar player... A true master.
I don’t think I’ve ver seen anyone dispense so much great advice about how to approach the guitar, and music generally, quite so generously. That was truly beautiful. Thank you George Benson.
George Benson, the Man, Myth, and Legend!
I've played guitar since the late 70's and never really liked George Benson's music. However, I bought one of his cassettes in the early 80's because I was so blown away by his mastery of the guitar. He is IMO in the top 10 in the world.
"The greatest teacher is just going out and playing."
-George Benson
I don't think I've ever heard smoother playing than Mr. Benson... a truly gifted player.
it's unfair how talented he is, what a lovely man too
Unfair how much he was willing to practice you mean? That man has practiced more than you could even imagine in 100 years. He has failed more times than you've taken a piss, nothing unfair about it. He damn well earned every bit of it. Give credit where it's due, to the hard work.
Leland Gaunt anyone with half a brain can see that he would have practiced guitar a lot- all good musicians do. But he clearly has a naturally good singing voice (like most great vocalists) and a gift for music. That’s all I was saying. Sorry if you disagree.
@@renhoek3851 stop whinning and go to work
Followed him perfectly right up to the moment he played a note
George Benson. Absolutely fantastic. Thanks for posting this brilliant demonstration, that went completely over my head. Very nice video.
As I suspected. Play, practice, learn, If you have the desire you will put in the time. Jazz was always over my head. I'm beginning to dabble in it now. George is and great place to start.
Just Amazing...
"Getting familiar with the instrument." PRICELESS WISDOM FROM THE GREAT GEORGE BENSON!!!
I met Mr. Benson at the Blue note very down to earth man one of the best man to play the guitar I wish you come back
So awesome to get this advice from a master, but also in simple relatable terms, like telling a story, but make it interesting.
"COCA-COLA or somethin' like that." Lmao. What a gentleman. Shows so much love for music, and he's so freakin' talented.
..a true legend, I love him. Mr. Benson, thank you for your music!
Mr.Benson is a true legend I love this talented man
George B. Is pure class, we are truly blessed to have him alive.
George is wonderful, a real legend.
What a player!!!
I absolutely love this guys thinking and attitude towards not only " practicing " but his playing. Total class act !
Always a pleasure listening to George...
George is so cool . A real artist, talent, what have you. I saw him live, way back when Mascaraed hit the charts. His up beat persona filled the venue with love and his talent was and is truly amazing. Looks like he found the fountain of youth, as well.
@Bob Otto You got it.
....Masquerade
@@clubtq6904 Thanks VInce, I hate that I misspelled it ! Love me some George.
Oh that little surprise face when he plays. Love it.
Love that he sings what he plays
And that guitar is sweeeeeeeet!
George Benson is a national treasure.
I always love to hear GB. Special thanks for singing along, too. What a generous man.
I absolutely love his playing and his Energy...😎👍👍
Thank you so much for posting this remarkable video.
In addition to the valuable harmonic ideas in this lesson, it's inspiring to see how Benson's theoretical expertise and analytic thought process inform his approach to the instrument. Also, as a proven and singular master of phrasing, tone production, and speed, it's refreshing to enjoy Benson's bright, eager, and everyday personality. Imagine if you had a teacher whose playing could make you cry (and also make you wanna quit playing for a while, sigh), and who then patiently showed you his version of the neck and how you could meaningfully add it to your own.
Total respect for you Mr Benson.
George is so cool. i got to see him about 6 years ago and the highlight was Wichita lineman
Yep, rhinestone cowboy my fave.
George Benson! Great personality and amazing teacher.
I have no idea who this dude is (until now) - but I love him
He's such a great player, and human being 🎉
such a brilliant musician, always loved and appreciated everything he's done, I'm not a jazz guy really, but he transcends genres so creatively into something everyone can love, really humble guy to.. musical genius
Either people are “jazz people,” and they know it; or they’re “jazz people” who just don’t realize it yet. There is no third category unless you just don’t like music imo.
A beautiful man, who plays wonderful music
That's an interchangeable statement
A very tasteful player who plays for the song rather than over it; saw him play London's Royal Albert Hall a few years back - a great night and very enjoyable gig. Nice tutorial from a modern-day great guitarist. Thanks.
This is the greatest musical advice anyone has ever given...ever.
George Benson is such a cool guitarist.
He can also sing and write songs.
The Master......the link from Wes Montgomery to Norman Brown......I could listen to his music all day......so many genres, riffs, and chords, and grooves........every interview is a masterclass in music......I've always wanted to ask him which came 1st: the guitar solo or the vocal riff for "On Broadway"? The man is incredible.......😏
Just discovered George, I'm glad I did. Very enjoyable guitarist to listen to.
G.B. my man....you have been a huge part of my life in general, not to mention a crazy musical influence with regard to my playing. Saw you first at Red Rocks in 1978, and you played the entire Breezin' album, with Randy Crawford pitching in....Wow, life was so much simpler back then. Loved your work with Mr. Sample, R.I.P. maestro...life goes on....I still love going back to White Rabbit and all those early albums that are just insane....keep inspiring all of us who are always amazed at what you do!!!
Excellent, high level advice.
could sit and listen to him play all day...
What a class act, playing a great guitar
The "Weekend in L A" album really had an impact on my ability to hear, and listen back in the day 1981 when I started playing. George had a smoothness comparable to Paul Desmond on the sax. George is a master elite player, God Blesd him.
George Benson and Jody Fisher, awesome.
Pure class.
Genius
I was 13 years old when Breezin’ came out. I asked my teacher to show me the main lick. From there I figured out the rest. That album opened up a whole new world for me.
Such a gentlemen, a prince, and above all laidback !
Jesus C this is such a gem of a video unbelievable! Thank you for this. Such a LEGEND!!!!
This interview was over my head
My hero.
Always liked George Benson.
George is really cool!
George Benson is so great!
George is a World Treasure!!
New Jersey that's why? Love you Mr Atlantic City! Im from the shore Asbury Park my uncle Ralph Benton my father Elwood White( RIP both) both musicians love you always talked about you growing up from DC to NY you are the ledgen complete musician thank you
Cool.
Thanks for sharing.
George Benson is a classy magical guy.