George Benson has just wrapped up sessions at Capitol Recording Studios with his dream band: Harvey Mason on drums, Joe Sample and David Garfield on keys, and Ben Williams on bass. The legendary Grammy Award winning Engineer, Al Schmidt, was at the board along with Grammy Award winning Producer John Burk. Look for a late September release titled THE GUITAR MAN with a tour to follow, where you can find GB leading a quartet in intimate venues throughout the US.

Release On October 4, 2011, National Endowment of the Arts Jazz Master and Grammy-winning legend George Benson brings his guitar to the forefront in his newest album Guitar Man. The 12-song collection includes a mix of jazz and pop standards – some in a combo setting and some solo, but all of them tied together seamlessly by Benson’s soulful and exploratory signature sound.

In a career that spans five decades, more than 30 recordings as a leader and ten Grammy Awards, Benson has used his jazz roots as the foundation for an engaging mix of pop, R&B and other shades that add up to a style that appeals to a broad mainstream audience.
On Guitar Man, Benson’s mastery of the guitar is demonstrated in a variety of styles and settings, all with legendary jazz roots.

Benson has never been one to shy away from innovation or experimentation. For this guitar man, putting a jazz spin on pop standards – not just on this recording but throughout his career – is less of a taboo when you’re willing to dispense with labels and the limitations that come with them.