Benson, George
GRP, 2004, CD
Instrument: GUITAR
Issue: 10.1
Jazz Ruler Type: R&B+Jazz
Performance: 4
Sound: 3+
Score: 
O’s Notes: Benson modernizes his sound with the help of producer Joshua Paul Thompson. He stays away from the monotonous elevator smooth side opting for more of an urban theme with lots of soulful vocals courtesy of singers Joe, Lisa Fisher and Chyna. There’s a hip-hop groove that shows up from the opener “Six Play”. It can be seen as sophisticated, jazzy hip-hop or more contemporary R&B-Jazz for the MTV generation. Songs like the title track will certainly receive airplay on pop radio, urban, smooth jazz and NAC formats. This is yet another recreation for Benson who started as a premier bebop guitarist before crossing over to the mainstream with the addition of singing. Irreplaceable brings him into the new millennium with exposure to yet another generation.
