Editor’s Note: The Albumism staff has selected what we believe to be the 50 Greatest Live Albums of All Time, representing a varied cross-section of genres, styles and time periods. Click “Next Album” below to explore each album or view the full album index here.
GEORGE BENSON | Weekend in L.A.
Warner Bros. (1978)
Selected by Steven E. Flemming, Jr.
George Benson’s live, Grammy-winning rendition of “On Broadway” is so ubiquitous on jazz and urban contemporary stations that its parent album is pretty much an afterthought. But Weekend in L.A., which was recorded at Hollywood’s Roxy in late 1977, is the real deal and one of Benson’s most essential releases.
Balancing traditional jazz chops with the emotional flash points of soul music, Benson and his band—Stanley Banks (bass), Ralph MacDonald (percussion), Ronnie Foster (keyboards), Phil Upchurch (rhythm guitar), Jorge Dalto (acoustic piano and keyboards), and Harvey Mason (drums)—served one thrilling performance after another. Benson was in fine voice throughout, particularly on “The Greatest Love of All,” “Down Here on the Ground,” and “It’s All in the Game,” and those inimitable guitar licks were firmly in place on “California P.M.,” “Windsong,” and “We All Remember Wes.”
His studio albums are among the best crossover jazz recordings of all time, but Weekend in L.A. is an ideal introduction to Benson’s mastery of multi-format appeal and intimate musicianship.
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