George Benson talks about his guitars

[Jimmy blue note]

Benson has been well known for gifting guitars to friends and other players.

When I worked for Ibanez, it was a part of each end of the year ritual to pick through the GB10's from Japan and choose 6 that he was entitled to. It was always a thrill to work with Fujigen guitars but ones that were going to George were always a fun and special process. We knew they were going into George's "Santa fund", and friends and family were going to get one special gift under the tree. THAT was one hellava Christmas if you were friends with George Benson!

[wintermoon]

If George can get those posted prices,good for him.I remember back in the 70's when he started to sing ,guys saying he was selling out in his crossover to R&B.Smartest thing he ever did.Guys like him and Larry Carlton in their commercial ventures were able to make a good living and still be jazzer's in their heart. I'd rather be like them than the guys who need gofundme help in their old age.

Nat Cole caught flack for going 'commercial' as did Wes of course.
I get the jazz purists prefer Wes small group recordings but his Creed Taylor era stuff is great too if you open your mind and really listen.

[Ukena]

I enjoyed the video, especially when GB talks about his origins as a jazz player. It was also interesting to hear that learning he was chosen best jazz guitarist made him realize he'd better practice more.

But he seems pretty modest – especially the story about going to a Django hangout and not wanting to play with the hot young GJ players because they were so damn good – especially that 14-year-old. Any guesses about who that might have been? Birélli Lagrène, possibly (he would have been 14 in 1980)?

[DRS]

That was a fun vid. Big Benson fan.
Benson is still the best guitarist I've ever seen live.
I like his instructional vid where rather than going into what scales to play over what chords, he talks about the emotion that a not will create.

[2bornot2bop]

Nat Cole caught flack for going 'commercial' as did Wes of course.
I get the jazz purists prefer Wes small group recordings but his Creed Taylor era stuff is great too if you open your mind and really listen.

In 1965 Bumpin on Sunset was the hottest thing going. My dad got me hooked at 8 all while the Beatles were going strong. I got hooked on Wes, so I for one am very grateful that he branched out to music for the masses.

[DMgolf66]

I wonder what George is like when he's not "on" and doing schtick?

[Zigracer]

I could listen to George’s stories all day.

[Gitfiddler]

In 1965 Bumpin on Sunset was the hottest thing going. My dad got me hooked at 8 all while the Beatles were going strong. I got hooked on Wes, so I for one am very grateful that he branched out to music for the masses.

Bumpin hit me the same way as a young, beginner guitarist.

[pingu]

09:17 on that video is some
pretty incredible playing !!