George Benson, after practicing many other styles, returns with this CD to the music that started it all for him, jazz. He pays tribute to the great singer / pianist Nat “King” Cole. This choice is not surprising, because Benson has been working with Nat Cole almost all his life: the CD starts with a recording from 1951. An eight-year-old George Benson sings Mona Lisa. After this endearing
… opener, the big band pops in. That doesn't always work out well, like in Unforgettable. In spite of the sublime playing of master trumpeter Wynton Marsalis: this version is too big, too loud. Fortunately, the entire CD does not thunder in the same way. A song that does require a grand approach, keeps Benson relatively small: Route 66. The characteristic guitar playing of Benson comes out beautifully here. The CD ends with the same song he started with: Mona Lisa. In a slippery and sweet fifties string arrangement, George Benson brings the whole thing to a good end. For fans of both Nat Cole and George Benson there is plenty to do on this CD. (HF)more