George Benson, Al Jarreau - Givin' It Up

Not trusting the drawing power of its co-billed veterans, singer-guitarist George Benson and singer-"vocal percussionist" Al Jarreau, or the eventfulness of their teaming, the producers of Givin' It Up have hedged their commercial bets with a full array of guest stars. But none of the guest singers lifts the proceedings above a sleek professionalism--not Paul McCartney, who participates in a humdrum, album-ending jam on Sam Cooke's "Bring It on Home to Me"; not the wonderful Jill Scott, who emulates Billie Holiday on a modest treatment of "God Bless the Child"; and not old pro Patti Austin. Herbie Hancock, Chris Botti, Stanley Clarke, and Marcus Miller also turn up, agreeably but unexcitingly enough, among smooth jazzers including Marion Meadows and Patrice Rushen. The material ranges from two songs to which Jarreau adds lyrics--the 1976 Benson hit "Breezin'" and "'Long Come Tutu," based on the Miller-written title track of Miles Davis's "Tutu"--to covers of Seals and Crofts' "Summer Breeze" and the Daryl Hall-penned Paul Young hit, "Every Time You Go Away." Benson and Jarreau seem a bit hemmed-in by the crowd of name contributors. Even in smooth mode, they have done livelier work than this. --Lloyd Sachs Amazon.com

Classic Jazz Due

This is a phenomenal CD of fabulous music with two of the greatest "Jazz men" of all time. Probably the single greatest CD I have added to my collection in years. Crisp, on time, and deep melodies as well as the perfect duo make this CD worth the money and probably one of the first I will wear out. July 7, 2008

Glad I Bought It!

I am a long time Al Jarreau fan and bought this on a whim. What a great CD - I can't stop listening to it! From the two trading off on their hits Breezin' and Mornin', to Jill Scott's exquisite rendition of God Bless the Child, to Paul McCartney's guest appearance on Bring it on Home to Me, and all the tracks in between, you won't be disappointed. Trying to pick a favorite song on this CD is like saying, "What's your favorite sunset?" They all touch me in a different way. Put this on and enjoy . . . May 9, 2008

One of the best CD's ever

Simply amazing and fascinating.
From the bottom to the top and vice-versa.
The sound is fenomenal. I am currently listening this CD with my Tube (valves) Amplifier connected with my old TDL speakers.
Difficult to power it off

JLS - Kool2bbop April 12, 2008

love this cd!!!!!!!!!!!!

this cd is awesome, whoever thought to put these two together is a genius. it's my favorite cd in my jazz collection. george benson and al jarreau just keep getting better and better...i've been a fan of both for years. bright shining stars in the american jazz scene..... December 4, 2007

could have been better

the performance on this album is below the standard that Benson and Al Jarreau are known and loved for. it is shameful at times the way their singing performance trails off or is out of tune on a particular track....i'm dissappointed. November 16, 2007

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