Benson Burner

by Scott YanowSome but not all of guitarist George Benson's Columbia records (plus some unreleased songs and other tunes that he recorded under organist Lonnie Smith's name) are included on this out-of-print double-LP. Fitting into the soul-jazz/hard bop idiom, Benson (who at the time was heavily influenced by Wes Montgomery and Charlie Christian, but already had his own approach) is mostly heard in a quartet with organist Smith, baritonist Ronnie Cuber and drummer Jimmy Lovelace, although some selections add horns (including trumpeter Blue Mitchell) and more players in the rhythm section. The majority of the songs are basic originals by Benson or Smith, and the emphasis is on soulful swinging. Fine music.