Music fans will be captivated by the smooth, light sound of an exhilarating array of jazz, swing, bop, R&B and pop tunes from one of the world’s greatest jazz guitarists and singers when George Benson performs at a big show on September 5 (Thursday), at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with special guest Grammy award-winning R&B and jazz singer Patti Austin.
The musical event, to be produced by Ovation Productions, is part of Benson’s ongoing world tour to promote his latest album, Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole, released under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines).
The recording is one of the most meaningful of Benson's career and is a testament to the spirit of Cole's timeless body of work. Benson's heartfelt renditions of some of Cole's greatest songs with Nelson Riddle arrangements and the 42-piece Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra are complemented by duets with Tony Award winner Idina Menzel and rising star Judith Hill, along with a special collaboration with multi-GRAMMY and Pulitzer Prize-winning trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. As a dream project for Benson, this album is a love letter to Cole and a tribute in gratitude for his deep musical inspiration. It also demonstrates how uniquely suited Benson is to recreate and interpret these timeless treasures.
Highlights on the album include an adaptation of Nelson Riddle’s arrangement of “Just One of Those Things,” with a signature Benson vocal/guitar scat solo, and Benson’s reading of the original chart of “Nature Boy,” which he previously interpreted and made and a pop hit in the late 70’s. The album also contains stunning duets with Idina Menzel on “When I Fall In Love,” and Judith Hill on “Too Young,” as well the incomparable trumpet work of Wynton Marsalis on a fresh new arrangement of “Unforgettable.” The album begins with a rare recording of “Little Georgie Benson” (age 8) singing “Mona Lisa” which stemmed from a singing contest Benson won and the award was the opportunity to record a song at a recording studio. Benson began singing Nat King Cole songs as a child in Pittsburgh and this recording not only shows his incredible range and musicality at the time but also the depth of admiration Benson has had for Cole from such a young age. (Watch George Benson “Inspiration” EPK here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=035ycun08Fw)
George Benson: Inspiration Tour is presented by Ovation Productions. Brought to you by Air21, 2nd Avenue, Jack TV, Diva Universal, Jack City and RJ 100.3 FM. It is also supported by The Philippine STAR, Manila Bulletin, BusinessWorld, 96.3 Easy Rock, Mellow 94.7, Monster Radio RX 93.1, Crossover 105.1 and Radio High 105 9. Special thanks to MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines). Ticket prices: P6,020, P4,695, P3,910, P2,855, P1,800 and P740. For details, visit www.ticketnet.com.ph.
“George Benson Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole” is now available in CDs at Astroplus, Odyssey Music & Video and Fully Booked or download online via Smart Music http://music.smart.com.ph/ or iTunes!
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