GEORGE BENSON: BODY TALK
With an eye and ear on what was happening on the soul charts - James Brown in particular - Benson made a decided swerve toward R&B on this release. Indeed the JB's Pee Wee Ellis turns up as a big band arranger on three tracks, and he no doubt had a direct influence on the distinct JB groove of one of the non-big-band tunes, "Dance." It should come as no surprise by now that this formidable guitarist has no problem handling any kind of groove, although the mixed rhythm section of Jack DeJohnette, Ron Carter, electric pianist Harold Mabern, and percussionist Mobutu sometimes sends mixed messages. Earl Klugh has a few tasty moments on his own, and there are some reconnaissance flights back to the jazz side of George, which he handles with his usual confident aplomb.
Tracklist:
1.Dance 2.When Love Has Grown 3.Plum 4.Body Talk 5.Top Of The World
Lineup:
George Benson - lead guitar, Earl Klugh - rhythm guitar, Harold Mabern - electric piano, Ron Carter - acoustic bass, Gary King - electric bass, Jack DeJohnette - drums, Mobutu - percussion, congas, Frank Foster - tenor saxophone, Gerald Chamberlain - trombone, Dick Griffin - trombone, Jon Faddis, John Gatchell, Waymon Reed - trumpet, flugelhorn, Pee Wee Ellis - arrangements and conductor