L5Larry Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 OK..... I'm still digesting last night, and really don't know what to write about it....but I just spent the last four hours hangin' out with George Benson, and I had to tell somebody. There's a lot of backstory, and this didn't happen by total accident, but let's just say that all the planets came into perfect alignment. With plenty of whiskey and vodka flowing, and a captive audience of about ten of us, George was on a roll. Talking about growing up in Pittsburgh, his early days and homemade guitars, the recording sessions of "Breezin'" and "Weekend In LA", and moving to New York for a job offer that wasn't really there when he arrived. I also found out first hand that he does a great Nat "King" Cole impersonation, AND... you ought to hear his Elvis. WOW, for any jazz guitarist, and probably many guitar players of any genre, this was a dream come true. Sitting around a table at the feet of the MASTER. You see and read interviews, and hear stories, from/about your "idols" (yes, I will use the word "idol" for George), and wish you were a fly on the wall....... Well I just was!!!!!!!!!!! Long Live George! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveinspain Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 Wow sounds great! Glad you had such a nice time... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly campbell Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 Sounds great, I would have loved it as well. I really like the Weekend in LA album. Glad you got to experience it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryUK Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 I'm envious reading this. George is looked upon generally as a singer, but he's really a guitarist that has a good voice. He's a fantastic player. Any pics? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 Wow Larry, you struck gold. He seems to be a very down to earth, and extremely nice guy from the interviews and videos I've seen of him off stage. I'm envious reading this. George is looked upon generally as a singer, but he's really a guitarist that has a good voice. He's a fantastic player. Any pics? really?? I can't quite understand that, he's known around here (US) as a guitarist first, and an amazing one at that.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 ....Sitting around a table at the feet of the MASTER..... He's a master all right. With your resume, I don't imagine you're far behind, Larry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
american cheez Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 i'm a rocker all the way through my bones, but weekend in la is one of the coolest albums ever made, in my opinion. this song especially: https://youtu.be/skjgT4BoSMQ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badbluesplayer Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 Cool!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Bill Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 That's just too awesome!!!!! Once in a life time experience. I wish I could do that with Keith Richards... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaxson50 Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 I am so jealous! Benson is in a class all his own, you are one lucky man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L5Larry Posted May 12, 2017 Author Share Posted May 12, 2017 ... George is looked upon generally as a singer, but he's really a guitarist that has a good voice... Any pics? That's the dichotomy of George and his career. Is he a singing guitar player, or a guitar playing singer? It seems his entry into the business WAS as a singer, and he knuckled down on advancing his guitar playing after being inspired, and encouraged, by a renowned guitarist of the 50's, whose name I didn't know (and don't remember). As for pics, this wasn't really a photo-op type of encounter, nor am I one for the pose with the star kind of thing, but my wife snap a couple of George early in the evening. I was also working in an official capacity at the time, and had to conduct myself as such, as George was our "guest". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RevDavidLee Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 That's awesome L5Larry Encounters like this are rare & will be something you remember the rest of your life. Good on ya Bro! Thanks for sharing. I love this stuff! B) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rct Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 rct Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdgm Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 Wow - congrats, I'm very envious. Did he play any....? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zigzag Posted May 13, 2017 Share Posted May 13, 2017 Way to go, Larry! I am also envious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retired Posted May 16, 2017 Share Posted May 16, 2017 That is just too cool! I met our Mayer once who was talking to me and afterwards, Debbie asked if I knew who that was and I told her NO? Lol. I'm not political Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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