This much anticipated CD offers a harmonic convergence of superstars when signer/guitarist/songwriter George Benson teams with vocalist extraordinaire/songwriter Al Jarreau for Givin' It Up. Friends and label-mates for over three decades, this outing marks the first time that the two artists, both multiple Grammy winners with gold and platinum selling albums, have recorded together as equal partners.
This much-anticipated 13 track recording features each of the stars on a new arrangement of one of the other's biggest hits. Jarreau adding lyrics to and singing Benson's signature instrumental smash "Breezin", while the legendary jazz guitarist delivers a lovely instrumental version of the singer's eternally charming hit "Mornin". Givin' it Up also includes delicious covers of Seals & Crofts' "Summer Breeze" and Hall & Oates' (and Paul Young smash) "Every Time You Go Away," as well as stunning new jazz vocal versions of the Miles Davis classics "four" and "Long Come Tutu".
Givin' It Up was recorded between April and June 2006. Serendipitously, pop legend Paul McCartney happened to be in the studio next door during one session and dropped in to join Benson and Jarreau on an impromptu romp through Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home To me." Neo soul diva, Jill Scott, performs Billie Holiday's timeless "God Bless the Child." Rounding out the album is an instrumental take on John Legend's Grammy award winning soul smash, "Ordinary People", and four new compositions, including a new Jarreau and Barry Eastmond composition, "Let it Rain," which features Patti Austin and Chris Botti.
Givin’ It Up Track Listing
1. Breezin’ (Bobby Womack/Al Jarreau) - (5:40)
2. Morning (Al Jarreau/David Foster/Jay Graydon) - (5:02)
3. ‘Long Came Tutu (Marcus Miller/Al Jarreau) - (6:37)
4. God Bless the Child (Billie Holiday/Arthur Herzog Jr.) - (3:40)
5. Summer Breeze (Darrell Crofts/Jimmy Seals) - (5:01)
6. All I Am (Rex Rideout/Phillip Taj Jackson) - (3:23)
7. Ordinary People (John Legend/will.i.am) - (5:18)
8. Let It Rain (Al Jarreau/Barry Eastmond) - (4:54)
9. Givin’ It Up for Love (Al Jarreau/Freddie Ravel) - (3:57)
10. Every Time You Go Away (Darryl Hall) - (4:30)
11. Four (Miles Davis/Jon Hendricks) - (5:15)
12. Don’t Start No Schtuff (Al Jarreau/Joe Turano) - 4:44
13. Bring It On Home To Me (Sam Cooke)- 4:25
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