Weekend In London

As an all-time icon and Grammy-winning giant of jazz, we have grown used to seeing George Benson on the stages that befit his sky-high status. During a six-decade career marked by awards, acclaim and Billboard-topping output, the Pittsburgh, Hill District-born veteran has earned his place in both the history books and the biggest venues around the world. So it's a rare treat and a whole different thrill to find this megastar going nose-to-nose with the breathless 250-capacity crowd at London's most prestigious bolthole. I like that kind of intimacy, says Benson of his flying visit to Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, captured on this year's electrifying new live album, Weekend In London. I can feel the love when it's up close and personal. Weekend In London brings Benson full circle. This seasoned performer estimates that almost a half-century has passed since he first played at the fabled Soho club, touching down in London as the hottest property on the US jazz scene of the early-'70s. On Weekend In London, the same club that hosted that young hotshot back in the early-70s welcomes back the older, wiser legend to burn down the house. Perhaps the compre says it best: You dont get stars this big in rooms this small very often, ladies and gentlemen. Please be prepared to be dazzled Mr George Benson...!