Jazz
George Benson - Guitar, Vocals
Angel Allende - Conga, Percussion
Arthur Clarke - Saxophone
Bob Bushnell - Bass, Bass (Electric)
Bobby Porcelli - Flute, Saxophone
Hubert Laws - Reeds, Saxophone, Woodwind
Jerome Richardson - Flute, Reeds, Saxophone, Woodwind
Jerry Jemmott - Bass, Bass (Electric)
Jim Fielder - Bass
Joe Farrell - Reeds, Saxophone, Woodwind
Joe Henderson - Saxophone
Johnny Pacheco - Conga, Percussion
Leo Morris - Drums
Lew Soloff - Trumpet
Paul Alicea - Percussion
Richard Tee - Piano
Rodgers Grant - Piano
Sonny Fortune - Saxophone
* Creed Taylor - Producer
* Don Sebesky - Arranger, Conductor
* Marty Sheller - Arranger
* Rudy Van Gelder - Engineer
Trying to shake things up, producer Creed Taylor brought in arranger Marty Sheller from Mongo Santamaria's Afro-Cuban band, reduced the sizes of the servings (no track is longer than 3:45), cranked up the decibels to a raucous level, and presented Benson in what he hoped would be a radio-friendly setting. The wonder is that Benson manages to transcend the blasting Latin-percussion-spiced production, the tight time limits, and all with often brilliantly tasty guitar fills and brief solos in many styles and three reverb-heavy vocals. The most attractive - and most frustrating - track is Eumir Deodato's lovely "Jackie, All;" George states the tune twice and just as he starts a beautiful solo, the faders go down at the 2:15 mark! Damn. Worth hearing despite the long production knives. ~ Richard S. Ginell, All Music Guide |
