George Benson, Inspiration – A Tribute to Nat King Cole | Album Review

The legendary George Benson sounds superb on his latest album, Inspiration – A Tribute to Nat King Cole.

On Inspiration – A Tribute to Nat King Cole, jazz-R&B veteran George Benson draws his attention away from his prodigious guitar skill to focus on his voice.  As suggested by the title, Benson covers some of legendary jazz pianist/vocalist Nat King Cole’s staples. Consistent from top the bottom, Benson sounds nowhere near his age of 70, executing every jazz nuance to perfection.

“I believe that anybody who has ever heard a Nat King Cole song would have to agree that he is ‘unforgettable’..  — George Benson on Nat King Cole’s influence on him (from liner notes)

He thrills on tongue-in-cheek, swingers like “Walkin’ My Baby Back Home” and “Route 66” while his balladry is equally top-notch on “When I Fall In Love”, where be blends magnificently with vocalist Idina Menzel.  He reprises “Mona Lisa” as the final cut (on most editions), after an opening version found Benson at age eight singing and accompanying himself on ukelele.  Add crowd pleasers “Unforgettable” (with Wynton Marsalis), “Smile”, and “Nature Boy” among others to the mix, and Inspiration is a fine, nicely conceived effort.

Gems: “Walkin’ My Baby Back Home,” “When I Fall In Love,” “Route 66,” “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter” & “Mona Lisa”

George Benson • Inspiration – A Tribute to Nat King Cole • Concord • Release: 6.4.13

Photo Credit: Concord