to listen or purchase
While both George Benson and Al Jarreau are long past their commercial peaks of 20+ years ago, they have continued to release albums to their loyal, somewhat diminished audiences. So while the world wasn't exactly clamoring for a collaboration of the two soul/jazz legends, their teaming on Givin' It Up is a pleasant, mildly eventful occasion. Benson in particular is in excellent voice on the disc, especially on the new Rex Rideout cut, "All I Am," the album's highlight. Guest performances by Jill Scott and Patti Austin on the classic "God Bless the Child" and Jarreau's "Let It Rain" also work nicely as do covers of "Summer Breeze" and "Four." Nothing on Givin' It Up is essential listening, but the disc is tasteful and enjoyable throughout, and finds these two venerable artists sounding just fine well into their sixties. Recom
While both George Benson and Al Jarreau are long past their commercial peaks of 20+ years ago, they have continued to release albums to their loyal, somewhat diminished audiences. So while the world wasn't exactly clamoring for a collaboration of the two soul/jazz legends, their teaming on Givin' It Up is a pleasant, mildly eventful occasion. Benson in particular is in excellent voice on the disc, especially on the new Rex Rideout cut, "All I Am," the album's highlight. Guest performances by Jill Scott and Patti Austin on the classic "God Bless the Child" and Jarreau's "Let It Rain" also work nicely as do covers of "Summer Breeze" and "Four." Nothing on Givin' It Up is essential listening, but the disc is tasteful and enjoyable throughout, and finds these two venerable artists sounding just fine well into their sixties. Recommended.
CR