This past Sunday George Benson paid a visit to the American Legion Post at 132nd and Frederick Douglas where he played a jazz and blues set to the delight of the crowd.
Jason Campbell, an Australian turned Harlemite and protege of Benson’s since the age of 16, was thrilled to get the chance to play with Benson.
He borrowed my guitar and joined the great Seleno Clarke on Hammond Organ where he played [the] blues (Billie’s Bounce) and a rendition of [his hit] “Breezin’”. Jimmy Preacher Robins then joined George on organ for a couple of tunes.
George then commented on how when Seleno (who many years ago played tenor saxophone) told George he wanted to switch to organ years ago, George had asked him “why” when there were already many great organ players around like Dr Lonnie Smith and others.George said he was really glad to see Seleno had stuck to his guns and become the great organ player he is today. He then went on to say how he always enjoys coming back and playing in Harlem, especially since in his opinion “Harlem crowds are the toughest because they have heard EVERYTHING over the years, and you can’t fool a Harlem crowd.”
He was also very complimentary to me about my playing and my feel and chops and said “we need to get together and play”.
Mr. Benson, a legendary jazz guitarist, is best known for the Quincy Jones produced song “Give Me the Night,” “The Masquerade is Over,” and “The Greatest Love of All.”
Photo and tip submitted by: Jason Campbell of J.C. and the Jazz Hoppers. JC in far left, George Benson on mic. More pics on the flickr.com album.
Posted on September 14, 2006 by D. Bell