as1978
George Benson is a fantastic guitarist and, author. He has won several "Grammys" and is also known in the Rock world. Also because he is really a musician who knows how to combine Jazz with Rock, Funky and Soul and he always knows how to be himself.
In 1978 the compilation "Space" was released which opens with a "Funky" version (even if only as an arrangement) of "Hold On, I'm Coming" by Sam & Dave which is an unreleased (from the sessions of "Good King Bad ") and that I really like it a lot because of the Funky component, which makes it very Rock. But, with "summertime" (like all other songs it is live from "In Concert-Carnegie Hall" as "Sky Dive" which is unreleased as a recording), Soul comes to the surface. A Motown Soul. And the two aspects of George Benson are placed side by side without fear of making it appear that they are different genres or artists. However, what is surprising is the extreme versatility of a unique artist."Space" continues, after the first two pieces, in favor of a very linear and technical Jazz with a gram warmth that came to us fresh and not at all aged and flows away perfect and relaxing in its very recognizable sounds.
I don't rate "Space" as a proper compilation. To me it sounds more like a studio & live album, due to the two unreleased albums and I can say it's a really good album. Which I really recommend to all lovers of good music.