George Benson A Tribute to Nat King Cole
George Benson (vocals, guitar); Randy Waldman (conductor, piano, keys); Janey Clewer, Erwin van Motman, Tarif Heljanan, Russell Patawala, Dani Duzant, Anna Mackaloy (backing vocals); Michael O'Neill (guitar); Thom Hall (keys); Stanley Banks (bass); Teddy Campbell (drums); Babette Beertema, Maria Chiarizia, Eva Petrarca, Noa Eyl, Marianne Hutchinson, Hoei Lien The, Bas Treub, Nadia Frissen, Pieter van Loenen, Hadwijch Hofland, Esther Op t Land, Maria Claire Boel, Margot Kolodziej, Killian van Rooij, Koos Verhage, Annelies de Rooij (viola); Sophie Groote, David Lopez, Mirjam Klein, Estella Briceno Mesquita (alt viola); Jobine Siekman, Marjolein Nieuwenkamp, Anna Drijvers, Cristina Dulanto, Martijn Kortleve, Marijke van den Bergen (cello); Astrid Haring (harp); Vasilis Stefanopulos, Elma Dekker, Andor Horvath; Allan Eshuijs.
George Benson - A Tribute to Nat King Cole (US)
For years, George Benson has attracted large audiences at the North
Sea Jazz Festival. This man from Pittsburgh grew up as a talented
guitarist noticeably influenced by the legendary Wes Montgomery. In
the 1960s, it was Miles Davis who first recognized his talent and
asked him to play on the album Miles in the Sky. In the 70s, Benson
took a more commercial direction and this delivered him immediate
success. Songs like On Broadway and Give Me the Night are among the
classics that he still performs. But Benson is a man who is also
slowly turning to styles like smooth jazz and R&B. In 2006, he
recorded the album Givin' It Up with Al Jarreau. They won a Grammy
for the album and did a world tour together. At the festival,
Benson will be focusing on the repertoire of Nat King Cole. Last
year, he toured successfully with this project in his own country.
During this tribute, Benson performs his own interpretations of
classics like Stardust, Looking Back and Nature Boy. He is
currently working on a new album together with the guitarist and
keyboards player of Toto.