George Benson Performs Jazz At McCallum Theatre

Hooking up with the CTI label in 1970, George was united with many of jazz's finest instrumentalists. Classic albums, such as Beyond the Blue Horizon, abounded. But after a while different ideas began to flow and the result was Breezin', the first jazz record to attain platinum sales. The 1976 blockbuster brought the instrumental title track to jazz radio. From that point on, George managed to enviably reach the chart tops of the jazz, R&B and pop worlds, defying categorization year in and year out. Throughout the 1980s, George released several terrific records. Individually, they blended grooves and guitar work, proving that R&B was a natural part of George's profile. Collectively, they cemented his global renown, thrilled many crowds, saw gold and platinum level sales, and earned him multiple Grammies.

George's latest album Standing Together not only assures that his chops are sharper than ever, but suggests that his studio savvy is continuing to grow. This time around, he uses elements of hip hop and Caribbean rhythms to keep his personalized R&B on the edgy side.

Appreciated as both a musician and a performer, George has always had the duel persona of expert improviser and vibrant entertainer. He has always placed his keenly discerning art in the service of a rousing good time. Rounding out his singular approach with sly, seductive rhythm and blues, he's earned himself an impeccable reputation as one of music's most enterprising and engaging stars. Unfazed by the constrictions of predictability, George Benson has built a career on what people enjoy hearing, and what he enjoys playing.

This performance by George Benson, as part of the Fitz's Jazz Café series at the McCallum Theatre, is sponsored by Desert Lexus, Sullivan's Steakhouse, and KJJZ 102.3-FM.

George Benson will appear at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, California, on Wednesday, February 13, 2008, at 8:00pm. Tickets are priced at $100, $85, $75 and $65. -- www.mccallumtheatre.com