Benson fans, and Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one.
I wish it weren't the case but, it's not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a
song or two that I just can't force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Irreplaceable. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from
start to finish.
This CD grabs your attention right from the outset with Irreplaceable and doesn't let go until the very last note of the very last song Arizona Surprise, which is another
great track by the way.
Jazz music fans will recognize some of the well known guests that have been assembled to play along with Benson on several of the tracks. Artists like Rex Rideout and
Bobby Douglas just to name a couple.
One of the refreshingly nice things about this CD is the way all of the participating artists seem to be really enjoying themselves. Combine that with the overall
presentation and you've got one of George Benson's most impressive releases ever.
Overall Irreplaceable is outstanding from beginning to end. One of those CDs that after a few listens the songs are just etched into your memory. A must have for the
Jazz fan. Really spectacular from beginning to end.
While this entire CD is really very good some of my favorites are track 2 - Cell Phone, track 4 - Take You Out, and track 8 - Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise
My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 9 - Stairway To Love. Great track!
Irreplaceable Release Notes:
George Benson originally released Irreplaceable on Jun 8, 2004 on the GRP Records label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. Irreplaceable
2. Cell Phone
3. Black Rose
4. Take You Out
5. Strings Of Love
6. Missing You
7. Six Play
8. Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise
9. Stairway To Love
10. Arizona Sunrise
Personnel include: George Benson (vocals, electric guitar); Chyna, Nakiea (vocals); Joshua P. Thompson (acoustic guitar, keyboards, synthesizer, bass instrument,
programming); Rex Rideout (keyboards, programming); Herman Jackson, Bobby Douglas (keyboards); Richard Bona (bass instrument, background vocals); Roberto Vally
(bass instrument); Paulinho Da Costa (percussion). Recording information: Avatar, New York, New York (2004); Funky Joint, Sherman Oaks, California (2004);
Porcupine, Phoenix, Arizona (2004); Tallest Tree, West Orange, New Jersey (2004).
