George Benson - Legendary Jazz Guitar Music Virtuoso - Part 1
Jazz guitarist George Benson was born March 22, 1943 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The precocious youngster discovered early on that he possessed a singing voice and actually made his public debut at age four at a Fourth of July show, leading to his nickname - "Little Georgie Benson". Hearing the jazz guitar recordings of jazz guitarist Charlie Christian with the Benny Goodman Band a few years later ignited his desire to play guitar. His stepfather, Tom Collier, who had aspirations of playing professionally owned an electric guitar that young George coveted. Since his hands were too small at this point however, he had to settle for a ukulele instead. By the time he was eight, Benson was rewarded with a cheap guitar by his stepfather who acknowledged his progress. A local producer noticed George's talents after seeing him perform on street corners and took him to New York city. At the age of ten, Little Georgie Benson was inked to a short term contract with RCA Victor Records "X" label and cut four sides of R&B music including Ray Charles's "It Should Have Been Me". Only one single, "She Makes Me Mad", was released and the experience added to Benson's notoriety back home, but his strict stepfather saw the music as too much of a distraction and took George's guitar away!
Perhaps the absence of a strong, worthwhile focus in his life had some effect. At age 15, Benson got in trouble with the law and served six weeks in reform school. When he got out he joined the Altarrs, an R&B singing group started by one of his cousins. Wishing to play the guitar again as well as sing, his stepfather built George a homemade electric guitar and amplification system for his use. By 17, George Benson was singing and playing guitar with the Altarrs and they became one of the most popular groups in the area.
Within a year, Benson was itching to have his own band. He formed a quintet whose repertoire consisted almost entirely of R&B, but he was starting to develop a real interest in jazz. Hearing the recording "Jazz Winds From a New Direction" featuring jazz guitarist Hank Garland and vibraphonist Gary Burton spurred him on to further exploration. Before long the work of Charlie Parker, Charlie Christian, and Wes Montgomery turned him in a new be-bop direction and he began seriously woodshedding on his guitar along with frequenting jam sessions. Jazz guitarists like Grant Green and Eddie McFadden passing through Pittsburgh added their encouragement upon hearing his ability and intensity. In fact, fellow Pittsburghian Grant Green would go on to suggest he try his hand at being a session musician. Fortunately, for aspiring jazz guitarists George Benson has released several jazz guitar tab books that feature some of his recorded solos as well as instructional DVDs that teach his guitar techniques and harmonic concepts.
About the Author
Peabody Conservatory trained guitarist Steven Herron helps people succeed at becoming better guitar players. Find out more about jazz guitar tab books and instructional DVDs by George Benson and claim Steven's popular free monthly guitar lesson e-course available at: => http://www.chordmelody.com/George-Benson.htm
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