Album of the Day

George Benson has been performing for more than half a century, moving so easily between jazz, soul and pop that one is tempted to take the guitarist-vocalist for granted. That would be a mistake – while THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION has its share of ubiquitous hits (“This Masquerade,” “On Broadway,” “Give Me The Night,” “Turn Your Love Around,” all Top Ten singles), the new 2-CD set also features some of the most nuanced playing and singing you'll ever hear. With 36 career-spanning tracks including Grammy winners (the man's racked up 10 so far), instrumental, solo vocal and duet tour de forces, THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION may seem like “breezin'” to George Benson, but to listeners it's more like “dazzling.”