Interview with Lamont Dozier.

The George Benson Sessions: The Making Of Songs And Stories, is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the making of Songs And Stories. The album is a collection of tunes penned by some of the most prolific and enduring songwriters of the last half-century. Some were written specifically for this new recording, such as Bill Withers’ (who came out of retirement to write “A Telephone Call Away” for George), Rod Temperton’s “Family Reunion” and Lamont Dozier’s “Living in High Definition”; while others, including James Taylor’s “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight”, Donny Hathaway’s “Someday We’ll All Be Free” and Tony Joe White’s “Rainy Night in Georgia” were hand-picked by Benson for their ability to convey simple but universal truths about the human experience. Songs and Stories was produced by Concord’s Grammy winning, creative head John Burk and renowned bassist /composer / producer Marcus Miller. Benson, Miller, keyboardist Greg Phillinganes, guitarist Jubu and drummer John Robinson make up the core unit for the project. They were joined by special guests: guitarists Lee Ritenour, Steve Lukather, Wah Wah Watson and Norman Brown, vocalists Lalah Hathaway and Patti Austin, keyboardist David Paich, saxophonists Tom Scott and Gerald Albright along with several others. “Brother, with that team, you can do just about anything,” said Benson. “We recorded in the studio for three days straight, and everything we touched had something on it that made us all glad we were there. It was just the right mix of people and material.”

GEORGE BENSON AN UNFORGETTABLE TRIBUTE TO NAT KING COLE Legendary guitarist/vocalist revisits the music of Nat King Cole and adds some of his own amazing hits for good measure! It takes a legend to successfully pay homage to one – and that’s just what ten-time Grammy Award-winner George Benson demonstrates during his elegant performance of “An Unforgettable Tribute to Nat King Cole.” Benson’s tribute, which kicked off with a capacity crowd in February, 2008, at L.A.’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, has thus far, been a resounding success. The Los Angeles Times said Benson’s connection with Cole was not based on simulations but on ‘the ability of two fine jazz artists to successfully, and musically, reach out to a beyond-genre audience.” Benson and his ensemble, joined by a six-piece choir and a 28-piece string orchestra conducted by Randy Waldman (conductor for Barbara Streisand, Josh Groban and others), pays tribute spanning classic Nat King Cole hits with lush orchestrations and, at times, delightful be-bop “King Cole Trio” interpretations. With precision and innovation, Benson delivers Cole favorites such as “Mona Lisa,” “Stardust,” “Route 66,” “Looking Back,” “We’re Too Young,” and “Nature Boy,” along with all the greatest of Nat’s many hits, including a bring-the-house-down performance of “Unforgettable,” The show concludes with Benson’s incomparable combo joining him on stage for a set of vintage Benson hits such as “Give Me The Night,” “Breezin’,” “Moody’s Mood For Love,” and “On Broadway.”

Appreciated as both musician and performer by millions, George Benson has always had the duel personae 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.

EPK for the George Benson & Al Jarreau album "Givin' It Up" due in stores 10/24/06 and wherever music can be purchased via download 9/26/06.