George Benson: Absolutely Live

Here's the good, the bad and the ugly on GB live in Belfast, beginning with the bad: I was just a wee bit nervous when the master jazz axeman took the stage sans guitar and immediately launched into the big band favorite "All of Me," followed by "I Only Have Eyes for You" and "Beyond the Sea"--not exactly notable Benson tunes. The good news is that after the opening three cuts the nimble-fingered virtuoso embarked on some serious string dancing with "Deeper Than You Think," "Hipping the Hop" and a multi-layered version of "Danny Boy," closing out with audience-rousing renditions of "This Masquerade," "Breezin'," "Give Me the Night" and "On Broadway." The ugly? Well, I gotta give George credit for holding his own when a mature Belfast woman took the stage and began doing the love shimmy all over his body. Backed by the BBC Big Band, with a special guest appearance by jazz pianist Joe Sample, this sterling sounding Dolby Digital 5.1 concert and supplemental interview with Benson and his band is recommended, overall. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)