Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards

George Benson - Breezin
Warner Brothers - 1976

1 Breezin' (Womack) 5:40
2 This Masquerade (Russell) 8:03
3 Six to Four (Upchurch) 5:06
4 Affirmation (Feliciano) 7:01
5 So This Is Love? (Benson) 7:03
6 Lady (Foster) 5:49
7 Shark Bite (Benson) 9:09
8 Down Here on the Ground (Garnett/Schifrin) 6:12

Originally released on LP in 1976

Credits:
Main Performer, Vocals: The George Benson Quartet
Stereo Master: Bill Inglot
Main Performer, Vocals: The George Benson Quartet
Mixing: Al Schmitt
Main Performer, Vocals: George Benson
Producer: David McLees
Stereo Master: Dan Hersch
Producer: Tommy LiPuma
Clavinet: Jorge Dalto
Drums: Harvey Mason, Sr.
Keyboards: Jorge Dalton
Photography: Mario Casilli
Guitar (Rhythm): Phil Upchurch
Mastering: Doug Sax
Assistant Engineer: Steve Genewick
Editorial Research: Daniel Goldmark
Mini Moog: Ronnie Foster
Percussion: Ralph MacDonald
Bass: Stanley Banks
Assistant Engineer: Don Henderson
Design: Peter Palombi
Conductor: Claus Ogerman
Editorial Supervision: Sheryl Farber
Reissue Art: Hugh Brown
Liner Notes: Al Young
Art Direction: Ed Thrasher
Management: Dennis Turner
Production Assistant: Noel Newbolt

"If more of today's Smooth Jazz sounded like the great songs and amazing playing on George's "Breezin'" album, the format would be a whole lot cooler!"
- Grant Geissman

"George is simply the real deal. Not only did his album "Breezin'" change the course of Jazz it influenced a generation of musicians in a dramatic fashion .That was the beginning of Smooth Jazz. Working with George is incredibly inspiring and always reminds me of why I got into producing. I love the man."
- Paul Brown

"I hate always going back to the big one because Benson has put out so many, and so much, but I can't ever forget the moment that "Breezin" rolled In to my first real radio gig. I was programming an automated soft rocker in Salem, Oregon and that song began rolling round that reel to reel and we just kept increasing its rotation and then increasing its rotation some more." - Art Good - JazzTrax

"I never listened to much jazz growing up in England. I was a rock and roll fan. That all changed when I heard "Breezin.'" I was 22 and George's music was a revelation. I never realized that the guitar could be played like that. Cascades of notes created splashes of colour in my mind. It changed forever how I approached the guitar." - Peter White

"I was always a fan of George Benson especially his guitar work. Then he came out with "This Masquerade" and I was blown away... what a voice! But most of all, I admire his musical integrity. He stayed true to his music and it paid off in a big way." - Alfie Zappacosta

"George Benson's music reflects the heights and depths of human emotion from the melancholy of "This Masquerade," to the rhythmically hypnotic "Breezin." Benson's work has painted a spectrum of music on the canvas of our hearts." - Alfonzo Blackwell

" Back in the 70's, I was taken by the artistry and skill of George Benson. I bought his album "Breezin'" and loved his renditions of "On Broadway" and of course "Masquerade". I soon began to incorporate that style in a few of my own songs, thanks to George. He has always been a top notch performer who was able to be a great guitarist and still appeal to listeners of all genres. He's a real master."
- Phil Keaggy

"Its twenty-five years ago, and I'm in high school. Not just any high school, but Heavy Metal High. Everyone is listening to Rush, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, but I'm not. I'm listening to "Breezin'" over and over again wearing out the LP. Of course, I was fifteen and didn't really "understand" the music, but I knew I loved it. The record felt great!
And the thing is it still feels great. When I was recording my last record, "Breezin'" was in my CD player almost non-stop. I think it's one of those very few albums that sound as fresh today as the day it was released. And I definitely know I'm a better musician because of "Breezin'" and George Benson. Maybe, George Benson is one of the reasons that I am a musician."
- Jamie Bonk

"When I was around ten I got "Breezin" and I picked it up because I liked the bow tie that he wore on the cover. I remember being absolutely knocked out. For some young guitarists they remember hearing Jimi Hendrix for the first time for me it was hearing George Benson. I couldn't believe that anyone could make that sound on the guitar."
- Jake Langley

" George Benson is the guitar player's guitar player. George Benson's playing has been one of the greatest inspirations for me as a guitarist" When I first heard " This Masquerade" I left my girl friend to go buy the record. George, you deserve this and much more... You have been the standard all modern guitarists aspire to be... I have seen you on so many occasions I can't count them... When I met you at America's jazz fest 2003 in D.C. I said to myself I have just touched the hand of the greatest guitar player alive... I thank you for all the years of great music and I know that you still have a lot more great things to do and I will just sit and wait for the greatest to happen."
- Nick Colionne

"I have been a huge George Benson fan since his early days with Creed Taylor Records. Like many, "Breezin" was my favourite album with such classics as "This Masquerade" which featured George's beautiful vocals. He had me hooked even before I heard him sing! George Benson continues to blow me away! Shall be in touch along the way!" - Chris Smith

"George Benson is truly a trailblazer in the Smooth Jazz format. Those fabulous guitar licks on "Breezin'" are as strong and fresh today as they were back in the 70's. His vocal work speaks for itself. He is certainly deserving of "The Benson" and sets the standard for years to come."
- Bob Farrow morning man The Wave Hamilton, Ontario