Radio Says Thanks Where would Smooth Jazz radio be without Benson? The top broadcasters say thanks to George.
	The 1st Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards will pay tribute to one of the biggest pioneers in the Smooth Jazz genre - George Benson. The guitar legend will be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement award. Each subsequent year a different trendsetter in the world of Smooth Jazz will receive the same award.
"As original as George is with his music and his performing, he's just as original when it comes to sitting down and chatting. He might forget he's got an interview with you, so you just go find him at the pool bar. Once you get him talkin', it's priceless." - Art Good Jazztrax "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
"Not being a child of the sixties I discovered the Beatles on the second wave in the early seventies. Interestingly, George Benson introduced me to "Abbey Road" not the Beatles. "The other Side of Abbey Road" was released just three weeks after the album it pays tribute to. Every time I hear Benson sing "Golden Slumbers" he makes me cry. Like Joni Mitchell (who by the way also makes me lunge for the hankies) Benson has the ability to dig a lot deeper on the emotions that really matter. We simply believe him when he sings - now that say's a lot about a musician. It's a rare gift and don't get me started on his guitar chops! I still prefer his bluesy version of "Oh! Darling" over the Beatles. Arranger Don Sebesky and CTI founder and producer Creed Taylor deserve a lot of credit but Benson is the reason that this album is and always will be one of the best in my collection." - John Beaudin - President - Smooth Jazz Now / The Breeze, Calgary		"George Benson introduced me to Smooth Jazz back in the days when there was no such thing as Smooth Jazz, and I've been a fan ever since. From "On Broadway" to "This Masquerade" to my all-time favorite "Love Of My Life" there truly is no one smoother. Congratulations George! You will always be one of the great loves of my life!" - Vickie Van Dyke / mid-morning host The Wave - Hamilton, Ontario

"George Benson has not only created some of the finest music in the world, he continues to bring people of varying global cultures together to share in it’s healing power, to listen and to learn. Thank you George, the more you play the more we understand that we are one." - Cameron Smith - Smooth Jazz TV
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"I just remember listening to "Weekend in LA," over and over and over in my bedroom trying to play along with the licks-and failing miserably! I just wished I could have been there in that room-the Roxy on Sunset Blvd that fateful night, when that music was captured. George Benson has given the world so much amazing, heartfelt and soulful musical moments, live and on record...and as a musician, I could never begin to thank him enough for the inspiration he has given me on so many levels. He was one of the first to show the world that jazz CAN appeal to a huge audience, and the world has become a better place because of it...Congratulations to you, George on this most-deserving recognition." - Dave Koz
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"George Benson fearlessly carries the torch of bebop tradition and vocabulary. In a restless pursuit of pushing the envelope he continues to grow, never looking back. George's foray into pop and R&B reflect the scope of his musical character. His sound transcends his instrument in a way that
always reflects the popular music of the day." - Walle Larsson - Cool FM, Winnipeg