Search - George Benson: The Art of Jazz Guitar on DVD

What an Amazing Guitarist !!!

Gypsy Guitars | Kula, UpCountry Maui, Hawaii | 04/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"this DVD is more like an intimate profile of George Benson as a solo jazz guitarist & as a veteran musician than a lesson... yet the video reveals just what an amazing guitarist / entertainer he is- without anyone playing with him... it makes me want Benson to do a solo CD featuring this aspect of his playing as he is simply phenomenal as a solo guitarist !!! whether he plays a Ramirez nylon string cutaway or his trademark Ibanez Benson model jazz guitar as he does in this video- he exhibits an awesome mastery of improvisation & Wes Mongomery-styled techniques of picking with his thumb & use of octaves as well as his unique ability to mirror whatever he sings with what he plays... simply awesome talent [without all the "bells 'n' whistles" of his band] demonstrating as simply as he can how he plays & how he feels the music that is his legacy... i think there are much better instructional videos to watch to learn jazz guitar technique BUT this intimate portrayl of George Benson's guitar playing & personality is a real gift of insight to any guitarist who appreciates grrreat jazz guitar & the overall talent of this stellar individual's charismatic personality... so, after watching this DVD, i am looking forward to a solo guitar CD from maestro Benson to take what he touches on to it's logical conclusion that will fully give to his listening audience what this product promises... a wonder-full finished product of jazz standards & his own creations that reveals what this guitarist is capable of alone without the distraction of other musicians- PLEASE GEORGE !!! GIVE US A SOLO CD !!! uhhh, make that a double... lol !!!!!!!!!!"

Good to see george again.

straightnochaser | 08/26/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"first of all i'm a big fan of benson. he's one of the greatest guitar players/musicians of our time. it's always good to hear benson talk about music and listen to him play, and that's exactly what you'll get from this video. the video is done in his house and he's very relaxed. this will offer you something different from his other live performance videos. i have to emphasize that it's NOT an instructional video although he touches on a few harmony ideas very quick.

now, i need to make some complaints about the production of this video. benson is a master musician, not an instructor or video producer. it was hot licks' job to first set the purpose of this video, carefully plan and execute it. although it is always good to see benson, i really didn't get much out of this video either in instructional or general info category. also, the overall sound/mixing of this video is marginal. for example, the guitar sounds thin and is not loud enough--they could've done better job mic'ing/mixing his guitar.

if you're a casual fan of benson, or a guitar student wanting to get some practical advice or guitar instruction, you can safely avoid this one."

Benson is better than ever

Anders Jonasson | Bankeryd Sweden | 08/23/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD was recorded 2005 at Bensons home in a very relaxed atmosphere..and I agree with the othere reviewers..it is not a pure instructional DVD. Benson plays whatever comes up in his mind there is no real " agenda" that he follows....but it does not matter at all....to me it is x mas time just sitting watching this legend play..he can do anything on the guitar.
I know that there is some guys out there that are on equal level to Benson technically,,but I doubt that there is anyone that can play the guitar at this level with that GROOVE he has..it is just stunning.
As I am jazzguitarist myself my first thought was to just hang up the guitar and stop playing....but best thing is of course to let Benson inspire you .... anyway,,it will take some time before another player of Benson caliber will appear again"

An excellent DVD, but not standard instructional

musico | Vancouver, BC | 05/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What George talks about, and shows, is how to find sounds. There are no licks to copy, no scales to run, but it's excellent in showing how a musician finds sounds. The rest is up to you. And George is a hell of a nice guy and loves the guitar, and music, and that comes shining out. This will not teach you how to play, but will get you thinking. For intermediate++ players and Benson fans in general."