 George Benson |
 Al Jarreau |
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Story and photos by Andy Argyrakis The pairing of George Benson and Al Jarreau made sense for several reasons, including the fact that both artists have constantly straddled the line between vintage jazz and soulful dusties, along with their ability to survive the 1960s and achieve longevity. But the best motive for promoters to pair the two revolves around a forthcoming collaborative record entitled Givin' It Up (Concord), which finds the pair covering their favorite songs from all genres within smooth and silky toe-tapping confines. Though this summer may have been a bit early to promote the October 24 release, it did give the co-headliners an excuse to perform with one another several times throughout each of their individual sets.After an instrumental introduction by the touring band that featured snippets of each act's greatest hits, the twosome popped out to Jarreau singing and Benson strumming the guitar to "Breezin.'" The tune's sultry tone matched perfectly with Charter One Pavilion's stunning skyline view and the audience was dancing from the onset with the ever so slightest wind keeping the atmosphere cool.  However neither performer
(particular Benson) needed help from any of the
elements as they embarked on a classy evening of
classics that soon segued into a solo set by Jarreau.The Milwaukee native kept the crowd on its toes by performing updated renditions of his mega-hits "After All" and "We're In This Love Together," often coaxing concertgoers to join him on the memorable choruses. On a positive note, this helped break down the walls between the singer and those he was serenading, but it was clear he needed the extra choir to help him hit the high notes. Since Jarreau is getting up their in age, he didn't connect with the same degree of precision from the original recordings on such ballads, though his register wasn't affected come the more upbeat numbers. He frequently scatted and chatted with his husky pipes and made the ladies swoon with an onslaught of romantic lyrics. Though sometimes his improvisations appeared tedious and without direction, he avoided a rote presentation and seemed to genuinely enjoy the experience. Any of Jarreau's missteps were quickly brushed aside come Benson's somewhat short but delectably sweet hour, which included the early groove building of "This Masquerade" and the snappy "Turn Your Love Around." Jarreau returned to the spotlight for another tag team segment from the upcoming album, featuring cuts from songbooks as diverse as Miles Davis and Seals & Crofts. Yet it was Benson's crystal clear croons throughout his own "Kisses In the Moonlight" and L.T.D.'s "Love Ballad" that truly resonated with beauty. He then mesmerized with lightening speed on the guitar come the galloping "Give Me the Night," which appropriately paved the way for the furious finger fury of "On Broadway." That track has been a frequent finale for the legend over the years and worked with its sleek charm and jubilant rhythms, capping off an already colorful, artistically abundant evening. |
 Al Jarreau |
 George Benson |
 Al Jarreau |
 Al Jarreau |
 George Benson |