(October 23, 2020) It’s been 30 years since legendary singer and guitarist George Benson issued a live album, but on November 13 he returns with the highly anticipated Weekend In London. It’s a sort-of sequel to his groundbreaking Weekend In LA album, which remains on my heavy rotation list more than four decades after its release.
The new album, recorded in 2019 at London’s intimate 250-seat Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, features a healthy mix of vocal and instrumental numbers, as well as both hits and album cuts (see full playlist below). It is designed to take listeners into the feel of this iconic club for this performance, with Benson and his band sounding both great and immediate.
Producer Kevin Shirley says, “We captured a lot of the atmosphere on ‘Weekend In London.’ It was very crowded, like it always is at Ronnie Scott’s, no matter who’s there. We were almost touching as we were playing, people all up on the bandstand. But I’m always happy to be in those surroundings. A lot of big Benson fans were there – and some of the screaming ladies. It was a fantastic night.”
Benson has been teasing with singles from the upcoming album, and now comes the final single, an energetic take on his monster hit “Turn Your Love Around.” Check it out below and tell us what you think.
By Chris Rizik
George Benson
“Turn Your Love Around (Live)”