Beyond The Blue Horizon [Remaster]

ベンソン、CTI第一弾作品。マイルス“So What”のカヴァーは必聴！

Often vilified for masterminding Wes Montgomery's incredibly successful crossover pop albums, and George Benson's subsequent forays into similar territory, Creed Taylor is also responsible for this small-group date from 1971. Unlike, say, 1968's SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME, this isn't just about Benson facing off with an orchestrated studio ensemble. Ron Carter, Jack DeJohnette, organist Clarence Palmer, and percussionists Michael Cameron and Albert Nicholson really groove together, particularly on the Miles Davis "So What?" which starts with an R&B feel before being pushed and pulled in various directions, and the samba "Gentle Rain".
The playing gets pretty adventurous, but the sounds are still pre-fusion, thanks to the choice of Hammond organ and upright bass over Fender Rhodes piano and fretless bass, and the fact that Benson always maintained a Wes Montgomery-inspired tone and attack, even at the height of his "Breezin'" success. The originals are more focused on the guitarist; "All Clear" has bright, poppy vamp that Benson romps all over, "Ode to a Kudu" features his supple chordal melody approach, while "Somewhere in the East" gives the percussionists room to stretch out.|