Givin' It Up finds crossover jazz icons guitarist
George Benson and vocalist
Al Jarreau teaming up for a breezy, enjoyably melodic session that highlights both artists' long careers. Technically a duo album, it is
Benson's first since signing with Concord Records. As such, it works as a nice reintroduction to both artists and even finds them reworking the
Bobby Womack classic "Breezin'," which
Benson originally covered on his 1976 album of the same name. Here listeners get
Jarreau adding lyrics and vocals on a version that really evokes the classic '70s jazz-meets-R&B sound that was an original hallmark of smooth jazz. In that sense, Givin' It Up is a true joy for fans of that more organic, song-oriented approach to crossover music, with
Benson and
Jarreau digging in to such great songs as
Seals & Crofts' "Summer Breeze,"
John Legend's "Ordinary People," and
Darryl Hall's "Every Time You Go Away." Also adding some unexpected fun and celebrity sheen to the proceedings is an impromptu appearance by
Paul McCartney, who joins in on
Sam Cooke's gospel-inflected "Bring It on Home to Me." Throw in appearances by trumpeter
Chris Botti, vocalist
Patti Austin, pianist
Herbie Hancock, and bassist
Marcus Miller and
Stanley Clarke, and Givin' It Up proves music is always fun with a little help from your friends. ~ Matt Collar