Jazz
For George Benson's second CTI project, producer Creed Taylor and arranger Don Sebesky successfully place the guitarist in a Spanish-flavored setting full of flamenco flourishes, brass fanfares, moody woodwinds and such. The idea works best on "California Dreamin'" (whose chords are based on Andalusian harmonies), where, driven by Jay Berliner's exciting Spanish rhythm guitar, Benson comes through with some terrifically inspired playing. On "El Mar," Berliner is replaced by Benson's protégé Earl Klugh (then only 17) in an inauspicious -- though at the time, widely-heralded -- recorded debut. The title track is another winner, marred only by the out-of-tune brasses at the close, and in a good example of the CTI classical/jazz formula at work, Heitor Villa-Lobos' "Little Train of the Caipira" is given an attractive early-'70s facelift. Herbie Hancock gets plenty of nimble solo space on Rhodes electric piano, Airto Moreira contributes percussion and atmospheric wordless vocals, and Ron Carter and Billy Cobham complete the high-energy rhythm section. In this prime sample of the CTI idiom, everyone wins. ~ Richard S. Ginell
Recorded in three days in 1971, this CTI recording has been lauded as one of George Benson's best releases. A stellar cast of musicians--all in their best form--are featured on WHITE RABBIT, including Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Billy Cobham, Hubert Laws, and Benson's then-young protege, Earl Klugh. Arranger Don Sebesky creates some of the most creative twists on the popular songs of the time such as "White Rabbit" and "California Dreamin," as well as on Hector Villa-Lobos' "Little Train."
The recording has a Spanish flavor throughout, as well as a mysterious, psychedelic tinge reminiscent of the time it was recorded. The players put forth the kind of energy that is rarely found in recordings. Benson's guitar playing here is the stuff that has made him famous.
From CD Universe.
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George Benson- (Guitar);
Airto Moreira- (Vocals, Percussion);
John Frosk, Alan Rubin- (Trumpet, Flugelhorn);
Jim Buffington- (French Horn);
Wayne Andre- (Trombone, Baritone Horn);
George Marge- (Flute, Alto Flute, clarinet, oboe, English Horn);
Phil Bodner- (Flute, Alto Flute, Oboe, Baritone Horn);
Hubert Laws- (Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo);
Romeo Penque- (Alto Flute, clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Oboe, English Horn);
Jane Taylor- (Bassoon);
Gloria Agostino- (Harp);
Herbie Hancock- (Electric Piano);
Phil Kraus- (vibraphone, Percussion);
Jay Berliner, Earl Klugh- (Acoustic Guitar);
Ron Carter- (Bass);
Billy Cobham- (Drums).
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A1. White Rabbit 6:55
A2. Theme From Summer Of '42 5:00
A3. Little Train 5:40
B1. California Dreaming 7:15
B2. El Mar 11:00
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