Masquerade

AMG Review of Masquerade

Andrew Hamilton
All Music Guide

George Benson displays virtuosity on guitar and vocals on four powerful raditional jazz tracks. The CD kicks off with a compelling version of "Love for Sale," a straight jazz dynamo featuring long solos and a torrid tempo. A laid-back rendition of "The Masquerade Is Over" (not to be confused with his later pop hit "This Masquerade") features, as the other three songs do, a long, tantalizing guitar solo from Benson. "There Will Never Be Another You" is a ferocious swing piece propelled by Benson's lightning-fast fingering. "All Blues" closes the CD on a dark, moody note; its highlights are a fluid standup bass player and a slow-rolling tempo punctuated by sharp drum kicks and timely snare and brush play. Purists who dismissed Benson's commercial recordings will find a place in their CD cabinet for this masterpiece. No frills, just fiery jazz at its best. Originally released in 1973.