The success of
Weekend in L.A. no doubt prompted producer
Tommy LiPuma and Warner Bros. to give
George Benson another double album (now on one CD) -- and this, like its three Warner predecessors, also went Top Ten. It is also, alas, slicker, more romantic in mood, and more bound by perceptions of formula than the others, fussed over in three different studios in earnest search of another hit single (the dance-tempo cover of
L.T.D.'s "Love Ballad"). Most of the touring band, including
Ronnie Foster,
Ralph MacDonald and
Phil Upchurch, is back, and
Claus Ogerman's soft symphonic touch provides most of the backdrops, with
Mike Mainieri supplying the orchestra on three tracks. Even at this point, the great guitarist is still given much room to burn -- the balance between instrumentals and vocals remains close -- and
Benson comes up with some tasty stuff when the rhythm section pushes him on "Nassau Day" and "You're Never Too Far from Me." Ultimately there is just enough jazz content amid the velvet soul to keep guitar buffs interested. ~ Richard S. Ginell