Live Review: George Benson bewitches the Royal Albert Hall
George Benson live in London photos © by Oscar Tornincasa http://photoblog.oskaro.it for www.rebelrebelmusic.com
Score: 8/10
When a legend like George Benson takes the stage at a legendary venue as the Royal Albert Hall only magic can happen. The 10 time Grammy Awards winner American star presented the London audience with a show that delivered fun, great musicianship and romantic moments in pure Benson style.
The opening act, The Voice of USA winner Jermaine Paul,was just the right choice and the proof that not all those who come out of “Talent” shows are that bad. Paul is a talented young singer who adds soul and his very own style to his performances in a way that is rarely found in today’s young stars.
By the time Benson was introduced on stage, the venue was completely packed with enthusiasts fans, who could do nothing but turn the Royal Albert Hall into a rock ‘n roll venue. The irresistible groove of Benson’s tunes hypnotised the public to dance and hands clapping for practically the whole duration of the show, which, song after song, got better and better. Such a famed romantic ballads a writer he is, when the time came for “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You” the venue was turned into a Valentine’s Day ballroom by tens of couples who shared a special slow dance they’ll probably never forget.
The peak of the night came when Benson told the story of a young girl who one day met him in New York City and told him that once grown up she would have recorded her own version of his “The Great Love Of All”… that girl went by the name of Whitney Houston. It was a moving moment that he dedicated to Houston by singing his original version of the song – possibly one of the greatest pop ballads ever composed – in what might be considered the best live rendition ever possible, even though Bensons’ voice could be hardly heard because of the public chanting to it loudly. Just as it happened during the triumphant “Give Me The Night”, when the American legend showed off guitar riffs that literally blew the Hall up, driving the crowd – among them Incognito’s Bluey and Jazz Singer Omar – as crazy as they could and even more.
A show by George Benson is one of the best ways to escape reality, forget about every-day routine and immerse into two hours of pure music opulence.
