George Benson - "Affirmation" (live at North Sea Jazz 2008)

George Benson plays "Affirmation" (a composition by Jose Feliciano), live at the North Sea Jazz Festival 2008 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Line-up:
George Benson, Michael O'Neill (guitar, vocals); David Garfield (keyboards, musical director); Thom Hall (keyboards); Stanley Banks (bass); Oscar Seaton (drums).

[@Apcmsmith]

This man has forever changed how we perceive what’s possible on the guitar! A legend, a pure master

[@patstafford8488]

Thank You, Charles !🎉

[@heytheremogwai]

He makes it look so easy. Incredible musician.

[@PanterAmetal100]

It gets easier with practice. Nothing beats practice and persistence.

[@jeremyvanbriesies1940]

This man has been playing guitar for more than 50 years...a true legend of the instrument

[@ivanguatura1193]

For many years I heard this song on the roads while traveling for work....George Benson was my partner in these long journeys

[@denissudario5739]

David Garfield made amazing solo performance! What a masterpiece solo!

[@isseys]

This is an effective positive affirmation , if you keep listening this everyday your life would be happy and successful

[@Digitalpapii]

band is killin, adds so much life to his solo. dynamic.

[@omniyambot9876]

How do you listen to this without basslines? That's understatement.

[@estefdemonaco5929]

?

[@timholt8369]

This man is such a phenomenal guitarist and singer. Thank You God for giving us George Benson! He is the MASTER...our greatest living Jazz guitarist.

[@zoerodriguez2530]

Written by the great singer, guitar player and composser José Feliciano.

[@rbsprods3200]

Thank you, never knew that all these years. Jose is a master composer & singer.

[@Jose_Hunters_EWF_Remixes]

In 1976, George Benson released the album "Breezin'", which featured his outstanding single "This Masquerade, which reach #10 on the pop charts, and for which my performance netted my only victory in a karaoke contest. Also, "Breezin'" is the only album which simultaneously reached the top of the pop charts, _and_ the R&B charts *AND* the jazz charts. I attended a 90 minute concert by Benson in 1994 (I believe) in OKC, and it was absolutely amazing Finally, the video above was recorded in 2008 when Benson was 65 years old

[@lanaharris-davies9722]

I have been in love with George Benson since I was 17 I am now 63 and he still whisks me off to another dimension when I listen to his standout music I have had the pleasure of seeing him in concert 3 times....twice here in NZ. He was a definite must see..must have ...must emulate must of my race Maori...they all jammed his sounds at the pubs and parties....total Legend 🙌

[@BanBiofuels]

*Greatest jazz guitarist in the history of Earth.*

[@fukudagetgoal1978]

Christopher Calder Also as a vocalist!!

[@robertwolf3969]

I would definitely put George up there along with Larry Carlton & Lee Ritenour & Chieli Minucci.

[@boreed5734]

@@robertwolf3969 there are 2 guys that play overseas I discovered that blew me away check them out. Bireli Legrene & Sylvain Luc they are outstanding. They play a lot of stuff together. Bireli can play Benson-Wes Montgomery type stuff plus his own additions but Sylvain Luc don't sound like anyone on the planet his jazz style is very different.

[@cloudperson1887]

With Kenny burrel of course

[@barroningram7286]

i couldn't agree more

[@roberthardin407]

One of my finest concert moments was on a Sunday night September 21, 1980 @ the New Orleans theater. The only one sitting in the front row watching George Benson and his Ibanez guitar. One Pittsburgher enjoying another. He could play his heart out. So smooth. Wish I could go back in time & enjoy it again. Now I am old & wrinkled but have many fond memories. That night was one of the best.

[@alfredw1214]

The guitar was invented for him to play to unimaginable dimensions!

[@renethiel1045]

Mmv l m .

[@mrsushicut]

No

[@terrybarfield9451]

Amazing man he is great

[@abdulrahmanraheem423]

Exactly....he set that Guitar on fire! GOOD lord!

[@LordDarthSoulrak]

George Benson: The greatest guitar Master of the universe!!!

[@aaronsmichael]

George Benson the greatest living guitarist in the history of the world. Hands down. Period.

[@wayneblake544]

I AGREE WHOLE HEARTEDLY!!!

[@josemolina959]

Best Jazz Guitarist yes! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@j3sus715]

there is no best guitarist, each guitarist has there own specialty

[@regalbaby82]

And Eric Gale is great also

[@carterpaul2688]

That’s right

[@880Oliver]

You just have to agree with every comment on this video. Each comment says it EXACTLY like it is. This guy is just fantastic. The 'Breezin' album is with out a doubt George's all-time best!

[@joanpierce5245]

Yes. This is George at his Best!!! Thanks for the memories

[@arturogonzalezluis5051]

I saw him live over 20 times in Paris and Spain. Never tired. Giant on stage.

[@patrickguerriero5425]

The keys solo was masterful.

[@khoapham2764]

I keep coming back to this video! So legendary and it sounds right out of the studio!! If anyone don’t know who this man is, is totally missing out!! Don’t take my word for it! You just have to lend your ear and Feel!! 😎👍👍👍

[@aladdinsmith-bt4qr]

Not actually seeing those strings there backing the legendary genius up has some studio effect

[@droptopsixfo]

I love how the music changes direction and mood so frequently throughout this tune, his guitar really speaks, it's incredible

[@TheEleatic]

I LOVE Benson’s playing, his long fluid melodic lines.

[@andrearepetto3015]

One simple suggestion.. Keep your ears well open because there won't be another George Benson after him.

[@scottmclennan6114]

Yes Andrea, the circumstances that produced so many wonderful jazz, blues and rock and roll stars in the 20th century are gone now and won’t be repeated.

[@arienfox]

That's RIGHT 👍

[@souzaangelo_]

Luckly we have another generation of jazz musicians like Jacob Collier and Adam Neely to maintain this legacy alive. Jazz won't never die!

[@santosl.harper4471]

andrea repetto such doubt in humanity... They said the same about Montgomery...

[@SP-my5gb]

You said it. Stevie Wonder too.

[@irwanbron905]

WORLD CLASS, THANK FOR GEORGE BENSON FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION ON MODERN JAZZ-LIVING LEGEND....

[@jacquelinegarvin4520]

George Benson is the best of the best when it come to playing the guitar and smooth jazz period.

[@beefysmith4211]

I have seen this video about 50 times and still can't get enough of George and his mastery at the guitar. Certainly a master at his craft

[@manuelcano1873]

George Benson one of the Best , an aunthentic super star un the jazz world

[@ramonestana7338]

Those musicians are from another planet

[@paulrhodesquinn]

George is phenomenal. Wonderful solo from David Garfield on the keys too!

[@thomasnodine9188]

Seriously, does anyone have any questions?, this is how it’s done. Bravo George.

[@Ybor-ld6uq]

You have done thousands of solos and rock solid rhythms. One of each gets you to the hall of fame of humanity. One love.

[@ronaldlane1597]

No guitar synths/distortion boxes needed. God given talent and a deep love for what you are doing produces this level of artistry.

[@pdstix78]

This was so CLEAN I swore they were in the studio....

[@kymlawrence6701]

George is a SERIOUS PLAYER!!!

[@karimtebbakh2432]

pdstix78 this is what we should call the PROS of the sound and the instruments balance .....At those days we assist only to the butchers music and sounds

[@robertwierda3719]

Ha, I saw this several times, you have to see it tot believe it.

[@218maryland]

comment of the damn century. thought the same thing. the audio engineer also helped, etc. lol

[@marcoleone393]

@@218maryland I think they helped the engineer this time. They’re so clean.

[@jordanmcmurray847]

He's a magician. An absolute magician. I love George Benson.

[@yopysipa8140]

Benson is the best!!!

[@danielusa998]

yopy Sipa I also really like Bireli Lagrene

[@willbarrow8271]

George was "the Man, fo' $ure, but he also incorporated, borrowed and even Stole like genius performers occasionally do

[@jeffd8597]

George Benson can stand with ANY non-guitarist jazz musician: sax, keyboard, whatever, and play their stuff equally as well. He has the CHOPS! The best ever.

[@shirleyleone799]

My favorite George Benson Song! He kills it on this track!

[@robertwolf3969]

Another Pittsburgh treasure, Mister George Benson, Guitar virtuoso.

[@salahmalik7149]

every player contributed perfectly, listen to the bass line

[@davidn5117]

Saw George perform this number at the Minnesota State Fair....77 or 78...was backed by the string section of the Minneapolis Orchestra. Was total magic. This is one of his best selections!! Way to go George!

[@norbertwild6983]

44 Years ago ... where is the time....

[@carlmanguitar]

Yes, George Benson! His music gets better as time passes, just like good wine!

[@yankeejimmyt]

George Benson, in a class all by himself!! T

[@olgazayas2935]

I love George Benson and his music❤❤❤

[@brandytipene3817]

Total affirmation of the man's talent. Brilliant maestro. 🇳🇿

[@jemaaelfna]

This is magical ,even the other musicians of the band seem totally overwhelmed !!!!!!! This is Beautiful!!!!!! GOD BLESS YOU GEORGE!!!!!

[@user-oe2uv8ym4l]

Sua música é eterna 🤣

[@nickster0717]

This almost sounds better than the original. Benson is the best!

[@guyewing1377]

George Benson is world class!

[@drextercharles2389]

Here from dank pods

[@prntm926]

Our lord and savior

[@rbunpat]

Huh duh six hungoes

[@williamgabriel5112]

By old mate sen

[@Brandon-jf9cv]

AirPods are trash for this

[@alialsalamah9028]

Same here

[@195923plantation]

Legendary performance yet again from the legend ...Mr GEORGE BENSON...oh yes

[@davidericcardodichio596]

Gorgeus Benson... simply nr1❤!

[@tohface123]

This is amazing. Love how all the musicians playing seem to be really digging it.

[@kymlawrence6701]

My friend Stanley Banks (on bass) has been with Mr. Benson for many years! Stanley knows how to work that BASS!!! When you play with a MASTER like Benson his standards are very high. Great keyboard player and drummer.

[@omaleygraham5794]

George Benson brilliant 💯 is out of this world 🌎

[@doobiebro76]

Mr. Benson thank you so very much the world of music will never be the same! Affirmation beautiful!!!!!!! God bless the 70's.

[@JanDurgen]

Mesmerizing talent - Loved the 70s and 80s!!! His concerts were so phenomenal & the highlights of my life. I'd come home with a natural high that would last for weeks. I love AFFIRMATION, especially the original💖

[@enochbrown8178]

What a supremely gifted man! And to think that his music comes from his very soul.

[@musterionsurly]

this whole band is outrageous, absolute killers killing 100%

[@eugenemcgirt]

This song is such a classic... the guitar is outstanding... George Benson did such a great job on this Jose Feliciano tune.

[@andreypolidor1986]

I was 17 in 1997 I found the " breezin" 8 track in the house and at the time I was driving my grandparents Electra 225 that had a player in it and let's just say the rest was history!!! I wore this tune and that whole album out on 8 track, cassette and vinyl

[@kb-ms5rs]

his fingers are doing the running!! and in my 62 Impala he did the Jammin" I loved Cruzin" and Listening to Georgy Play!! Damn I Miss thoses day's but Keep me Dreamin" Thanks for the Video.

[@markusvhane5087]

What’s crazy is how beautiful his singing voice also and a crazy guitar player. 😮

[@Geotubest]

Benson is a living legend.

[@chelabuford7106]

God given gift on top of mastering his gift through the disciplined honing of his talent = PURE MAGNIFIGANCE!!!!!!!!💯💜 Just amazing!!!!!!!!👏👏👏

[@royrogers3404]

When a man puts his heart and soul into his music.. this is the result.

[@tm502010]

The definition of SMOOTH! 😍

[@joshuamarks1129]

This performance has a lot of standout moments: regardless of all the beautiful melodies he weaves throughout, he can make anything sound musically spectacular because his dynamic rhythmic punctuation is so strong: check out this closing gem closely at 5:58

[@patstafford8488]

You are So Right !

[@michaelvaughn9020]

So exceptional and phenomenally talented. Jehovah blessed him with immeasurable musical talent. Guitarist extraordinaire.

[@doolybugz]

I hope to meet and play alongside him in the new world...Agape

[@blitzmc9930]

🎸🎸GEORGES🙏👏

[@stantomas]

when the band keeps looking around thinking...this is magical we hope it never stops....

[@peter6486]

Love George Benson . His music is timeless

They are not goofin' around here... Man, this is badass.

[@tonybrophy9615]

Great version of this tune....have seen George Benson many times at the Hollywood Bowl. This band is Kick Ass and David Garfield.....Jaw Dropping!!!!!

[@user-ft8ry1lu3c]

Mezmerinzing !!! George Benson is one of the best Guitarist..... wooowww !!! love this song 💕💕💕💕🎸🎸🎸🎸🎶🎶🎶🎼🎼🎼🎼

[@ceddyced35]

This is one of the greatest guitarist of all time all hail King George Benson. Just to see this video is a sheer delight.

[@waynespeirs1024]

What I love about George is that he can sing as well as he can play and man can he play!! Wayne

[@henk-janswartjens7340]

George Benson is definitely one of the best guitar artists ever. Damn! he is sooooo good.

[@kamelattit8110]

I saw him Live concert many times in Paris and London. A fantastic musician and singer. A fantastic track. Respect Mr Benson

[@gaspo2180]

As a drummer everytime I hear George I just want to get up and PLAY along. INFECTIOUS !!

[@andrewmaritz7942]

When serious artists only have time to look at their instrument you know they are busy at their craft.

[@foun10head]

So true!

[@bscnyc9948]

I blv so.. But busy people always have time for everything......!!! Anyways. My Love always have time for me...happy and thankful... 👪💯🍌💋 ..

[@bscnyc9948]

The "culprit" I know.... He's really busy monitoring

[@bscnyc9948]

Busy T their craft..... Like...!!?? 🤔🤔🤔

[@bscnyc9948]

Love put off phon for a while... Adios!!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!! Whoooooaaaaa!!! Hahah! 👪🍌💋💯😜

[@janglanzman320]

The one and only George Benson!!

[@jazz1bro]

The drummer is absolutely responsible for the updated feel of this classic tune. I hear why he is in the band.Of course Gb wakes some folks up to the genius of the real innovators in jazz. he is one of them. Feel ,tone, and usually changing phrasing/ideas.He is a major innovator on the axe.

[@neorotulo]

Impresionante David Garfield. Sin palabras.

[@ronbarton9412]

I LOVE ME SOME GEORGE BENSON OVER 40 YEARS!! THANK YOU!!

[@ligayacabrera1498]

I love George Benson’s ..

[@zyzygydarklock]

Whenever somebody asks me who is my favorite jazz artist, it's hard to select just one, but I've said George Benson more times than not. His collective body of work and overall skill set makes it hard to find someone more singular.

[@davidprone3480]

His music has me FLY'N.............though with feet still on the ground. Up-lifting , melodic, with exceptional phrasing.

[@nathanieltsebisho9545]

even 2021 we still respect George, honor u as great King guitarist.

[@Sunshinepati]

2024 ✨

[@efe_jazz2752]

noone goes deeper than this. pure tone no distortion deception

[@gusspacedisco5677]

No words to describe this amazing performance, great classic from José Feliciano and the master hands from Mr Benson, a blessing to my ears, what a Masterpiece!!!!!!

[@UrsRiggenbach]

Love this masterpiece ❤, so much soul in this guitarplaying

[@user-dy5ii5je5c]

Magistral guitar Sir Benson

[@irenekent4335]

Oh he really is so talented joy to watch

[@elvisreti9021]

The master of guitar magic

[@leclaireguy263]

absolutely fabulous, love you Mr GB, THANKS

[@jackmeoff9116]

The King of Smooth Jazz Guitar!! OO0G!!

[@TheAlbiCollier]

Every time George plays I have a moment where I just cant comprehend what hes doing... Its awesome cause I know my theory but his note selection is just so far beyond theory its amazing...

[@JJDPROMEDIAPRODUCTION]

Join the club my friend..!! :) .

[@jrockon7150]

Agreed - even people who teach his licks aren't usually able to actually do everything he's doing. That's why he's a prodigy and a genius. He just 'hears' the rhythm and shapes his sound accordingly. One of a kind, unfortunately...

[@bryanleigh6497]

His note selection is shaped by groove with a unique intensity. Often he does melodic, diatonic, or blues based stuff. But so funky, so rhythmically energised, only he can do it. Bassists virtually dance on the spot behind Benson. They love him!

[@OS-yg9fr]

just play the f sharp on the j chord and you can be good too.. he is only human ..play b too

[@deacontheseer4804]

He is supremely gifted with soul.

[@conjigalo]

Great drummer.

[@user-je2lc1vj9y]

Amazing man 😊I was 14 when I first saw him in concert in Riverside CA. I am now 62, and still love his music!!

[@jemaaelfna]

Definitely Another Musical dimension !!!!

[@RogerSmith-yf5ce]

You couldn't move in '76 without hearing this somewhere!

[@Super20011988]

Love George Benson's music since always.... Master

[@lamerimedhem5743]

mister Benson big kisses from Algeria you are very very top !!!!!!!

[@missmochashake]

George Benson at the age 70 your a genius! and the Greatest! The Greatest in guitar. Thanks for sharing. A fan always.

[@ricardohaikal4025]

Apoteose do jazz! Sensacional George benson forever