Joe Bonamassa and George Benson Jazz and Blues Common Threads

We caught up with American blues rock guitarist and singer, Joe Bonamassa and ten-time Grammy Award-winning musician and jazz guitarist, George Benson at the Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, AZ for this tremendeously rare and candid conversation about their respective influences and the common thread between jazz and blues.

[@DrBlues76]

George Benson, what a gentlemen and humble guy. THE musicians musician.

[@tomjones2348]

That's because George paid his dues....bigtime.

[@adaptiveagile]

Benson has to be one of the best players I've ever heard. He blows my mind.

[@Caaarrl94]

bonamssa looking more and more like a tarantino character every day

[@user-mw5xv5ck2i]

For me more like agent Smith

[@WickBeavers]

seriously yellowing' green socks on them florsheims, right!

[@ryan-zq4el]

He also tries to be cooler these days and says cuss words lol back in the day was real goody boy. Amazing what the ego and $ will do to someone lol. Good player. But total narcissist

[@r1fftastic]

"Well you know, everything begins with 1." Truer words have never been spoken.

[@boriscellar]

George Benson: 'Everything begins with one'

[@Strings-jg2to]

Which is the root note. The tonic.

[@kaveh1983361]

When benson mentioned that he actually met T bone walker joe just shit his pants.

[@hideakipage8151]

Blues is a minimalist art form. What it lacks in complexity it makes up for in depth.

[@WickBeavers]

If something's deep it isn't minimalist is it?

[@rishihariharan5895]

@@WickBeavers Perhaps you’re confusing minimalistic with simple.

[@mononoaware1960]

Well put, completely agree. I love both equally!

[@johnwattdotca]

Mr. George Benson took me backstage in 1970 to help me decide about playing left or right handed, after I bought a Stratocaster and Marshall with effects. We traded his 1955 Gibson L5 and had a great time. We spent twenty minutes in his dressing room and I'll never lose the inspiration he gave me.

[@williamupshaw1990]

I met him twice, first by accident.. walking into Mannys in NY, spent apt 15-20 min. talking with him... then years later, my then girlfriend took me to a Benson concert..in London

[@billyarsenault1970]

I don't even know the name of a single Bonnamassa song- but I have seen him play enough to know that he certainly does not suck. That man can without a doubt play guitar at the highest professional level.

[@MrRFasters]

LMAO: daring to put "Bonamassa" and "does not suck" in one sentence. Your true last name must be Clapton, King, Hendrix, Moore, Page, Satriani, Santana, Segovia, Halen, May, Gilmour or Vaughan to come away with that!

[@artistdonnbear]

I appreciate that Joe has a lot of respect for jazz.

[@phillc]

GB is a LEGEND! No basis for comparison! I've met GB twice off the stage at a mutual friend and on a plane. Genuinely humble guy and very likable. No ego or hangup. He has nothing to prove and he's seen it all.

[@thomasowens5824]

I met him before the show, he is so kind, funny and a true gentleman....he will always be one of my hero's.

[@GTRalso]

I’ve heard this about him as well. A true gentleman!!

[@michaelcarlotto7667]

i studied with george and pat matino ---2 of the best---players-teachers and people!

[@phillc]

Wow! 2 legends! You must be a monster!👾🎸 RIP Pat Martino 🙏

[@phillc]

@@michaelcarlotto7667 Yep! I was right. You're beastly on that Axe man! Sheesh!! New fan! 😱😱💥👊

[@adambayer6207]

Why is the entire comment section talking about George Benson and Joe Bonamassa as if they're going to fight? "George Benson got so much more this and that than JB" "JB is so much faster than". People with this kind of a mentality fail to understand the very premise of a song and musicianship. A song is the team work of various different musical elements coming together to work in harmony. If George and Joe made a song together they would both put heart, sweat, soul and tears into giving the song the best they can offer. A real musician sacrifices themselves for the song.

[@pallhe]

Exactly. It's not the Olympics of guitar one-upmanship. Just two very different but related musicians shootin' the breeze.

[@gorz859]

I love how Benson didn't even play a single note

[@TheSoundOfTheWorld]

"If you can't sell me the melody, the rest of it has no meaning. I won't remember the song."

[@wavetech_]

Many of the newer jazz players should take note of that. Too bothered with reharmonizing, 12 tone etc. Crazy chords and voice leading that....leads to nothing. You can wow someone, sure; but there's nothing memorable there

[@istvandejesus]

Geroge Benson is such a smooth character. Ohh and a beast playing jazz guitar.

[@dianacrow7509]

Realism is priceless, genuine humans are irreplaceable! Thank you for being you...thank George also.

[@DucksDeLucks]

I'm Joe Bonamassa - and I'm George Benson and we're here to PUMP YOU UP!

[@margaretbonnette678]

+DucksDeLucks LOL!!!!

[@DucksDeLucks]

+Margaret Bonnette Glad you remembered!

[@jor_dasan1810]

A bit underrated term. Blow you away, better

[@guitarman6742]

If I was sitting next to George Benson...I would not touch the guitar.

[@JFK1180]

Smart move. I would leave the guitar at home, in the basemen,-down in the bombshelter in the case with a big chain on it!

[@YaoEspirito]

True. Hand him the guitar, get an autograph, shut up and listen, go home. And I'm a fan of Joe.

[@conartist267]

Absolutely. Yet he would try help you n me. What I’d do for a lesson from George.

[@sergiyradonezhsky634]

@@JFK1180 haha I just imagined like a guy running down their basement and locking up their guitar as I read your comment lols... felt like an old cartoon.

[@JFK1180]

@@sergiyradonezhsky634 Ha ha. That was the idea😄

[@jasmoism]

George Benson....he is so down to earth and great human being. Thanks for this🙏

[@jessebarrera159]

Both of these guys are incredible musicians and vocalist and have inspired many musicians young as well as old, I am a big fan of both.

[@mikestevens5512]

George Benson maybe the single greatest Guitarist to ever live!

[@bgrierofficial]

Two of my favorite players together - what a treat

[@awesomekaratedude]

The one thing that makes me feel slightly better after hearing Joe Bonomassa play guitar and stops me from giving up is knowing I can play jazz

[@Uptown59]

If you ever read this George and Joe, I appreciate this. It is great that you two recorded and let us see the two of you talking. Thank you.

[@hahmmo]

George benson is so intimidating... even SRV or Hendrix would look like a novice next to him...

[@manuelfraiman5534]

I know people who met george benson, and he was such an easy going and respectful person...

[@doordashh]

benson is a living legend

[@emptyarms6113]

haha

[@chill2363]

I beg too differ....I've heard srv and jimi do licks george is never simulated they are of there own caliber no disrespect to George they have all played there part in the innovation of guitar and how it's played respect too all of them.

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

So much talent right there. Great chemistry btw these two!

[@MartaIlker]

This song touches me deep. Very beautiful piano. ♣

[@aptelbruno8316]

Thank you for appearing !! we love you !! you are great !!

[@krazzyk848]

Love to hear these two play together

[@Bghse]

Thanks for this.... archive for sure

[@zemog630]

I like how Joe is so enthusiastic about guitar playing and has no attitude at all. He can totally be a stuck up guitar hero if he wanted. I also like how open and honest his about sharing what he knows and doesn't know. Hats off to Joe Bonamassa!

[@OneBiteoftheCherry]

My main blues/guitar inspiration since my early guitar days

[@bruggmanbrandon5272]

Dude the guy is a egotistical asshole

[@qgarrett2509]

Guitar Drill Sergeant whatever. he is a huge fucking prick.

[@qgarrett2509]

Panic42000 yeah I have lol even his fans are dicks. Usually upper middle class white dudes that listen to blues cause they can't get drunk with their high school friends anymore.

[@Panic42000]

Q Garrett I never said I was a fan of his music. It’s just always funny when an asshole living in his moms basement talks shit about someone else.

[@samkirby5070]

They're both amazing

[@Petestanton]

George Benson... phenomenon

[@TimNelson]

Like the rest of you, I've been following the subject for nearly half century now. For my money, Benson is the most influential guitarist that I've ever had the good fortune to listen to. For me, he changed everything. His chops are absolutely monster.

[@allanbahati1942]

I love this interview, amazing discussion.

[@ishta]

Okay now Joe, you are a humble and respectful man. I was not expecting that. RESPECT goes a long way

[@theREALbigbluesfan]

I got goosebumps watching this!!

[@Xen8]

Benson and Bonamassa... Guys looks like we've got too much awesomeness under one roof

[@TimeaAdministrare]

♫ ♫This song touches me deep. Very beautiful piano. ♫ ♫

[@AnupWee]

Bonamassa throws it at you straightaway, Benson breaks it to point by point and illustrate perfectly. Another reason to love George Benson ❤

[@Liquidhun]

The confidence when you start to play when george benson starts to talk...we love you Joe :) (2:50)

[@pallhe]

Exactly. I wouldn't have done that in a million years, despite being a great noodler myself. But that's just Joe. I don't think he means anything by it.

[@LeroyKinkade]

Just Gimme The Night! Anyone who wrote and recorded that song is a Genius.

[@boreed5734]

I would love to sit and talk to Benson, what a man!! Benson's extensive knowledge and experience is overwhelming for the average guy. Joe is an accomplished musician in his own right. These are 2 unlikely characters chatting about music, no matter what, both have contributed mightily to the music industry in their respective fields.

[@garyguitar]

While Joe is a fantastic blues player, George is a walking, talking, so badass jazz guitar legend. George is the whole package...incredible singer and player. Joe is no dummy...he knows who he's sitting next to. (I too, wouldn't touch a guitar or noodle in the presence of GB...probably just nerves.)

[@DaveDexterMusic]

George always struck me as an incredibly gentle, self-effacing player - if there's anybody I'd be happy to noodle in the presence of, it's him.

[@garyguitar]

***** I agree really, I probably would after all play with him after being awestruck. Been a fan of GB since he was 23 and I was 20. I've been playing in bands for almost 55 years and have taught guitar in college. Seen both live several times...both incredible players and humble.

[@Dang...]

Joe is a great ROCK gtrst-not blues. His music is blues-based ROCK. I'm not criticizing, him nor his music. BTW I recently enjoyed his concert at the Beacon thoroughly. He and his band are consummate pros. Kick-ass rock 'n roll. But, it's not blues. Go hear them; they'll knock your sox off.

[@billvill61]

LOL, I thought the same thing. I think Joe is a bit ADHD.

[@tomjones2348]

I saw George open his show about 12 years ago.....with just a microphone. And he was F'n amazing.

[@m.x.2442]

I think this is the third time i've watched this...haha 👍

[@jor_dasan1810]

Bit addictive, yes

[@gerryquint]

Lucky enough to hear and see each play at Detroit's FOX theatre, about 30 years apart.. Nicely done interview. Thanks

[@jrbr549]

Is it just me or does Joe Bonamassa's voice sound just like John C. Reilly? I expected him to ask George "Did we just become best friends?"

[@stuartlimbrick4187]

For the likes of us who are astounded at rhythm, and chord change learning in the history of great music, the level of these talents is near spiritual dimension for us!

[@shoominati23]

Listened to Lester Young at a young age because my parents used to play him, and that has influenced everything I do musically. I've never heard another band or musician get so much emotion from the one instrument, he was taken from us way too early.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

The melody - yes this is what so many guys who are into 'shredding' do not yet understand - music is all about the melodic line, which is then embroidered, expanded on - you follow the chords NOT the scale/mode these are incidental! Real musicians understand the melodic content of music.

[@faggotsmoker9588]

Michael Gorman and what you apparently don't grasp is that playing slow has nothing to do with being melodic.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

I'm not sure how you arrive at this conclusion, since I do not mention anything at all about tempo being related to melody?

[@chappahx]

Spot on! Because to them, guitar playing is about speed. Music should be emotive, at least the best is.

[@BIBBBO]

This was AWSOME love this :-)

[@j.p.7708]

George said he would never be as good at blues as the Pittsburg cats he was playing with 😵‍💫. WOW, what a humble man!!

[@timholt8369]

Joe, You are one of the best in your school but George is the master of the guitar universe. BB would have told you....he loved George.

[@Youtubemademeaddahandle]

I enjoy having horn players in the band and letting them have the song while I support (comp) and comment (solo) with the guitar (temporarily) and then hand it back.

[@RedKingOfBlues]

Sooo glad Bonamassa feels the same about Jazz, I can't wrap my head around it being a blues guy XD

[@bensherman8976]

Benson is very underrated. I seen him play and he still got it

[@guitarman6742]

"Underrated?" You don't know Jack.

[@narvul]

Nice to hear George Benson mentioning Tal Farlow, a great player...!!

[@rifftipton7709]

Two of my guitar heroes in the same place at the same time.

[@BrandOdyssey]

George is an amazing player.

[@katies3839]

omg, George Benson and Joe Bonamassa together?! AWESOMELY AMAZING!

[@guitarplayntaylor91]

Joe is trying his hardest to be as cool as benson

[@danielradakovic938]

He just won’t be

[@featherinthewind333]

1] he could start by not breathing in the same oxygen as george; 2} stop playing and let george play

[@123must]

Very interesting ! Thanks a lot

[@Prossdog]

What a cool and unexpected combo!

[@revisionist3824]

A legend and a coming legend.

[@palomatuska7134]

Who else was expecting the moment when they finally play something together during the whole video? :))

[@miguelcastano3210]

La historia del jazz es fascinante

[@Marcus538]

great interview "it all starts with one" grown up conversation , with

[@JazzSoul78]

Amateurs???? Dude, George Benson is considered one of the worlds' greatest jazz guitarists. Check out Benson's stuff he did in the 60's and 70's when he was playing straight ahead jazz. I mean all his stuff is genius but his early work is where its at. Benson was even the first guitar player to appear on a Miles davis album aside from playing and appearing with every great jazz musician you can think of. He's was a ton of grammys, awards, ect. The list goes on and on. Benson is THE GREATEST.

[@MRVC_83]

rock and metal both have much to thank the blues for yes indeed . \m/

[@rks4011]

Very, very cool.

[@raysubsonic]

Joe is very candid here, and has nothing but respect for George here.

[@farleygranger]

wow the stairway is painted like piano keys....cool.....George knows his stuff.....

[@BIGMANTV1MUSIC]

VERY GOOD STUFF!

[@DucksDeLucks]

Two really good guys!

[@magmony]

Very cool!

[@rccarsandmusic2641]

Sitting around holding guitars is so exciting, I do the same I have 2 by my bed and one close by in the living room my life again is my guitar, grew my child love her and my wife and the music continues, as a Luther, theorist, and Jazz Blues player.

[@yadakattack]

i learned so much from this video.. i have the same unspoken troubles as joe

[@MrBelu91]

Very nice!

[@jarrallh4181]

A little off topic (sorry) but ABSOLUTELY LOVE the keyboard staircase in the background!!!

[@WilRockQ]

I like Joe a lot, but it would have been good if he didn't play when George was talking. One thing that's very hard to learn, but you eventually learn it (if you're wise) when you get older is to shut up, listen to and watch experienced players. Now George is off the charts the greatest jazz player of the last 50 years; what I wouldn't give to sit there and ask him questions. And the comment about what notes to solo over the chords as they move around in jazz - George knew right away that was not the way to approach it. For guys like him, the notes are dictated by the chords- that's the one thing about great jazz players I've come to learn, and I know little about jazz.

[@thagoodosn]

I've found this to be true across many disciplines. You don't have to be smart to learn, you just have to know when to stop talking.

[@jacklane6912]

Two Masters. One has a few years head start, but both great artists.

[@RobertJones-et7gh]

George is so cool.

[@lksthoughts6837]

0:52 GB's words are just magnificent.

[@ValoPhoto]

Gotta have the melody! Yessir!

[@brandyf1932]

I came here to hear them play together, darn it!!

[@tonyaguirre8316]

Benson is the master. His work with Quincy to this day stands the test of time

[@nedley666]

man no matter where i go on the internet people cant resist comparing and ranking whoever and whoever they see against each other. Watch the video again and see if you detect a fierce competitive angst or a mutual respect between these two, and then maybe think about whether or not ranking something as organic and subjective as music is a waste of time or not. it has such an incredible power to cross language and culture like nothing else, yet rather than let it be this awesome force that brings people together, you'd rather divide it up again as soon as it starts.

[@tuxguys]

This is actually quite delightful... These two guys, rhapsodizing about B. B. King and T-Bone Walker. (I now have to give Joe B. a second listen.)

[@ben.g.414]

Joe is better than 90% of the people out there if not more and still he gets slammed for being shit or being a fake wannabe. No wonder there are no real good guitar players coming up in the music scene these days when people can't even give respect to a guitar player like joe. Both legends sat down here.

[@madmaxx4178]

Soul is the excuse for mediocrity

[@KeefsCattys]

I think you're just a jealous guy, and there's no shame in that, I'm jealous of Joe as well, but I don't feel the need to run my mouth with a heap of made up stuff about 'soul' etc.. I'm not a massive fan of all his music, but , there's no getting away from the fact that he's an awesome guitarist@Laverne Johnson

[@arkdottie]

That was cool

[@takfam07]

Bonamassa should have acknowledged and discussed Benson's playing and historical impact. Benson is a hardcore Jazz great, a bestselling R&B/Pop artist, and a major pioneer of Smooth Jazz. He has very few equals. Bonamassa wasn't obnoxious, but he tried to speak as Benson's direct peer, when he is far from it. Had he given proper due to Benson, then his own light would shine more.

[@fartknocker8363]

I saw Joe in Rochester NY....I live down the street to this day,....he was 13, his dad was in the band, I was in shape....That's a long fucking time ago.

[@andrejuliano442]

Man q demais

[@pilgrimMj]

George Benson reminds me of Carl Weathers.

[@cosmicbaggy]

This is the equivalent of the rocky III training montage.

[@sizwendlanzi8181]

Its ok to be nervous, that's BIG GEORGE BENSON, the guitarists favorite guitarist.

[@GuitarBluesHury]

'Everything begins with one'

[@alancosens]

I bet George Benson listening to me play would be like me listening to some Dora the Explorer song, like... "I'm the map... " or something. lol

[@TinoHutabarat1984]

virtuoso!!

[@ManosRK]

DAMN straight!

[@Johngonefishin]

Check out Georges early work with Brother Jack McDuff in the early 60's.

[@mykar52]

Awesome. Also check out "Cookbook." Benson burns.