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

[@ЕвгенийКрейнес-о8н]

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.

[@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! 😱😱💥👊

[@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!

[@bgrierofficial]

Two of my favorite players together - what a treat

[@aptelbruno8316]

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

[@artistdonnbear]

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

[@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.

[@jasmoism]

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

[@kaveh1983361]

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

[@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.

[@dianacrow7509]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@Johnnymagnet92]

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.

[@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.

[@ishta]

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

[@istvandejesus]

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

[@AnupWee]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@K.Straughan]

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

[@gerryquint]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@Xen8]

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

[@krazzyk848]

Love to hear these two play together

[@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.

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

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

[@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.

[@RedKingOfBlues]

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

[@mikestevens5512]

George Benson maybe the single greatest Guitarist to ever live!

[@MusicVisualsFlow]

This song touches me deep. Very beautiful piano. ♣

[@TimeaAdministrare]

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

[@raysubsonic]

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

[@gorz859]

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

[@bensherman8976]

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

[@guitarman6742]

"Underrated?" You don't know Jack.

[@katies3839]

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

[@Marcus538]

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

[@samkirby5070]

They're both amazing

[@jarrallh4181]

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

[@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😄

[@Bghse]

Thanks for this.... archive for sure

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@allanbahati1942]

I love this interview, amazing discussion.

[@tonyaguirre8316]

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

[@theREALbigbluesfan]

I got goosebumps watching this!!

[@palomatuska7134]

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

[@jazzisification]

These guys are talking in generalities. They are pros and we are lucky to get to hear them sharing their feelings and experiences. What makes people judge?

[@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?"

[@Petestanton]

George Benson... phenomenon

[@rifftipton7709]

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

[@narvul]

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

[@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.

[@m.x.2442]

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

[@jor_dasan1810]

Bit addictive, yes

[@Prossdog]

What a cool and unexpected combo!

[@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.

[@revisionist3824]

A legend and a coming legend.

[@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!!

[@BrandOdyssey]

George is an amazing player.

[@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.)

[@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.

[@jacklane6912]

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

[@magmony]

Very cool!

[@rks4011]

Very, very cool.

[@brandyf1932]

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

[@buddyollie180]

why do people hate Joe bonamassa so much? people say he's not original. Clapton in the 60 s wasn't playing all original material, but people like him.

[@doodleedledoo]

When Clapton was new, people didn't have this platform to comment essentially anonymously but I'm sure there was plenty of jealousy around him too, and that's what this is basically; resentment and jealousy. Other musicians of various degrees of proficiency gossiping and pontificating, just the way they would have done in the pub about Clapton back in the day.

[@deldia]

It’s not the originality, it’s the fact that he’s very confident and perceived to be a bit arrogant. I like how he mixes the traditional to the more modern techniques.

[@076657]

Buddy Ollie i guess morons do, yes. The fact that theres more morons like you does not make you less of a moron. Joe plays music for teenagers, even he says it "adult chords".

[@DucksDeLucks]

Two really good guys!

[@yadakattack]

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

[@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.

[@lksthoughts6837]

0:52 GB's words are just magnificent.

[@BIGMANTV1MUSIC]

VERY GOOD STUFF!

[@MrBelu91]

Very nice!

[@RobertJones-et7gh]

George is so cool.

[@MRVC_83]

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

[@housseineelhamidi1586]

The Jimi Hendrix Experience WooooooW

[@MAP448]

I wish we could see the whole conversation between these guys.

[@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.

[@123must]

Very interesting ! Thanks a lot

[@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

[@farleygranger]

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

[@BIBBBO]

This was AWSOME love this :-)

[@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.

[@chuckHart70]

Everyone saying they wouldnt touch their guitar or whatever below arent guitarists. Not everyone can be GB or JB, but doesnt mean we cant jam with them, and it doesnt mean they wouldn't like it either. Guitarists/musicians the best ones from my experience always welcome new musicians no matter the level. Also I have played with people much better than me who asked "what was that you did... over the 4." I thought they were joking but it was something they hadnt done so they were interested. Translation....we all learn from each other.

[@pseke7613]

If somebody told me "bring a guitar! we're going to meet GB" I would literally piss myself xD

[@marleysheredder]

2:09 - Talks about BB.King 2:11 - Actually sounds like BB.King

[@sizwendlanzi8181]

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

[@irena7777777]

I find it hard to believe that I'm the first person to mention Frankie Goes to Hollywood in the comments section of this video.

[@YaoEspirito]

Great comment, Fredo! Thanks.

[@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

[@ValoPhoto]

Gotta have the melody! Yessir!

[@arkdottie]

That was cool

[@GuitarBluesHury]

'Everything begins with one'