As the Martin Smith Band moves closer to being a going concern, with the news that our line-up is  now complete, we continue this series of tributes to the great bands and artists from whom we derive our inspiration.

George Benson was undoubtedly one of the first guitarists to really grab my attention and inspire me to become a better player. Also, let’s face it, he’s no mean vocalist either!  His trademark of scat vocals in unison with his instrumental lines adds an exciting dimension to his sound. I have yet to hear a better exponent.

Because he is both instrumentalist and singer and has moved effortlessly across genres (jazz, soul, funk, ballads etc) I think his contribution to the world of music is sometimes under-appreciated.  To me, he is simply one of the all-time great guitarists.

Here he is performing On Broadway at Montreux.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmenumjA6k8&w=560&h=315]