George Benson and Al Jarreau: “Givin’ It Up”
Have you heard? The kings of cool are coming to town! Grammy- Award winning superstars George Benson and Al Jarreau will give three unique, once-in-a-lifetime concert performances, together in SA in March! They will be performing in Johannesburg at the Coca Cola Dome, Durban at the International Convention Centre, Cape Town at the Bellville Veladrome, and they will also perform at an exclusive private concert as part of the official opening ceremony of the Arena at the International Convention Centre, Durban.
While enjoying the world-wide success of “Givin’ It Up”, their first full length CD collaboration together, (released on 24 October 2006), George Benson and Al Jarreau recently began a worldwide promotional tour, performing only in a few selected countries, including South Africa. Local audiences have the rare opportunity and privilege to see two of the world’s finest artists on stage together, accompanied by the Benson/ Jarreau touring musicians.
Throughout his career George Benson has embraced everything from straight-ahead jazz to contemporary jazz and R&B/ pop vocals. He is one of a handful of artists who have achieved major critical and commercial success in different genres and this pedigree makes him one of the most respected performers of the past 30 years. Al Jarreau’s unique vocal style and his innovative musical expressions have made him one of the most exciting and critically acclaimed performers of our time.
Between them, George Benson and Al Jarreau have sold over 50 million records, had 20 number one hits and won 13 Grammy Awards across pop, jazz and R&B categories. “Givin’ It Up”, the new release teaming singer/guitarist/songwriter George Benson with vocalist extraordinaire/songwriter Al Jarreau marks the first time the two artists have recorded together in their 30-year friendship. The Benson and Jarreau collaboration resulted in new arrangements of each other’s respective biggest hits, “Breezin’” and “Mornin’”.
“Givin’ it Up” unites Benson and Jarreau for the first time and features guest appearances from Paul McCartney, Marcus Miller and Chris Botti. It includes “Tutu”, a homage to Bishop Desmond Tutu, featuring special guest Herbie Hancock on acoustic piano. It has been nominated for three Grammy Awards to be announced on 11 February 2007.
“Mornin’” was nominated for best pop instrumental, “Breezin’” for best R&B vocal performance by a duo or group and “God Bless The Child” featuring Jill Scott for best traditional R&B vocal performance.
Details:
Johannesburg:
Coca Cola Dome, Northgate
Sunday, 18 March 2007
18h00
Durban:
International Convention Centre
Wednesday, 21 March 2007 (Human Right’s Day)
19h00
Cape Town:
Bellville Veladrome
Thursday, 22 March 2007
20h00
Ticket prices range from R200- R450. Book now by calling Computicket on 083 915 8000, or book on line at http://www.computicket.com/ or visit your nearest Computicket outlet.
