This 1997 two-album-on-one-CD release brings together two of George Benson's most important Warner Bros. albums: Breezin' (1976) and Weekend in L.A. (1978). It's a very good pairing because it captures the period when Benson moved from respected jazz guitarist to major crossover jazz/R&B star.
Disc 1 – Breezin'
“Breezin'”
“This Masquerade”
“Six to Four”
“Affirmation”
“So This Is Love?”
“Lady”
Breezin' is the smoother, studio-oriented half. “This Masquerade” is the big attraction, with Benson's guitar and vocals turning the Leon Russell song into a sophisticated jazz-pop classic. The instrumental title track is another highlight.
Disc 2 – Weekend in L.A.
This is the live album, recorded at the Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles in September 1977. It includes:
“Weekend in L.A.”
“On Broadway”
“Down Here on the Ground”
“California P.M.”
“The Greatest Love of All”
“Lady Blue”
“We All Remember Wes”
“It Is the Sea”
“It's All in the Game”
“Teach Me Tonight”
“I’m Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town”
The live album is especially good because it shows Benson as a virtuoso jazz guitarist and charismatic singer, with “On Broadway” becoming one of his signature performances. Weekend in L.A. itself was a major jazz/R&B success, reaching the top of the jazz album chart.
Overall
9.5/10. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½
This is an excellent double dose of George Benson. Breezin' gives you the polished studio sound, while Weekend in L.A. demonstrates just how exciting he could be on stage.
For your CD collection: definite keeper. In fact, if you only wanted one Benson release covering his breakthrough period, this is a very good choice because you effectively get two landmark albums in one package.