Collaboration

• Artist: George Benson and Earl Klugh
• Rating:
• Release Date: 1987
• Total Time: 49:32
• Type: Instrumental
• Genre: Jazz

Review

George Benson rebels against the machine and comes out with an all-instrumental album, his first in 11 years and also his first full teaming with onetime protégé, acoustic guitarist Earl Klugh. Klugh sounds much more mature and forthcoming here than he did as a teenager in Benson's CTI days. Yet Benson still blows him away with his effortless swing, endless invention (within the constraints of the carefully controlled arrangements, however) and totally assured placement of the notes. "Mimosa" has some especially fluid work by Benson, with Klugh serving as an effective foil. The backing is mostly an electronic wash, though underpinned by solid funk support from former Benson bandmembers Harvey Mason and Paulinho Da Costa. The biggest hang-up are the so-so tunes, which both guitarists gratefully transcend whenever they solo. While Collaboration disappointed many guitar fans back in 1987 who were hoping for a more energetic session, time has underlined and strengthened its musical virtues. ~ Richard S. Ginell, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Mt. Airy Road	Marcus Miller	George Benson, Earl Klugh	(7:51)
Mimosa	George Benson	George Benson, Earl Klugh	(6:50)
Brazilian Stomp	Earl Klugh	George Benson, Earl Klugh	(5:33)
Dreamin'	Marcus Miller	George Benson, Earl Klugh	(5:49)
Since You're Gone	Earl Klugh	George Benson, Earl Klugh	(5:46)
Collaboration	Randy Goodrum, Harvey Mason, Sr.	George Benson, Earl Klugh	(6:16)
Jamaica	Randy Goodrum	George Benson, Earl Klugh	(5:40)
Romeo & Juliet [Love Theme from Romeo & Juliet]	Nino Rota	George Benson, Earl Klugh	(5:47)

Credits

George Benson (Guitar (Electric)), George Benson (Main Performer), George Benson (Performer), James Newton Howard (Synthesizer), James Newton Howard (Synthesizer Arrangements), James Newton Howard (Synthesizer Strings), Earl Klugh (Guitar), Earl Klugh (Guitar (Classical)), Earl Klugh (Main Performer), Earl Klugh (Performer), Carl Beatty (Assistant Engineer), Jimmy Bralower (Drum Programming), Vinnie Colaiuta (Drums), Paulinho Da Costa (Percussion), Peter Doell (Assistant Engineer), Chuck Domanico (Bass (Upright)), Dan Garcia (Assistant Engineer), Dan Garcia (Mixing Assistant), Randy Goodrum (Assistant Engineer), Randy Goodrum (Rhythm Arrangements), Michael Iacopelli (Assistant Engineer), Paul Jackson, Jr. (Guitar (Rhythm)), Rhett Lawrence (Keyboard Programming), Tommy LiPuma (Producer), Marty Paich (String Arrangements), Harvey Mason, Sr. (Drums), Michael Mason (Assistant Engineer), Jason Miles (Synthesizer), Marcus Miller (Bass), Marcus Miller (Arranger), Marcus Miller (Drums), Marcus Miller (Synthesizer Arrangements), Marcus Miller (Rhythm Track Arrangement), Dave O'Donnell (Assistant Engineer), Dave O'Donnell (Mixing Assistant), Ross Pallone (Assistant Engineer), Greg Phillinganes (Synthesizer), Greg Phillinganes (Arranger), Greg Phillinganes (Keyboards), Greg Phillinganes (Synthesizer Arrangements), Ray Pyle (Assistant Engineer), Doug Sax (Original Mastering), Joe Schiff (Assistant Engineer), Al Schmitt (Engineer), Bill Schnee (Engineer), Bill Schnee (Assistant Engineer), Bill Schnee (Mixing), Bill Schnee (Mixing Assistant), Barton Stevens (Assistant Engineer), Barton Stevens (Mixing Assistant), Larry Williams (Synthesizer), Larry Williams (Horn Arrangements), David Palmer (Assistant Engineer), Eric Calvi (Assistant Engineer), Steven Strassman (Assistant Engineer), Laura LiPuma (Design), Stuart Watson (Photography), Stephen Shelton (Assistant Engineer)