LONG ISLAND WINS!

Ever the consummate jazz fan, the Pennsylvania native was more than happy to share a trio of his favorite string-benders.

Charlie Christian

(July 29, 1916 to March 2, 1942)

“I like Charlie Christian. He didn’t play like any guitar players I’d heard before—he was completely different. He had a great sound and he was very original. And he could swing hard. I loved that about him.”

Grant Green (June 6, 1935 to January 31, 1979)

“No matter what he played, it had a bluesy effect that gave it a good grounding and it sounded like it came from the streets. That’s where the people lived— on the streets.”

Wes Montgomery (March 6, 1923 to June 15, 1968)

“I love Wes Montgomery. He played with a certain sophistication and he was a true jazz guitar player but he made everything sound good. His pop music sounded excellent too.” again. I thought to myself that if I ever had a hit, I’d play it because that’s what the people are coming to hear—I knew that for certain. ‘This Masquerade’ changed my whole life. It won Record of the Year at the Grammy Awards. From that moment on, my life has not been the same. I didn’t imagine that I would have any more hits after that. I got one hit and that was good. Twenty-six hits later—our lives are pretty solid and we have a great place in history.”

George Benson will be appearing on June 29 at the Montreal International Jazz Festival. Visit www.montrealjazzfest.com for more information.