George Benson on Wes Montgomery
by Chuck WorkmanBenson, who seems to be consistently touring the globe, took time out for this candid interview about his ties to Wes Montgomery.
NUVO: There was a movie script written about the life of Wes Montgomery. Did you want to play that role in the movie?
BENSON: I had the script and it was amazing. The story was incredible. There were some things I would have liked to have seen in it. I think they captured the essence of what happened to one of the world's greatest musicians of all time, and certainly the top of the guitar list along with Django Reinhardt and Charlie Christian. The script was about what happens when you do something a little bit different. I am one who believes in surprise, and Montgomery was full of incredible surprise. If he had never played a pop tune in his life he still would be the most incredible guitar player of our era. That's what that story was all about.
NUVO: What happened to that story or script?
BENSON: It was a matter of money. People were not used to spending money on jazz people. One day someone will tell the story of Montgomery.
Benson owns one of Wes Montgomery's guitars. He will be performing with a seven-piece band at Clowes Hall. Opening for Benson will be Cathy Morris and Collage. Tickets for what should be a sensational evening of jazz and pop are available at all Ticketmaster outlets.
Comments (2)
Showing 1-2 of 2
