By Special Invitation
PHOENIX — A phone call yesterday from my friend, saxophonist, Marion Meadows, led to a fun evening at the posh Barcelona restaurant in Scottsdale. Radio station KYOT (95.5 FM) released Smooth Jazz Sampler Volume 12 with a gala event attended by more than 500 people. Jazz guitar legend George Benson, who contributed a track on the new CD, would be on hand to sign autographs. Benson’s CD with Al Jarreau, “Givin’ It Up”, is getting MAJOR airplay in smooth jazz space, and is currently in the No. 2 spot on Billboard Magazine’s Top Contemporary Jazz list, after holding the No. 1 position for the past several weeks. Marion’s music isn’t doing too bad either. His current CD, “Dressed to Chill” is No. 14 on the Top Contemporary Jazz list after 25 weeks, having peaked at No. 3, and still getting strong airplay.
KYOT had run numerous announcements about the event, so that wasn’t a surprise, but we hadn’t planned on going. But in addition to being a fellow Phoenix-based musician to Benson, Marion played on Benson and Jarreau’s CD. His saxophonic stylings can be heard on the title song, “Givin’ It Up”. In addition Michael Broening, who has teamed with Marion as a musician on keyboard, and as a producer, figured prominently in Benson’s new album, producing the title track. On this evening both would make appearances.
So we got ourselves together, grabbed the Nikon, and headed off.
The place was already packed when we arrived.
The parking lot, and the roadway surrounding the restaurant were already full of “spit shined” cars with shiny wheels of every imaginable diameter. The valets were doing box-office business, but I was able to find a space relatively close on my own, without any hassle.
The mood was festive and the drinks flowed. It appeared that we arrived only minutes after Benson, who was being introduced to the audience as we walked in. Marion hadn’t arrived yet.
From where we entered, it was convenient for me hop onto the stage and snap a few pictures, only to have a security person ask me, and a couple other people who did the same thing, to vacate the stage. No problem.
We stepped down, still standing next to the stage, and what do you think they did? They moved Benson from the original location, to the stage, within inches of where we now stood! No longer did we need a bird’seye view. He was a bird’s beak away!
I snapped to my heart’s delight, eventually moving back to allow others to get closer shots.
I had seen Michael in the audience earlier, just chillin’ and mingling in the crowd with those who were familiar with his work. Now, too he was on the stage, while Benson interacted with the audience, signing photos and shaking hands. Not too long afterwards, Marion appeared, stage right. KYOT personalities Cliff Smith and Madison Taylor brought each of the artists on introducing them to the crowd.
George then gave them both a wonderful introduction, expressing high praise for their respective contributions to his project.
When this was done, the real fun began.
Having had my fill of photos, I had moved to the stage entrance, where the musicians would eventually exit. In just a few minutes, they were filing out, stopping here and there for loose chit chat with well-wishers.
Soon, a procession formed, and began moving to another location. I gestured to get Marion’s attention, who said, “come on, you’re with us.”
We ensconced ourselves within the security envelope that formed, and slowly moved to the new place in this huge restaurant. As it turned out, it would be the VIP area, with strictly enforced security access, but we were able to glide right in.
We were led to a very nice patio area that had been roped off. The temperature was very comfortable, still in the low 70’s, I’d guess. Tiki lamps added to the relaxed ambiance. Here, there would be more photo ops, of the Legend as he visited with friends, executives from ClearChannel (which owns KYOT), and well-wishers.
I snapped more pictues, a sampling of which you see here. Here’s the honored trio in a private moment. Note the serious “lipstick burns” on Benson’s right cheek.
It was a great experience. Before we left, Marion told me that George talked about going over to Bobby C’s, another local club, Sunday night for a jam session. I’m going to see if I’ll be able to bring my video camera, and not have another Von Freeman experience. If I can get permissions, I’ll share some of it with you.
BTW, you can view two Marion Meadows performances on my YouTube space. In one, he performs “Fragile” at South Mountain College (2005). In the other, shot in May 2006, he performs “Watermelon Man” on an All-Star band at this year’s KSBR Birthday Bash.
There’s always more to say, but it’ll have to come at another time.
Gostaria de saber qual é a religião de George Benson.
Um Abraço,
Obrigado