THE GEORGE BENSON QUARTET'S SONG
- Title: SUMMERTIME
(1966 Jazz Version) - Artist(s): The George Benson Quartet and Dorothy Heyward
- Label: Columbia Records / Sony Music
- Lyrics:
- Summertime,
And the livin' is easy
Fish are jumpin'
And the cotton is high - Oh, your daddy's rich
And your ma is good lookin'
So hush, little baby
Don't you cry - One of these mornings
You're gonna rise up singing
Then you'll spread your wings
And you'll take to the sky - But till that morning
There's a-nothin' can harm you
With daddy and mammy standin' by
- Summertime,
- Play Time: ≈ 2:24 Minutes
- Songwriter(s) / Lyricist(s): George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin, DuBose Heyward, Dorothy Heyward et al.
- Vocal(s): George Benson, et al.
- The Quartet Instrumentalists: George Benson (Guitar), Lonnie Smith (Organ), Ronnie Cuber (Baritone Saxophone), and Ray Lucas (Drums)
- Producer(s): John Hammond, et al.
- Genre: Jazz Music
- Release Year: 1966.
- Album: It's Uptown.
"Summertime" is a timeless jazz standard that has captivated audiences for decades. Originally composed by George Gershwin for the opera "Porgy and Bess," with lyrics by DuBose Heyward and Dorothy Heyward, the song has been performed and recorded by numerous artists. One notable classic jazz rendition was by the George Benson Quartet.
The George Benson Quartet's jazz version of "Summertime" was released in 1966, during a period when Benson was establishing himself as a prominent jazz artist. The version showcases Benson's exceptional guitar solo skills and vocals, making it a memorable addition to the jazz repertoire. The musical and jazz arrangement is considered to be one of the quintessential versions of the song.
The George Benson Quartet's 1966 rendition of "Summertime" is track 2 on the album "It's Uptown," which was also released in 1966 by Columbia Records and has a playtime of 2.24 minutes. The jazz version begins with George Benson's rhythmic guitar solos, followed by his vocal rendition of the song.
George Benson is a renowned jazz guitarist, singer, and composer. He was born on March 22, 1943, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Benson rose to prominence in the 1960s and has since become one of the most respected figure in the jazz and smooth jazz genres.
"Summertime" has been recorded by numerous artists across various genres and featured on many albums over the years, demonstrating its enduring popularity. However, the rendition by the George Benson Quartet stands out for its jazz sensibility and improvisational elements. Benson's mastery of the guitar shines through in his intricate and melodic solos, and his expressive vocals bring out the depth and emotion of the lyrics.
The song was originally composed by George Gershwin, with lyrics by DuBose Heyward and Dorothy Heyward. Gershwin (1898-1937) was an American composer and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in American music.
The lyrics of the song beautifully capture the essence of a lazy summer day, with references to nature, family, and dreams of a better future. The melancholic yet hopeful tone of the lyrics resonates with audiences, making "Summertime" a timeless favorite.
The instrumentalists on the jazz version of "Summertime" by the George Benson Quartet include George Benson on guitar and vocals, Dorothy Heyward, Lonnie Smith on organ, Ronnie Cuber on baritone saxophone, Ray Lucas on drums, and others.
"Summertime" falls under the genre of jazz, specifically as a jazz standard. The song's harmonies, melody, and structure lend themselves to improvisation, allowing musicians to showcase their skills and interpretive abilities.
The track "Summertime" appears on the album "It's Uptown" by the George Benson Quartet, which was released in 1966 and features a mix of Benson's original compositions as well as classic jazz standards. The song is characterized by the smooth, velvety sound of the saxophone and the soulful crooning of Benson's vocals.
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