George Benson: Giblet Gravy (Verve Vault) (180 g) (LP)

In the same year that 25 year old George Benson appeared on a Miles Davis LP, he took the rhythm team of Hancock and Carter to make his own. With Billy Cobham, they were the foundation for an album that's half small group and half big band- one of the truly satisfying jazz that Benson made before following his role model, Wes Montgomery, in changing labels and boldly crossing over. Alongside the jazz and pop standards covered, Benson created a new standard with the title tune. The secret ingredient in the Gravy, as throughout the record, is the brilliant arranging of Tom McIntosh, one of the most original musical minds to emerge in the Sixties.