Live

George Benson: Royal Albert Hall, London 27/6/18

Some gigs go better than others… Twenty four hours after giving what by all accounts was a flawless performance at London's iconic Royal Albert Hall, legendary jazz and soul man George Benson took to the stage for a second night.

He's one of the most accomplished musicians on the scene, and has a staggering 10 Grammy awards to his name.

Little known to members of the crowd, however, the 75-year-old had picked up a throat infection which would bring the show to an early close.

But after more than five decades as a musician, Benson isn't the type to give up easily, and his guitar playing alone has the power to dazzle.

He opened with long instrumental numbers, barely touching the microphone until after the third song of the night.

An attempt to perform "Off Broadway" revealed the extent to which the singer - whose vocals alone have won him three Grammys - was suffering. Sadly, by this stage some of the crowd had started to turn, and it was disheartening to see such an outstanding musician being heckled.

It may not have been his night, and the crowd may have streamed out earlier than they'd planned, but there was no doubting that in the brief time he was onstage they'd witnessed a consummate professional.

Benson will be back, unfortunately illness is something impossible to account for, but he deserves kudos for going onstage and putting on a show regardless, even if he wasn't able to dazzle with his vocals.

WORDS: DAVE BURKE
Words Dave Burke