Tragically, Al Jarreau passed away in 2017, making this collaborative album an irreplaceable artifact of music history. It stands as a masterclass in mutual respect, creative longevity, and pure musical joy.
(4:29) - A soulful rendition of the Hall & Oates hit. "Four" (5:14) "Don't Start No Schtuff" (4:43)
The album is a vibrant mix of reinterpretations, soulful covers, and fresh original material. One of the coolest aspects of the record is how the two legends pay homage to each other's career-defining hits: "Breezin'" Tragically, Al Jarreau passed away in 2017, making
MP3 compression (especially 128kbps or 320kbps) works by cutting out frequencies the human ear supposedly "can't hear." However, with music this rich, those lost frequencies take the "gloss" off the production. The FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) version ensures that the vinyl-rip warmth or the CD-master clarity is preserved bit-for-bit. When you extract that .rar file, you aren't just getting a playlist; you are getting the studio soundstage.
Signed to Concord Records, the duo entered the studio with producer John Burk. The goal wasn't just to trade verses, but to completely intertwine their musical identities. Givin' It Up successfully captures the spontaneous, joyful energy of two masters pushing each other to new creative heights. Track-by-Track Highlights & Musical Alchemy "Four" (5:14) "Don't Start No Schtuff" (4:43) The
Givin' It Up was produced with a "Smooth Jazz" radio audience in mind, but the musicianship is strictly traditional jazz. The interplay involves complex frequencies—the snap of a guitar string versus the roundness of a vocal tone.
: This rendition adds Al Jarreau’s custom lyrics to Benson’s iconic instrumental theme, breathing fresh life into a classic. When you extract that
The production is anchored by a "who's who" of jazz and fusion session players:
The album mixes original compositions with reimagined covers of their own hits and classic standards .
In conclusion, "Givin' It Up" by George Benson and Al Jarreau is a timeless jazz classic that showcases the incredible chemistry and musicianship of two legendary artists. The album's blend of original compositions, jazz standards, and soulful ballads makes for a compelling listen, and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of jazz enthusiasts.
Givin' It Up was widely praised by critics for its warmth and joyful energy. At the 49th Annual Grammy Awards, the album earned multiple nominations and took home trophies for: