Love X Love

Get into the love (multiplied)

by j. brotherlove

Firstly, George Benson’s Give Me the Night is beyond essential. If you do not have this album in your collection I suggest you buy it this very second (and get The Dude while you’re at it). Besides “Love X Love”, Give Me The Night includes “Off Broadway”, “Moody’s Mood”, Benson’s cover of “Star Of The Story” (my favorite) and the popular title cut.

The combination of Benson’s guitar and vocals and Quincy Jones production is supreme. Then there’s the supporting cast to kill for: Rod Temperton, George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Greg Phillinganes, Lee Ritenour, David Foster, Jocelyn Brown, Paulinho Da Costa, Clare Fischer… Good damn. The crowning glory belongs to the phenomenal, backing vocals of Patti Austin. Legendary. Trust.

Benson’s greatness didn’t end in the 1980’s. His recent efforts have been excellent in their own right (especially the infectious, dance hit “You Can Do It Baby” and the smooth Irreplaceable).

I could go on about George Benson forever. But I’ll just deliver this week’s lovesong and let the music speak for itself:

Remember the days when we never had a dime
And our dreams seemed a million miles away
But we made it baby
Facin’ the bad times with a smile
Here we are and we’re growin’ stronger day by day

Cause we got love times love
It’s always there for us to share
And girl it sure feels good
To know you’re by my side
Cause we’re just two high hearts
That beat as one forever on
With love times love to keep us satisfied
Everynight

— “Love X Love”
George Benson

Temperton’s a magic, magic man in his element.

“You Can Do It Baby” gives me chills.