Within the December ’24 subject of Classic Guitar, the legendary George Benson discusses his new album, the forthcoming sale of choose guitars from his assortment, and one other new twist – internet hosting a retreat the place on a regular basis gamers will rub elbows with world-class musicians. Right here’s an excerpt. 

From January 3 to six, 2025, you’re internet hosting a musician’s retreat referred to as Breezin’ With The Stars, on the Wigwam Resort in Phoenix.

Sure, and there are some nice cats on this retreat. I used to see most of these guys every now and then, and so they’re all top-flight guitar gamers. Often, I’ll see one in Europe, one on this nation or that, two or three in america or Australia. Now, they’ll be right here with me in my territory. Numerous sunshine and sweetness all over the place, a couple of mountain. There will probably be numerous house, and I anticipate this will probably be fairly an occasion.

The checklist of instructors is mind-blowing – John Scofield, Tommy Emmanuel, Andy Timmons, Stanley Jordan, Isaiah Sharkey, and Rick Beato. Steve Lukather will probably be there. You’ve labored with him earlier than. 

Steve is a superb man and an awesome guitar participant. He introduced me a smash with “Flip Your Love Round.” We went round over that track, however wound up placing it on tape. When he heard it again, he mentioned, “Uh, properly, possibly (laughs).” However there was no “possibly” in it. That track went straight to the highest of the charts. I mentioned, “I’ve been attempting to inform you, man! It is a nice track!” 

Lee Ritenour will even be there. He’s an enormous fan of yours.

What individuals don’t know is that firstly of “Give Me The Night time,” Lee is enjoying one of many octave components. I questioned why Quincy Jones referred to as him. I couldn’t think about him simply being a facet man on one thing. Lee is a monster, and Quincy used him as a result of he didn’t notably like my jazz-guitar sound. He needed to get me out of the jazz routine. So, he had Lee tune me right into a medium sound – one thing between rock and pop guitar. That’s why that document sounded the way in which it did – due to Lee Ritenour’s affect. 

Is there an summary of what you’re attempting to perform?

I’ve by no means carried out something prefer it, nevertheless it jogs my memory of one thing I used to be on the point of do earlier than Breezin’ got here out. Howard Roberts got here to certainly one of my membership dates and we talked about beginning a camp in Portland. We have been going to ask individuals from all around the world – like Kenny Burrell, Barney Kessel, and whoever was well-known at the moment. I knew plenty of guitar gamers. It was an awesome concept, however by no means obtained off the bottom due to Breezin’; I didn’t want the cash anymore (laughs). 

It is a continuation of that concept, however higher. The standard of the musicianship is simply pretty much as good, however they’re extra well-known, so we’re in an excellent place.  

Will you take part within the classes?

Each time I can, I’ll, as a result of I wish to study one thing, too (laughs)! I by no means shut my ears down, and [I always hear] one thing off the cuff or off the left facet that I don’t anticipate to have an effect on me. It makes me go house, choose up my guitar, and say, “How come I didn’t consider that?” I at all times add issues to every thing I study. That’s the way in which I feel. I’m not an informed musician; I’ve been to music faculties, not as a scholar, however as a visitor. I’ve sat in on courses and met some very astute musicians. I’ve realized to pay attention, and that is the time to maintain that going and get some new concepts. – Oscar Jordan

To study extra about Benson’s retreat, and buy tickets, go to breezinwiththestars.com