Today is George Benson’s birthday, so this time I’m picking this gem to celebrate. Produced by Tommy LiPuma, mixed by Al Schmitt, and featuring orchestral conducting and arrangements by Claus Ogerman, this album was created with almost the exact same team of musicians and staff behind Benson’s 1976 smash hit “Breezin’.” Naturally, the sound feels like a continuation of that masterpiece — but with an even greater emphasis on George’s vocals. The title track — sampled by Deaf’N Dumb Crew on “Holiday On Night” and Time Machine on “On the Moon” — sets the tone perfectly. The album blends classic covers from the 1960s, including Freddie Scott’s “Hey Girl,” Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” Young-Holt Unlimited’s “Soulful Strut,” Lou Rawls’ “Love Is a Hurtin’ Thing,” and The Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody.” And then there’s the C1 track — a cover of L.T.D.’s “Love Ballad” (written by Skip Scarborough) — which has practically become a completely new song in Benson’s hands. It’s no exaggeration to say that this version has become a house anthem, spun religiously by top DJs worldwide.
George Benson – Livin' Inside Your Love ’79 Warner Bros.A1.
Livin' Inside Your LoveA2.
Hey GirlA3.
Nassau DayB1.
Soulful StrutB2.
Prelude To FallB3. A Change Is Gonna Come
C1.
Love BalladC2.
You're Never Too Far From MeC3.
Love Is A Hurtin' ThingD1. Welcome Into My World
D2.
Before You GoD3. Unchained Melody
Credit;
Acoustic Guitar – Earl Klugh
Arranged By [Orchestra], Conductor – Claus Ogerman
(A2, A3, B1, B3, C2, C3, D1- D3) & Mike Mainieri (A1, B2, C1)
Bass – Stanley Banks (C2, D2), Robert Popwell Jr. (B2, C1)
& Will Lee
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Synthesizer – Ronnie Foster
Engineer [Assistant] – Don Henderson & Mike O'Reilly
Guitar [Rhythm] – Earl Klugh (A1), Phil Upchurch
Guitar, Vocals – George Benson
Mastered By – Mike Reese
Mixed By, Recorded By – Al Schmitt
Other [Contractor] – Frank De Caro
Other [Production Coordination, Contractor] – Christine Martin
Other [Production Coordination] – Jill Harris
Percussion – Ralph MacDonald
Piano [Acoustic], Clavinet, Electric Piano – Jorge Dalto
Producer – Tommy LiPuma
