The original album is pure aural joy from the "breezy" opening of the title track through the wistful ending of "Lady." "This Masquerade" became a classic and presented him to a whole new audience. "Six to Four" can still pull me out of a funky downer and have me tapping my feet, pen, pencil.... Affirmation is great during a Sunday morning "breakfast in bed."

Even if you own the previous CD issue of "Breezin," this new edition boasts wonderful remastered sound, new liner notes and two previously unreleased tracks. "Down Here on the Ground" is a real find giving George another chance to vocally enchant with a Stevie Wonder-like charm that many of today's male R&B singers and groups attempt, yet fail miserably to achieve. Also included are "Shark Bite", a funky instrumental that could be used in a 1970's "Lock, Stock" type movie or your Sunday morning "smooth jazz" music mix; and the edited 45rpm single version of "This Masqerade." The original album just ended too quickly. This new expanded edition seems just right!


Excellent from End to End   January 3, 2004
Fred McGhee (Austin, TX)
9 out of 11 found this review helpful

George Benson's crowning achievement. Superb musicianship throughout by all the players. This record is eminently listenable, even danceable in spots, and the improvisation is tasteful and imaginative throughout.

There is no point in having a discussion about this record with snobby jazz purists. The don't get it, and never will. George Benson's reputation as a jazz AND pop guitarist of the highest calibre is set in stone and noone is going to change that.

This is a seminal album; one of the greatest jazz-pop records ever made, very influential, and aging very, very well.


Great Music   February 3, 2005
Santeria (Tallahassee)
5 out of 6 found this review helpful

This album is simply great Music. I do not know why some people have to label everything. Whatever you call it, this material works, its is smooth, it is great to listen to. The very fact that this music is timeless, and it continues to sell is testimony to its quality. From the regular listener, to the top guitarist, they all can feel the quality in this album. Worth its weight in multi-platinum.


A true classic. Benson's best album thus far.   August 7, 2000
historyone (Republic of Texas, USA)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This is George Benson's crowning achievement of his Jazz Career. It received the 1976 Grammy which it richly deserved. His Guitar playing on this is flawless and the only song that he sing's on this album is "This Masquerade" is outstanding. You can hear the emotion of not only his singing but the way he plays the guitar on this album. From "This Masquerade" to "Six to Four", "So this is Love" "Lady" and the other songs on here are a delight to listen to whether you are with the one you love, or traveling down the highway, this is the one album that all Jazz or Easy Listening fans should have. It is simply outstanding and stood the test of time in the best of ways..A pure delight to listen to!


Words Can't Describe....   May 12, 2000
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I was two years old when this album was released, but I remember loving it even then. My mom played (and replayed) it on her 8 track tape player. This album is why I love jazz today. Breezin is probably the most popular track and it's good, but I really like Affirmation and I love Lady (the way the guitar slowly starts). Plus, nothing compares to the emotional This Masquerade. George Benson sings as well as he plays. This is a must have album. Your only regret will be that you didn't experience it sooner.