Body Talk

Released in 1973 on Creed Taylor's CTI Records, Body Talk is a definitive document of George Benson's transition from a Wes Montgomery-influenced bop prodigy to a fusion pioneer. Unlike his later Warner Bros. output which focused on his vocal abilities, Body Talk is entirely instrumental, showcasing a hard-hitting quartet featuring Earl Klugh, Harold Mabern, Ron Carter, and Jack DeJohnette. The album is notable for its departure from the lush, orchestral arrangements typical of CTI, opting instead for a raw, funk-forward sound. Critics, including those at London Jazz News, often point to this record as one of Benson's most 'honest' guitar albums, highlighting the track 'Dance' as a foundational moment for jazz-funk. It occupies a unique space in his catalog, bridging the gap between the experimentalism of 'The Other Side of Abbey Road' and the commercial polish of his late-70s superstardom.