George Benson - Breezin [Blue]

George Benson's Breezin' is the record that turned a gifted jazz guitarist into a household name, and it glides back here on blue vinyl.

Released in 1976, it paired Benson's liquid, unhurried playing with producer Tommy LiPuma and lush string arrangements by Claus Ogerman, and the combination struck gold. It topped the pop album chart, an almost unheard-of feat for a jazz record, and helped define the smooth, sophisticated sound that would carry jazz guitar onto the radio for years to come. Behind him, a crack band including Harvey Mason on drums and Phil Upchurch on rhythm guitar keeps everything gliding.

The title track, written by Bobby Womack, floats on a breezy, sun-warmed melody that still sounds like the first day of summer. "This Masquerade," a Leon Russell song, put Benson's warm voice front and centre, scatting in unison with his guitar lines, and won the Grammy for Record of the Year. "Affirmation," a José Feliciano composition, stretches out into a gorgeous, flowing groove, and "Six to Four" keeps the band locked in a crisp, easy swing.

Half a century on, Breezin' remains a lesson in feel, taste and melody, the rare crossover record that gives up nothing in musicianship. Blue vinyl is the perfect colour for a record this cool.