Collaboration (CD)

1987's appropriately-titled COLLABORATION was Benson's first all-instrumental album in 11 years, and the first time he and acoustic guitarist Earl Klugh had teamed up for a recording. Klugh shines on "Brazilian Stomp," while Benson puts out some fluid work on "Mimosa" as well as on the title cut. Benson's scatting, Marcus Miller's skilled bass playing and Harvey Mason's taps offer some quality live support, while most of the background instrumentation consists of a pre-programmed drum machine wash.

COLLABORATION will please true Klugh fans more than Benson fans; however, Benson fans in search of a mellow instrumental Benson should be satisfied. The pairing of Klugh and Benson creates a sound comparable to that of Klugh paired with Bob James: a peaceful and relaxing background recording that will help set the mood for many occasions.