George Benson While The City Sleeps CD

Personnel: George Benson (vocals, guitar); Kashif (various instruments); Kenny G (saxophone); Perston Glass (keyboards, synthesizer, strings); Robbie Buchanan (keyboards, synthesizers); Greg Phillinganes, Cory Lerios, Walter Afanaseiff (keyboards); Frank Martin, Sterling (synthesizer); David Jenkins (guitar, background vocals); Chris Camozzi, Paul Pesco, Corrado Rustici, Paul Jackson, Jr., Alan Glass (guitar); Randy Jackson, Marcus Miller (bass); Yogi Horton, Narada Michael Walden, John Robinson (drums); Paulinho Da Costa, Gigi Conaway (percussion); Audrey Wheeler, Cindy Mizelle, Carolyn Hedrich, Bud Cockrell, Ms. Kitty Beethoven, Jennifer Hall, Suzanne Valentine, Claytoven Richardson, James Gilstrap, John Lehman, Marlena Jeter, Janey Clewer (background vocals).
Producers: Tommy LiPuma, Robbie Buchanan, Kashif, Narada M. Walden.
The transformation of George Benson, guitar icon, into George Benson, pop singer, is completed here, on While the City Sleeps, for there are no instrumentals at all on this hard-sell, synth-laden series of ballads and dance tunes. This is marginally better than 20/20, for at least Michael Walden's high-tech production (with added tracks by Kashif and Tommy LiPuma) has more punch, and the material, though still mostly lame, is easier to take. There is very little guitar to be heard, and what little there is can usually be found hidden behind Benson's scatting or the pulsating electronics. The best bet for ferreting out some strong guitar is on "Love Is Here Tonight," but it's deep within the mix. For those who care, an animated Kenny G turns up on "Did You Hear Thunder." ~ Richard S. Ginell
Decent, more jazz-oriented '86 album Benson made with Warner Bros. under the provisions of a new pact that would give him more creative freedom. Although still not as expansive and loose as he wanted it, Benson got more room to play and present his guitar in contexts other than accompanying wordless vocals. ~ Ron Wynn
George Benson steps completely into the pop singer spotlight on this 1986 recording; there are no instrumentals here. WHILE THE CITY SLEEPS is made up of ballads, such as the popular "Kisses in the Moonlight," the poppy title track, and dance tunes such as "Shiver," which is one of the album's better rhythmic pieces. Although Benson is still lead guitarist here, his well-known fretwork definitely takes a back seat to his vocals; his playing can best be heard on "Love Is Here Tonight."
As usual, Benson gathers several well-known quality musicians to accompany him on this vocal venture. Unfortunately, the lack of a true percussion section is keenly felt--the machine-programmed drums and rhythmic backbeats are no substitute. WHILE THE CITY SLEEPS is, however, well produced and arranged by Narada Michael Walden, with additional production by Benson's long-time producer, Tommy LiPuma, and others. This pop album flows well, delivering some catchy, beat-driven music.