Recorded in Belfast in 2000, this one sat on the shelf for awhile like a fine wine before being released this year. Unlike so many of his shows that start off slow and build to a crescendo, this one hits the ground running with the crowd favorite “Turn Your Love Around.” “This Masquerade” slows down the pace a little and sounds as fresh as the day it was first recorded. Benson’s scat and guitar work show why he’s been such a favorite for years. The Ulster Orchestra adds rich background. The crowd is appreciative as the familiar riffs of “Breezin’” rise from the guitar. This timeless hit takes you back, and shows the awesome guitar of this Bobby Womack classic. It makes for an interesting contrast as he comes back with a more recent hit, “Love X Love.” The vocals are exceptional and are layered with backup from Dio Saucedo.

Joe Sample is welcomed with an overwhelming response as they play his classic “Deeper Than You Think.” This one is tight to the original, and plays like old school jazz where Benson is just as comfortable as he is jamming on pop classics. Sample’s work is clean on the piano. Sample joins on keyboard for Benson’s more recent Hathaway/Hutson pinned “The Ghetto.” The crowd gets back into the always popular “Never Give Up On a Good Thing.” The BBC Big Band gives nice backup, and the vocals are inspiring. “Hipping the Hop” would have been nice if it were back with Sample’s “Deeper” earlier in the CD, but still plays well while slowing down the momentum before launching into “Give Me Night” and Benson’s all-time favorite, “On Broadway.”

Overall this disc is for anyone who has none of this icon’s work, or for one who has it all. So many of the favorites are here, and the live versions show how well he comes across in concert. His career spans straight up to pop, and they’re all here. Too many times these are just offerings of greatest hits packages, but this one lives up to the billing and will be a favorite of yours for a long time.

- H.A.Cline