CD reviews: Benson show flashes of guitar greatness

'Guitar Man'

George Benson (Concord Jazz)

On "Guitar Man," guitarist and Pittsburgh native George Benson comes close to doing what many of his fans have wanted for many years -- show off his remarkable jazz skills in an unfettered fashion. But then, he interferes with that with a vocal version of "My Cherie Amour" and an instrumental take of "I Want to Hold Your Hand" that are right out his popular, but schmaltzy, hits. However, there is more focus on guitar work here than on most of his albums and that makes it satisfying. His versions of "Don't Know Why" and, surprisingly, "Paper Moon," are unpretentious and clean looks at his guitar skills. His solo version of "Danny Boy" opens with high, grace-note passages that hint of a bagpipe before moving into a less-Celtic sound. Even "Fingerleo," which has him scatting with his guitar, is full of striking guitar. The album includes good support work from keyboardist Joe Sample, bassist Ben Williams and drummer Harvey Mason, among others.

'Alma Adentro'

Miguel Zenon (Marsalis Music)

'Ballads'

Michael Pedicin (The Jazz Hut)

There is more similarity to these albums than the resemblance of the headliners' first names. Miguel Zenon's "Alma Adentro" and Michael Pedicin's "Ballads" are displays of virtuosic playing, but they vary greatly in the music they examine. Alto saxophonist Zenon takes an ambitious look at music based on Puerto Rican folk sounds. But he wraps it in sophisticated, large ensemble arrangements. The tunes are not familiar pieces, but they all are enjoyable, ranging from a dance-flavored "Amor" to a quick, but restrained "Tiemblas." Pedicin, on the other hand, offers tenor sax explorations of well-known songs such as "You Don't Know What Love Is" and McCoy Tyner's "Search for Peace." While the material is more familiar, Pedicin's album is far from unimaginative. His look at the material is so energetic, he the well known becomes fresh.