George Benson - Giblet Gravy: Verve Vault Series (180g Vinyl LP)

George Benson Giblet Gravy Reissued for the Verve Vault Series: Newly Mastered from the Original Analog Tapes and Pressed at Optimal in Germany

Giblet Gravy, released in 1968 on Verve Records, documents guitarist George Benson during his early period with the label. Produced by Esmond Edwards and featuring arrangements by Tom McIntosh, the sessions draw on a range of jazz and studio musicians, including pianist Herbie Hancock, bassists Ron Carter and Bob Cranshaw, drummer Billy Cobham, percussionist Johnny Pacheco, and baritone saxophonist Pepper Adams, alongside a brass and rhythm section assembled for selected tracks. Across these varied settings, Benson’s fluid articulation, blues-inflected phrasing, and rhythmic dexterity remain the music’s central focus. The repertoire blends contemporary popular material, standards, and original compositions, illustrating the stylistic breadth that would inform his later crossover success while remaining grounded in the late-1960s jazz ensemble format.

The Verve Vault series is always mastered from analog tapes and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.

Musicians:
George Benson - Guitar
Herbie Hancock - Piano
Bob Cranshaw - Bass
Ron Carter - Bass
Johnny Pacheco - Conga Drums
Billy Cobham - Drums
Pepper Adams - Baritone Saxophone