| Gary Benson is respected by his peers as “one the hardest
swinging players on the jazz scene”, has made a significant contribution
to jazz in Toronto in a distinguished career spanning three decades. Whether
backing up a long list of jazz vocalists, including such luminaries as
Peggy Lee, and Natalie Cole, or playing with other jazz groups and jazz
greats including Peter Appelyard and Ed Bickert, Benson has set a consistently
high standard of excellence. He has worked at both the Stratford Festivall
and Shaw Festivals, and has been seen frequently in television appearances.
In 1989, Benson founded the Canadian Jazz Quartet
(CJQ) with percussionist Don Vickery, and, with the addition of vibist
Frank Wright, and most recently, bassist Duncan Hopkins, the CJQ has become
one of Canada’s most consistent swinging jazz groups.
Gary studied composition in Toronto with the late Gordon
Delmont and with the New York-based legendary guitarist, Jim Hall. An accomplished
composer and arranger in his own right, the CJQs’ two CDs feature several
of Gary’s original compositions including Labrador, a haunting melody that
lingers long in the listener’s mind, reflects another of Gary’s passions,
his love of nature. He is also a gifted teacher and many of his students
over the years have gone on to establish successful careers of their own,
all carrying part of Benson’s unique influence with them.
Gary collaborated with Douglas Harrison in 200_
on the Harrison GB Model. This instrument an intrigueing performance-oriented
new jazz guitar design that lends itself to customization and molding to
the player's specific musical needs. |
