George Benson has been wanting to make a pure jazz album for a long time – and maybe someday he will. Despite an authentic acoustic rhythm section (including McCoy Tyner and Ron Carter), Tenderly is hampered by overbearing arrangements, and the slick production lays waste to spontaneity and inspiration. Benson can still play sleek guitar in an early-Sixties jazz style that remains untouched by contemporary influences and croon in patently pleasing tones, but producer Tommy LiPuma's antiseptic touch muffles everything in its path. Even the mighty Tyner sounds uninvolved and, amazingly enough, anonymous. On this supposed dream project, Benson's desire to cut loose is canceled out by his tendency to sweeten at every step. Tenderly? Make that gingerly. (RS 562)

STEVE FUTTERMAN