Jazz lovers will swear they are "On Broadway'' tonight when legendary guitarist George Benson takes to the stage and sets the mood for "Kisses in the Moonlight''.

The American star yesterday promised to make the evening a memorable one for concert-goers.

"When they think of George Benson, I want them to think, `That was a good night','' he explained. "That way if they hear that I'm back, they'll remember that they had a good time and go see me.'' But he said the audience should expect the unexpected for this evening's concert since he never pre-plans a show.

"I don't plan the show, so I don't know what's going to happen,'' Benson said. "We do a variety, but there will be some surprises in there.'' On his ride from the airport, Benson said he noticed that the Island was a little neater and better laid out since his last visit some 20 years ago.

"This is my second visit, but it's been more than 20 years since I've been here,'' he recalled. "It was an exciting place to be back then.

"These islands are uniquely put together. It doesn't seem like you're in a tiny place.'' As to the chances of locals getting the opportunity to take in a "jam session'' with the master, George said he would like to hear some local bands perform. But he made no promises.

"I'd like to hear them play,'' he said. "I'd love to go around. I need a map of the clubs.'' Benson's albums have cross-over appeal and have topped the jazz, pop, urban and contemporary charts.

His career was launched when at the age of four, in Pittsburgh, he won an amateur singing contest. At the ripe age of ten, he had landed a recording contract.

His first album with Warner Bros. Records was "Breezin'''. Its single "This Masquerade'' became the first song in music history to hit number one on the jazz, pop and soul charts. It remains the best-selling jazz album of all time.

After so many years in the music business, Benson said he rarely gets tired of it all.

"It's all I know,'' he pointed out. "I only get tired when I feel I'm getting stagnant. I play everyday, but I don't practise that long.'' "I can't imagine being without my guitar,'' he added. "When I'm with it I can think things out.''' Benson will perform tonight at National Stadium in the first evening of Jazzscape 1996.