JEFF BECK

Jeff Beck. A mythical name, a rebellious genius and a surefire rock icon. Not the easiest chap to get along with, his much storied spats with almost everybody have become legendary. Contrary to his other 2 "guitar god" colleagues Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton, Beck ventured beyond fame and fortune and "Frankly" (pardon the obvious pun) , Jeff "did it my way", going against all monetary logic in setting up groups which he would then deep- six, impish smile on his racing car face. Where Page milked the metallic Zeppelin for all its worth and Clapton shed his Tears from Heaven , maintaining his blues/pop image, Jeff eagerly dived into the most complex form of prog at the time (fusion jazz-rock) , kneeling at the Mahavishnu shrine and uniting with keyboard whiz Jan Hammer to discover new horizons, delving into electronica in his latest ventures. Truth (another pun) is that Jeff never gave a rat's ass about hit records, his irascible temperament made him brood over his instrument and he never really had anything beyond cult status (influencing a zillion guitarists like Slash, Perry, Satriani, Vai and May, among others). So why is this DVD such a winner and a MUST have? Intimacy to start, Ronnie Scott's is a fabled London jazz club that seats circa 250 people, showcase to the greatest stars since 1959 (Weather Report, Miles Davis, Vaughan, Evans, Fitzgerald , Mayfield and even Dream Theater!). Secondly, a whopper of a band featuring the incredible Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, the efficient Jason Rebello and most of all, the lovely and hugely talented Tal Wilkenfeld , a 22 year-old beauty from Down Under with impeccable credentials and exuberant attitude. Her beaming smile is alone worth the price, such a rare joy to witness in our plasticene world and marmalade life. Thirdly, the concert is not a conventional paying "gig" but rather an event that spanned 5 consecutive nights with 21 amazing tracks that span years and bands. Brief salutes to John MacLaughlin, Jan Hammer and Billy Cobham tunes, a superb curtsy to Stevie Wonder, another jaw drop on the Beatles' majestic "A Day in the Life", some blues standards with a cameo appearance by pal Eric Clapton, sizzling avant-pop with Imogen Heap (this was a surprise), R'n B with guest Joss Stone and a wide selection from his solo work, mostly penned by keyboardist Tony Hymas. I was expecting to hopscotch through less compelling pieces but I found myself unable to approach the skip button, totally subjugated by the spectacle. For such a snarly reputation (you see small hints of it in the Interview section), Beck certainly turns the tables on his few detractors on this stellar DVD, his obvious delight and warm cheerfulness is extremely addictive, showing quite convincingly that one can be a classy, enthusiastic show-off and not a surly, arrogant technician like Stanley Clarke or the lads from ELP. Jeff Beck mesmerizes with his guitar caresses, exhorting impossible sounds from his fretboard , a heady mix of sonic finesse and Hendrixian sexuality, unendingly elevated by the evident adulation from his bandmates. Tal is the other visual showcase, a curly red-haired beauty bass phenom who is happy to be in the presence of a true master and is unafraid to show her zeal. She easily reproduces Lee Sklar's momentous bass run on Cobham's masterpiece "Stratus", solos manically on the preposterously tasty "Cause We Ended Like Lovers" and holds down the bottom end in complete unison with Colaiuta , easily a top 50 drummer of all-time (endless sessions and a demanding career with Zappa , Sting and Joni Mitchell). The Clapton-Beck guitar duets are to die for. This was one hell of a show and a timeless adventure into a phenomenal talent, I guess you had to be there (like Robert Plant, Page, BonJovi and Brian May). If you want to sit back and spend the night catching your yo-yo jaw from hitting the floor, then go out and get this masterpiece. From the opening classic "Beck's Bolero" to the gentle ambient climax "Where Were You", you will be stunned into submission. Others have reviewed this glowingly, I can only add more fuel to the fire. 5 Boleros

This compilation focuses on the early period of JBG from 1967-69. It features the songs taken from first two albums ("Truth" and "Beck-Ola") and several singles. Since I did not own any Jeff Beck title in my collection, and saw this at a discount price, I did not hesitate much. But, somehow the CD is poorly packed, with only few liner notes and not much bio or recording data. There are few classic Beck tracks among which "Beck's Bolero", "You Shook Me", "I Ain't Superstitious", "Morning Dew" presented the main reasons for me to buy this disk. On the other hand there are many unremarkable tracks and I can't help thinking that there must have been a better way to represent this phase of the work of JEFF BECK GROUP featuring Rod Stewart and Ron Wood. THE YARDBIRDS' classic "Shapes of Things" sounds awful here while cheesy French melody "Love Is Blue" obviously does not belong here. "The Best of Jeff Beck Featuring Rod Stewart" is worthy buying ONLY if you don't own any other album or title by JBG due to several nice classics, but otherwise...

PERSONAL RATING: 2,5/5

P.A. RATING: 2/5

It's hard to avoid comparisons with the Japan-only release at BB King Blues Club of 03, but the sound is quite different and so is the line-up. With a star-studded line-up of Colaiuta on drums, Rebello on keys, Jeff introduces us to teenage redhead girl bass wonder (only 17 years old) Tal Wlikenfield on bass, and does that kid ever rock?.. What is amazing is that Jeff never sounds like he's mentally on a tropical island somewhere around the globe, no the man is in front of you giving the best of himself to his crowd of the moment

Starting on the classic Bolero, the set is mostly oriented towards Jeff's 70's career, but the numerous covers from Cobham and McLaughlin shows that he was never much a songwriter, but is a first class interpreter. Compared to the BB King Japan-only release, this one is a bit mellower, a bit jazzier too, more mature and some of the usual Beck standards are missing, like Freeway Jam. Beck seems to revisit his last three studio albums to some extent, but his Guitar Shop album has well, with a certain success, as these track don't throw us off from what we expect from him. Overall, a cool jazz-rock fusion night that can only bring the 70's spirits without bringing out the unneeded nostalgia. Not superb enough to grace my top 5 of thiis year, but the top 20 certainly?.. I think the DVD should probably get the nod, and not just for Jeff's guitar antics, this time, but Wilkenfield's red hairs as well.

｢That time was very interesting. Various ideas have come out. However, there was Jeff Beck very much a day when feelings were good and bad days. ｣Posture without the compromise for the challenge of the pursuit of the music always and music might be proof that Jeff Beck kept always challenging new music. It is guessed that the remark of Max Middleton never had the poor impression in Jeff. Jeff actually borrows the talent of Max Middleton enough for the production of the following Solo album.

Jeff Beck Group of the first stage pulled the act of the activity once in September, 1969 by the problem of member's discord. However, Jeff Beck suffers from the traffic accident from pursuit to the music at the time for which it hoped to music because it has the flow that doesn't know the stay. As for this event that happened on November 2, 1969, hospitalization is done through necessity for Jeff Beck for about three months. And, after the wound cures, Jeff Beck ups and about doing again for music. Jeff Beck had already had Tim Bogert, Carmine Appice, and acquaintance at this time. The plan interrupted by the hospitalization of Jeff Beck though it tried to receive Rod Stewart active with Jeff Beck Group of the first stage in Vocal and to form a new band. And, the flow that this event is connected with Beck and Bogert And Appice back is a well-known fact.

The activity of Jeff Beck Group of the second stage starts as a recording of the album by the event of the accident of Jeff Beck and the election of the member, etc. in May, 1971. It is keyboard player's Max Middleton that it was appointed by the member of the group of this second stage. And, Bass player's Clive Chaman. It is Bob Tench in Vocal. And, Cozy Powell has been appointed by the drum player. Performance that group of the first stage was doing. The tune refined from the taste of Rock and Blues further is announced in this album. And, the point that should make a special mention is a point that the style of the performance of Jeff Beck has been almost established. It is likely to be already able to visit the element that builds the route of the following Jazz/Fusion according to the melody as an idea by this album. And, the flow of Jazz/Fusion of the element and Max Middleton of R&B of Bob Tench and Clive Chaman has acted well. The intention of Jeff Beck of electing this member and the directionality of the band might be the parts that Jeff Beck thought to some degree and were done. Bob Tench has been appointed as a result though the name of Alex Regartwood originally rose to this album as vocalist.

Playing the guitar to make good use of Wah-Wah twines round "Got The Feeling" with the piano. The element of groove has gone out strongly. It is possible to visit the aim of Jeff Beck of such music at this time. And, the tune dashes while mixing the element of R&B and Blues. As for the part of the transposition and the composition of the melody, the contribution of Max Middleton might be exactly large. The element of Jazz/Fusion might not have united if not existing in the band Max Middleton ..R&B and Rock... The song of Bob Tench has gone out very powerfully and the guitar of Jeff merges in the tune.

The rhythm where it dashes from the start of hard Blues Rock of "Situation" might be splendid. The line of Bass might be finished well, too. The piano extremely keeps Groove. The flow that Jeff Beck is skillful in this tune is blocked. It is a tune with an enough element of R&B and Rock each other. Max Middleton that plays Solo of E-Piano from the part of the hit with the tension has put out the taste that Jazz/Fusion is good.

"Short Business" keeps extending melody and Groove. The tune progresses with the element of Funk and R&B. The contribution of Cozy Powell of this rhythm might be large. And, the guitar of Jeff Beck to make good use of Bottle-Neck is suitable for the tune.

"Max's Tune" is a tune with a mysterious element in the tune of this album. Twining of the guitar that plays a beautiful melody and the piano creates one space. However, the part where progress and Blues of the code in which Max Middleton is skillful in the flow are good is concealed. It might exactly have a prototype of the melody listened to by "Blow By Blow" and "Wired" part. It might be an exactly fantastic, graceful tune.

"I've Been Used" shifts to the flow with R&B and Groove from riff of a quiet guitar that the mute is done. The progress of the code has not stayed as simple Blues and R&B. This flow might be exactly large the contribution of Max Middleton. And, a prototype element as Hard Rock is also performed. It will have a part that advances very gracefully and is good.

The rhythm of "New Ways Train Train" that Cozy Powell is powerful is impressive. And, the usage of the tension note might be splendid. The tune dashes as the part that reaches the peak the flow with the dash feeling twining. The part where Jazz Rock, R&B, and Blues are good has been splendidly absorbed. The flow of such a tune is connected with the following Beck and Bogert And Appice. The tune dashes again rushing into a complex rhythm on the way. It might be a splendid tune indeed calculated.

"Jody" starts by a beautiful piano melody. It progresses, also to a piano obbligati, and Solo of the guitar of perfect Jeff Beck twines round the tune with the part of the ballade. The tune shifts to the rhythm of the shuffle on the way and Ad-Rib of the guitar reaches the peak. And, the rhythm returns to the ballade and flows again. Coda from Solo by the last Max Middleton might be splendid.

The group being done by the member of the first stage has boldly changed the music character depending on the member of this album. And, the performance that only these five people can do might be done.

Top-Notch Guitar Solos

Jeff Beck's most famous work, Blow by Blow, shows a mature Jeff Beck leaving his blues roots and concentrating to some outstanding guitar show-offs not heard often by many. However as his guitar style matured, his writing skills seemed to just end up in some kind-of jazzy jams in which there's pretty much zero variation from the songs, they stay as they are with a decent funky rhythm generally backing-up Jeff's show-off; even though the band is capable of more, Jeff just seemed to care for himself this time, not a totally bad thing mind you since this is a solo work and that's what you must expect.

Blow by Blow is a case where the guitar solos standout and take the lead in all of the compositions, and while the compositions are rather simple you care less since Jeff's guitar distracts you from that. However, stating that, I have no right to say that this album is on the heights from all those classic Jazz Rock albums as Where Have I Known You Before, Birds of Fire, Hot Rats, I Sing the Body Electric, etc, that is from the composition side of things.

Blow by Blow stands as an excellent bag of stunning guitar solos full-filled with catchy funky/jazz rhythms but nothing way too exciting or adventurous for the avid jazz rock/fusion fan.

Don't get me wrong, I love Jeff's guitar on this album and in his following, Wired, probably one of my favorite guitarist alongside Tommy Bolin, but as far as his writing skills go, this album, like I said before, doesn't deserve to be a classic Jazz Rock/Fusion album, however it does deserve to be a classic of guitar solos and for that it gets the 4 stars. (mind you that if you want top-notch Jazz Rock/Fusion don't start with this one)

If I were to say what is the prog would not be able to give a definition. But I'm sure that I include in this category PFM and Genesis like Pestilence and Jeff Beck. Because yes, for me Prog is also Jeff Beck that plays a sort of Prog Blues/ Hard Rock and from the middle of 70's plays Jazz Rock/ Fusion and today plays a pure mix of Prog Blues, Jazz Rock/ Fusion, Power Metal, Soul, Funk, Reggae and pure Rock! Nevertheless, if I were uio define the music of Jeff Beck I should say: 'Jeff Beck plays guitar. He joined the R'n'R, Blues and Jazz to Heavy Metal, and succeed much better than Page Blackmore and anticipating Eddie Van Halen and Steve Morse! In a certain sense Jeff Beck is the Heavy Metal version of Rory Gallager'. Then I report what Charles Shaar Murray wrote in the sleevenotes of 'Performing This Week... Live At Ronnie Scott's': 'Personally, I love songs and singers too much for 'Instrumental Rock' ever to be one of my favourite genres. What makes the difference is: when I listen to Jeff Beck, I feel like I AM listening to a singer. Specifically: a singer capable of communicating every nuance of lyric. A Sinatra, an Aretha, a John Lee Hooker, a Howlin' Wolf, a Billie Holiday. When Beck plays a melody associated with a vocalist you can hear the lyrics. When he plays a piece which was always instrumental... You can imagine them. In a set almost obscenely with good things, look no further than 'A Day In The Life' or 'Cause We've Ended As Lovers' for documentary evidence of the uniquely vocal and expressive quality Beck brings the electric guitar'!

Said (and wrote) this, I can only stay in love with this live. Live album, even though Jeff is no longer a boy, is one of the best releases of my discography. This because Beck is a pure viruoso (easy for Jeff is virtuosism!) and Vinnie Colaiuta is another musician (drummer) that have these characteristics. Probably, since I love virtuoso drummers, this association (Beck- Colaiuta) is the winning element of this album, for me. If Beck plays with devil in his body, Vinnie Colaiuta is even better. For me the association that springs to my mind is this: a steam engine locomotive that runs fast and powerful to Paradise! If Jeff is a continuous solo... Vinnie is a drums solo made man!

I love 'Beck's Bolero' (a pure Bolero Rock written in 1966 by Jimmy Page), Eternity's Breath and Stratus (two massacre compositions for guitar and drums by John McLaughlin and Billy Cobham for Mahavishnu orchestra), 'Behind The Veil' (a Reggae Rock Blues by Tony Hymas), 'Led Boots' and Scatterbain' (written by Max Middleton... and another two massacre songs for guitar and drums in these versions), 'Space Boogie' (Hymas/ Simon Phillips... That is another massacre song) and 'A Day In The Life (Lennon/ McCartney). The other songs are excellent!

Boys and Girls... Ladies and Gentlemen... This is Jeff Beck... An immortal axeman... One guitar, one voice! And history is rewritten!

Funky, explosive, soaring, unadulterated, and at times delicate: Blow by Blow is a record where the well established Jeff Beck ventures out of the rock and roll universe and lands himself alive in the middle of the fusion colony. By 1975, fusion had lost some of its initial spontaneity and drive as the major acts seemed to falling apart into individual side projects (the initial Mahavishnu Orchestra had separate a few years before and Chick Corea was about to disband the classic lineup of his own band Return to Forever). Regardless, Jeff Beck released a hallmark in jazz fusion with Blow by Blow, where his guitar twists, dives and propels the genre into mature, yet unexplored pastures.

The album has truly 70's feel with funky keyboards and bass set alongside Beck's versatile guitar playing. The man will effortlessly transition from slippery riffs and bridges to acerbic and edgy solos, speaking through his guitar and evoking a wide variety of emotions through his various approaches. George Martin's production and arrangements on this album add tremendous depth to the four piece fusion outfit; alongside the world class musicianship, Martin's presence is equally responsible for the album's punch. The centerpieces of the album-"Scatterbrain" and "Cause We Ended as Lovers"- illustrate the two moods of this album. The first features a blistering guitar riff and accelerates at a fever pace; the band behind Beck stands toe to toe throughout and pushes him to peak of his prowess. The latter demonstrates Beck's ability to elevate his guitar above the mere notes he is playing, developing a powerful song in which he explores feelings of loss, despair, remorse and rejuvenation.

Jeff Beck proves that once again he is a revolutionary when it comes to guitar playing, incorporating his own style into the jazz fusion vocabulary. Unlike many of his fusion contemporaries, Beck illustrates that one can create equally complex and emotional solos, while playing a fraction of the notes. His guitar speaks volumes and demands the listener's attention whether it is in the explosive moments of "Freeway Jam" or in the more pensive "Diamond Dust." Blow by Blow is a must for any fan of classic jazz instrumental fusion and highly recommended for prog fans.

This is so crazy, I heard a few times only about Jeff Beck over the years and suddenly, I see this guy in a Festival in Quebec City, and 2 days later I watched this DVD. This guitarist is a Genuine God! On this DVD, he plays with a solid drummer (amazing stuff!), a very efficient keyboardist (great solos!) and a young bassist, which has a lot of fun playing with Mr. Beck ! This Venue is so great, this is a small room, people are so near the stage, the ambiance and the sound seems to be amazing ! The captation renders that perfectly -- and the sound on the DVD track is generous and has a studio quality. I really like that when you have the perfect seat -- with a perfect sound.

Even without the image, the soundtrack is so great, you can listen to it every day with a gaining pleasure and joy !

The songs on this DVD explore his vast experience and career and this DVD will become for sure -- even if I am a newcomer of Jeff, a masterpiece anthology for this very talented guitarist.

He might always be apart from others for the Music's world and the talent that always invents a reformative creation be work that other musicians cannot mimic it. This "Wired" will be able to be counted surely as one of the masterpieces of him in the history of his music as well as "Blow By Blow" that has been announced in 1975.

It is guessed that the time that disappears naturally when Beck, Bogert, and Appice act about the music was time when the place of a hardship and a new creation is requested for Beck. Interim Beck gradually expanded width for the following creation. And, album "Blow By Blow" that had been announced in 1975 became a hit worldwide. The flow becomes a good flow for Beck. The effort that Beck had cultivated was not useless though BBA had disappeared. And, competing with Beck is felt and participation as the guest of the album of UPP that really derived to the band can also feel area and his flexible of Beck challenge to music.

It rushes into including him in the age of Crossover/Fusion in the age by "Blow By Blow" announced in 1975. He is having them establish the road that directionality and he of new music should do by this album. Around Beck at this time, it is also true that those flows existed. The situation in which he was besieged was natural. He doesn't allow them to collect the song and in coming make the album to fight only by the performance, it is also true that the musician who had the element to decide his directionality around Beck existed. And, it is said that album "Spectrum" that drum player's Billy Cobhum had announced in 1973 became an entrance where it influences and Beck creates the album only of the performance to Beck a little in one opinion.

Jeff Beck dared the tour after "Blow By Blow" was announced and led them to the success. It participates in the recording as a guest at almost the same time and "Journey To Love" of Solo Album of Stanley Clarke. It is guessed that the devotion of Crossover/Fusion to the world was established for Beck almost completely. And, Beck begins the production of a new album again. And, the completed album is this "Wired".

A guest variegated as for this album that receives familiar, work with Beatles deep George Martin in the producer and is produced is participating. The Bass player is Wilbur Bascomb. It is Narada Michael Walden, Richard Bailey, and Ed Green in the drum player. Bailey participated in the recording of "Blow By Blow". By the way, Narada is said, "I can be likely never to do the performance done in this album" by the following interview. It is felt that the zeal of Narada is also very wonderful. The keyboard player is Max Middleton. Middleton and Beck are association from the start in the 70's. The tune that had arisen by composing Middleton really supported Beck from the under. Jan Hammer takes charge of the synthesizer. Hammer supports fact Beck creation. The group and Beck of Hammer accomplish competing in live. It might not have been achieved if there was no strong trust.

"Led Boots" It starts by Riff of a strong drum and the exploding guitar. Bass becomes double so that synthesizer Bass by Moog may come in succession, too and supports the soundscape. It can ..the dash feeling.. know the ability of the zeal of Beck and the composition of Middleton.

"Come Dancing" advances with the taste of the rhythm of Funk. If the rhythm is not important, this tune might be a tune not approved. Free Solo of Beck can be satisfied by putting on the rhythm that exists in the basis. The work of the guitar and Hammer of Beck with the element of Blues is a little good each other. A comfortable tension and a steady rhythm will consent the listener.

"Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" is this album and the only cover. It has the element of slow Blues and the creation of Beck makes us listen to a threat technology. How to use of the volume. And, I think that only he is good at his Bending.

"Head For Backstage Pass" gives the impression that Bass of Wilbur Bascomb performed in fast Passage is comfortable. Bass and the drum are taken an active part to this tune. Bascomb takes charge of the composition. Therefore, it is guessed the tune that arose from his idea.

"Blue Wind" is a tune with which the talent of Jan Hammer overflows. This tune became one of the tunes of the representative of Beck. The credit of the tune is two people (Beck and Hammer). Two tunes that made it have overwhelming magic. The battle of the guitar and the synthesizer will excite the listener.

"Sophie" flows with the element kept from the melody with which the anacatesthesia overflows. Narada that makes such a tune really has the talent. Riff of the guitar that adds a sensual melody to an intense rhythm is wonderful. The flow that twines Clavinette of Middleton and puts fast and slow has succeeded, too.

The guitar and the synthesizer of "Play With Me" are masterpieces. The humour of Hammer that mimics the habit of the melody of Beck is put on the pleasing rhythm and progresses a little. The part where the condition of the melody changes from the part of Funk is a comfortable element. Impressive Riff on the way also has [**] indeed well.

A moving melody of "Love Is Green" is a beautiful tune that can recognize the existence of Beck again. His talent will be shown and the piano that Narada plays be asked to the listener renewing saying that it is a person necessary for this album.

The listener might be good and it know whether it is an album "Blow By Blow" and "Wired" are very important for Beck. And, the magic that the musician who had surrounded Beck caused is carved for people's minds with the shine still.

Jeff Beck's Blow By Blow album is one of my favourite albums of all time, and I've been waiting for a suitable follow-up for years. Finally, here it is! Wired was a good album, and Beck's live album with the Jan Hammer Group was interesting, but Performing This Week is great. The song selections from across the years and the arrangements are excellent, as is the playing by Beck and his band of Vinnie Colaiuta, Jason Rebello and the young Aussie wunderkund Tal Wilkenfeld. This album is a must for fans of rock and jazz-rock fusion, and proves that Beck still has it!