WIRED

The second of Jeff Beck's solo fusion albums, "Wired" makes a great follow-up to his stellar debut. There are definitely same changes this time around, though. The album's structure is tighter, with less of the free-flowing segues on "Blow By Blow" and, as the name suggests, delivers a more rock-inspired, electrical performance. The line-up on this album is entirely different, with only Beck remaining. Jan Hammer takes on Max Middleton's spot on the keys, Narada Michael-Walden takes to the drummer's stool and Wilbur Bascomb plays the bottom end. Though a very different line-up, the chemistry between the four is obvious and the finished product, while not quite as wonderful as "Blow By Blow", is a solid jazz rock album.

Side one delivers a killer set; "Led Boots" kicks it off with its raucous funky drum beat and heavy, fuzzy keyboards and guitar quickly set the album's tone as a heavier, more hard-hitting Jeff Beck album. "Come Dancing" continues the funk and "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" show off Jeff's fretboard wizardry in a slow blues standard setting. "Head For Backstage Pass" ends side one energetically, with a grooving bass solo and fun interplay between the four.

Side two opens with the uptempo rock song "Blue Wind", which is a vehicle for extended guitar and synth soloing and features tight drum performances by Jan Hammer. "Sophie" and "Play With Me" are weaker tracks but still good fusion fare and "Love Is Green" ends the album with an acoustic guitar and piano duet.

"Wired" would go on to set the structure for Jeff Beck's next album, "There And Back" and is certainly the stronger of the two. It's no "Blow By Blow", but it still offers great listening for guitar and fusion lovers.