Jeff Beck announces New Band & Album, Performing on 'SNL' (19/05/12) with Tal Wilkenfeld, Vinny Colaiuta & Mick Jagger. Also, with Sir Mick at The White House (21/12/12) performing 'Commit a Crime'

Some musicians find it hard to keep a group together and have to engage backing musicians who are sometimes not as good as their predecessors. Jeff Beck seems to attract the crème de la crème with each new project. Jeff has recently formed a new power-trio following a period of universal critical acclaim touring his Emotion and Commotion album, and numerous awards culminating in the 'Living Legend Award' at the '2011 Classic Rock Awards' at London’s Roundhouse in November.

Jeff's upward spiral in status as a musician, guitar player and innovator are, in part, due to his fans, the response of audiences, record buyers, the superlative musical talent of members of his group(s), critical acclaim, musical awards and management.

His musical vision and exploration for a fresh sound within the power-trio format culminates in Narada Michael Walden being replaced on drums by Veronica Bellino, who will record and tour with Jeff and bass player, Rhonda Smith, in 2012.

I hope the recordings produce an album hailed as innovative and imaginative, and reveal fresh depths to Jeff's guitar playing and music. No doubt Jeff opened a highly creative and productive phase with the four-piece unit incorporating Tal Wilkenfeld (bass), Vinnie Colaiuta (drums) and Jason Rebello (keyboards). Numerous recorded and filmed performances are testament to the inspired music created; the qualities of classic, precision and eloquence, come to mind.

I admit to disappointment when Jeff announced a new touring band in 2010: Narada Michael Walden (drums) and Rhonda Smith (bass) to join Jason Rebello on keyboards. It proved, however, to be a successful collaboration. The music - like the rhythms - changed, as did the performances. Jeff is, once more, seeking out new creative territory. I trust it proves successful, both musically and emotionally. Finally, it would be great to see Jeff reuniting with Tal & Vinny for an album and tour.

Jeff Beck Official Site 

Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame 25th Anniversary Shows - 29/30 October 2009 - New York City: Jeff Beck & Billy Gibbons play "Foxy Lady" as a tribute to Jimi Hendrix

It was great to see Jeff Beck and Billy Gibbons performing "Foxy Lady" by Jimi Hendrix on the second night of this event with images of Jimi emblazoned on a large screen above the stage. Jeff and Billy both play solos, each sounding fantastic, highlighting their own guitar style, tone and licks. Jeff preformed a second song with Billy Gibbons: "Rough Boy" - (some of the finest soloing and guitar tone recorded - Eliminator, 1983) - beautiful song and solos (available on YouTube - embedded by request).

Jeff's set list included: "Drown in My Own Tears", "People Get Ready", "Freeway Boogie", "Cause We've Ended as Lovers", "Let Me Love You", "Big Block", "Rice Pudding", and "A Day in the Life".

On the first night Jeff Beck accompanied Stevie Wonder on "Superstition".

Concert Review: Jeff Beck, Royal Albert Hall, London - 4 July 2009

It is Sunday, 5 July 2009. The sun has come out and reflects strongly on the buildings, windows, buses, and cars below as I gaze from my hotel room. I'm interested to hear who Kirsty Young's castaway will be this morning on "Desert Island Discs". As I drink tea I'm pleased to hear it is the impresario and promoter, Harvey Goldsmith CBE - Jeff Beck's manager from January this year. I sit down and listen. As he speaks, it is clear he is knowledgeable, intelligent, determined, temperamental, someone who deals with conflicts and obstacles swiftly and effectively, and has a talent for organisation, and getting things done.

I am intrigued regarding his choice of music ranging from "Kasmir" (Led Zeppelin), "Baba O'Reilly" (The Who - his favourite 'live' band at their peak with Keith Moon), to the live version of " Nadia" of Jeff's amazingly, successful DVD/CD, Performing This Week - Live At Ronnie Scott's. His insights into the music industry, management, and the organisation of large-scale events proves compelling. Indeed, his passionate statements that Jeff Beck is a "genius," and that "... the artist has to change emotions inside you. Few musicians have this ability ..." are painstakingly legitimate.

Jeff Beck has become one of the most striking performer's in the history of the guitar. While he has played the guitar for several decades he continually seeks new ways to ply his art, develop, and renew his music. Indeed, his musical output, and guitar playing, is a delicate fusion of all the influences he has sought, explored, and absorbed. He is a guitar player with a "real" difference who tends not to sound bland. No easy task. 

Jeff's return to The Royal Albert Hall has attracted fans from around the globe. Outside the venue I spoke to some people who had traveled from Sweden, Italy, and New Jersey. An exuberant, tribal gathering had come to secure Jeff's place as one of rock's genuine icons. Inside, the hall was packed to capacity; the audience murmured with expectation. I was fortunate to be seated in the eighteenth row with a clear view of the stage.

From the moment the band took to the stage, and began the whispered, rhythmic accompaniment to "Beck's Bolero" - Jeff entered "stage right" clad all in white, playing the melody on his cream and white strat - it was clear the sound was warm and mixed to perfection. Not as loud as in Belfast, but the band performed with incredible confidence, bar some momentary glitches. While Jeff's confidence is clearly at an all time high - long may it last - there were moments during the concert when Jeff - and fellow band members - appeared overly conscious and, to a degree, overawed by the intimacy and atmosphere of the occasion. However, an exchange of smiles, a flurry of nimble fingers, and drum sticks, restored calm, and once more the band scaled new heights of musical triumph.

The hypnotic rhythm to "Pump" made you want to clap your hands, stand up, and rush the stage. Not acceptable behavior at the venue, I'm sorry to say. However, the combination of Tal Wilkenfeld's bass playing and sound, combined with Vinnie Colaiuta's drumming was intoxicating. Then Jeff entered with his beautiful tone, melodies, and virtuosity which the rest of the group complemented, driving him to play licks that astound, confound, inspire, taking you on a beautiful journey.

A run of songs let Jeff and the band explore different rhythms and sounds which were a delight to the eyes and ears. From the achingly beautiful melodies and rhythms, of "Behind the Veil," "Angel," and "Nadia," to wonderful, intricate, drumming by Vinnie, the characteristic weaving of lines by Tal on her bass, overlaid with keyboard voicings by Jason Rebello, made "Space Boogie," and "Led Boots" alternatively sweet and nasty. 

Sometimes the music appeared to be stretched in a particular direction - like an elastic band - to a point where it is about to break, then it turned, and retracted in another direction. Jeff continually displayed an ability to play with restraint and subtlety, without losing intensity.

Sometimes when Jeff plays the introduction to "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" I wish he would play the full version as included on the Wired album, and play "Brush with the Blues" separately. Tonight belonged to Jeff and his band, and perhaps my preference for only "one guest" on stage was at variance with others in attendance. So be it.

After a great, fast, rocky version of "Blue Wind" the band was joined by Imelda May to sing "Lilac Wine," (a song written by James Shelton in 1950). In my opinion, however, Imelda does not possess the raw, haunting voice required 'live' to create the emotion and passion the song deserves.

The music Jeff and his band played tonight went beyond black and white. It contained a myriad of different colours and shades that danced and stimulated an engrossed audience. Jeff, Tal, Vinnie, and Jason bowed, and left the stage amid resounding applause, and a standing ovation. Tonight Jeff, and his band not only touched the hearts of the faithful, but - I believe - those witnessing them for the first time.

For two of the encores, Jeff and his band were joined on stage by David Gilmore to perform "Jerusalem," and "Hi Ho Silver Lining". Some fans speculated that Jimmy Page, or Eric Clapton, would participate at the event. In the end David Gilmore proved to be a good choice. Both guitarist's seemed to enjoy playing together, and while each has a distinctive style and tone, they proved inventive, and appeared to play their guitar's without effort. Jeff returned and played "Where were You". His performance was emotional and beautiful.

After the show I walked to the stage door where a considerable number of fans were waiting for Jeff to sign albums, CDs, DVDs, and other memorabilia. Most people seemed to be singing or humming "Hi Ho Silver Lining," while others' talked about the emotional and entertaining performance. I heard strands of, "How does he play like that?" Several fans took photographs of Jeff's set list I had acquired from the stage.

I was aware an "after-party" may be in progress to celebrate the success of the event for Jeff, the band, the crew, and organisers'. Needless to say, some fans had flights to catch in the middle of the night. I caught the bus to King's Cross, and made my way to Islington. As I walked, the breathtaking music from the concert flooded through my mind.

Jeff's Set List

Jeff, Vinnie, Tal, and Jason in full swing

Blowing up a storm

I just happen to be the guy with the long hair and the white shirt center stage - the first to get out of his seat and go to the front before the encores. What a great night.

Concert Review: Jeff Beck - Ulster Hall, Belfast - 30 June 2009

Belfast is anything but dull. The city centre oscillates between menace and refurbished high culture. The recently renovated Ulster Hall is a fitting venue for Jeff Beck's first concert in Ireland. The Victorian Hall has played host to some of the finest artists and groups to grace this planet, including Rory Gallagher, Taste, Led Zeppelin, The Kinks, and Fleetwood Mac with Peter Green.

I'm sitting in the sixth row - centre stage - I give in to nostalgia, and think of some of the great concerts I have experienced at this venue. I visualise the artists, and hear fragments of their music with each beat of my pulse. After the support act, I believe the absence of a vocalist will not be missed when the main act takes to the stage. The auditorium is silent, in semi-darkness; the stage looks larger. I gaze at the red backdrop which creates a sunken world of calm and expectation. The lights dim.

Tonight a sold-out audience is treated to an absorbing performance by Jeff Beck and his powerhouse of a band incorporating drummer, Vinnie Colaiuta; keyboardist, Jason Rebello; and bass guitarist, Tal Wilkenfeld. Time to forget the 'Credit Bubble', the Internet, DVDs, CDs, vinyl: most fans want to see their musical heroes in the flesh. And there is no substitute for the atmosphere, tension, and emotion, an inspired and engaging band can generate live in concert.

The success of Jeff's recent release, 'Jeff Beck: Performing This Week - Live At Ronnie Scott's' on DVD, Blu-Ray and CD, the celebrated performance at the "Crossroads Guitar Festival' in Chicago, 2007," Jeff's induction into the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" on 4 April 2009, and new management - Harvey Goldsmith - have helped to invigorate Jeff's career, and standing in the music industry.

Tonight, Jeff walks onto the stage dressed in black, with a white scarf draped around his neck, and cradling his cream and white stratocaster. The applause is deafening, heartfelt. I believe Jeff and the band are genuinely taken aback by the warm reception. The band starts the performance with 'Becks Bolero' and it is clear the sound balance is excellent, and each band member is crystal clear in the mix. Somehow, Jeff and his band make the music sound fresh, as if woven for the first time.

What makes a good performance? Perhaps, dialogue between the musicians on stage. While creating their own voice and space - each musician, tonight - seems to bend and shape the music to maximum effect, and the combined output goes straight to your emotions, your soul. Something, not all musicians achieve.

Vinnie and Tal begin the hypnotic rhythm to 'Pump', and Tal's bass sound is beautifully warm; you could listen to it all night. A lot of people comment on her playing - which speaks for itself - but the diverse tones she gets from her bass, amps, and effects pedals are astounding. During the sixteen-number set it is evident the deep intuitive skills displayed by Vinnie, Tal, and Jason, provide a strong canvas for Jeff to paint a colourful array of sounds from his guitar.

Jeff plays with warmth, finesse, and an impish quality which permeates the group, and creates an extraordinary bond with the audience. The band truly seem astounded by the warm reception after each song, and exchange smiles. A great version of 'You Never Know ' follows, which sets the high standard of musicianship, and sound, that Jeff and his band reach during the rest of the performance.

Who could not be moved by the sublime 'Cause We've Ended as Lovers' - beautiful sounds and melodies emanating from Jeff's guitar, and inspired soloing by Tal. It digs deep into the twilight room of the soul, creating a dizzy sense of magic.

Does music get better than this? I doubt it. During the set Jeff moves around the stage, sometimes changing direction when the music changes course. Periodically, he exchanges a cheerful smile with a fellow band member, and continues to play his guitar with a naturalness few guitarist's attain. Each song was a highlight.

Jeff and his band were visibly moved by the two 'five minute' standing ovations they received.

After the concert Jeff, Tal, Jason and Vinnie are generous with their time and in great spirits. The warm and passionate reception they received tonight will be just as engaging if they return to Belfast again. I hope they do.  

Jeff Beck's Set List, Belfast

Jeff Beck Signing the Set List

Tal Wilkenfeld and Ronnie Kerrigan - Stage Door , Belfast

Tal Wilkenfeld

Transformation CD (2007)