Two and a half years ago, I heard that Jeff Beck had died unexpectedly. It sent shockwaves throughout the music world as the media reported the news to fans everywhere. Not knowing that much about his career since the early days, I checked out those reports, went to YouTube to look for his music, and discovered so many riches. Equally at home in different musical genres, this amazing, innovative musician had his own unique style of playing that defied categorization. Jeff was in a class by himself. I shared what I had discovered as a way to appreciate and honor the man: The virtuosity and versatility of Jeff Beck was unique among rock guitarists. One of the best!
I really enjoyed Jeff Beck – Performing This Week… Live at Ronnie Scott’s, with its many outstanding performances, including special guest artists. Accompanying Jeff on guitar were Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, Tal Wilkenfeld on bass guitar, and Jason Rebello on keyboards. Amazing musicians in their own right, they produced an exciting cohesive sound. The joy they shared making great music together was self-evident and the audience responded in kind. Surprise guests included Joss Stone, Imogen Heap, and Eric Clapton. One highlight was Jeff using a glass bottleneck slide to delicately tap out high notes at the lowest position on the strings towards the conclusion of Angel (Footsteps), which drew a standing ovation from the audience, and a satisfied smile from Jeff. Beck was interviewed on the success of the 5-night run at Ronnie Scott’s. He talked about each musician and every song on the set list. The show was edited into a 1-hour program for broadcast on the BBC.
But I keep coming back to three sublime pieces from that one-week residency in November 2007 at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London: Stevie Wonder’s Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers* featuring Tal’s impressive bass solo, Imogen Heap singing and riffing her way through a jazzy-bluesy performance of her song Blanket with Jeff contributing two short sublime solos, and Jeff concluding the night with the hauntingly beautiful Where Were You.
*Also see them play that piece at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival in Chicago Southland July 2007 featuring Tal’s bass solo and Beck repeating his enthusiastic response to her playing.
Enjoy these 3 videos in the order they were played: JEFF BECK LIVE Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers | Jeff Beck featuring Imogen Heap – Blanket (Live at Ronnie Scott’s) | Jeff Beck – Where Were You – (Live at Ronnie Scott’s).
Check out more amazing musicians in the Archive ‘Music’ Category of The Uncarved Blog.
— Written and compiled (citing sources) by Ken Chawkin for The Uncarved Blog.
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