Jeff Beck
Jeff Beck in a Sold Out XRT Show at Park West
One of the best arguments you can have is the one over who is the greatest guitarist. And it can get just as heated as discussions over politics, religion and sports. There’s plenty of sub-categories to chose from as well…who’s the fastest, the most innovative, the best writer, etc. I remember extolling the virtues of Eric Clapton, when someone else at the table scoffed at me saying that he was nothing next to Charlie Christian (someone I had never heard of at the time…he’s pretty good, by the way.) Anyway, you could make a very good case for Jeff Beck on any side of that debate. Mr. Beck was in town last night for the first of two sold-out XRT Shows at Park West, a rare small club appearance for the two time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and he lived up to his reputation of being flash on the guitar.
If I might presume to enter Beck’s brain, it is obvious that if he can think it, his hands can play it. There is nothing that he cannot do on his instrument and he does it all night long. Supported by a very able trio of bass, drums and keyboard (Tal Wilkenfeld, Vinnie Colaiuta and Jason Rebello), he paid homage to his rock roots with versions of “Beck’s Bolero,” “A Day in the Life” and “Peter Gunn,” but most of the evening was spent in fusion world, a place he helped create along with the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Return to Forever and others. In a world obsessed with idol divas, it was refreshing to see a band dedicated solely to instrumentals and if I did yearn for a Keith Relf, a Rod Stewart or even a Tim Bogert on occasion, that’s just a quibble.
Of course, this style of music does encourage self-indulgence and you might ask did we need two drum solos, two bass solos (including a four-handed one) and blizzards of one-sixty-fourth notes? Perhaps, no. But did our jaws drop when they happened? Yes. The sound at Park West, always above average, was impeccable, with each instrument clear as a bell and attention paid to the sub- and supersonic register as well. In fact, the only inaudible portion of the evening came when Mr. Beck, a man of few words, stepped up to the microphone to introduce the band. But that’s why we have DJ’s.
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Frank E. – I was at Park West last night and in complete agreement with your intro of Jeff Beck – Jeff in an intimate venue such as Park West, at that!
Jeff has been of my awareness since as a 15 year old I listened to “Morning Dew”.
I was enraptured through out the concert, to say the least, and “Peter Gun” – how neat.
What impressed me greatly, (and noticed little of during Derek Trucks performance the week before) was the joy with which the musicians played interactively. Jeff certainly was enjoying performing, and played like a true God. And the audience was so very much a part of the music, in thrall, and acknowledged by Beck.
The musical skill of all – exceptional.
Now, however, I wonder, as did poet Sylvia Plath: “Once one has seen God, what then?”
Indeed, who could follow? Nothing compares.
Thanks Frank E. Lee for your honest and heartfelt intro, thanks XRT.
Karyn Van Dyck
I have to say – I am still in complete awe over Jeff’s show at Park West last night (Fri., 4-17). Thanks to the new ticket policy – someone like me (an ordinary longtime SUPERFAN of Jeff) was able to sit FRONT ROW CENTER. It was the experience of a lifetime, one that my husband and I will never forget. Jeff rules the guitar and never ceases to amaze and surprise us. Breathing in the cloud of powder from Jeff’s ceremonial dousing of his hands was a thrill! Life is good!
All dudes should have the stamina of Jeff on their instruments.
Jeff Beck has been a favorite of mine since the “Truth” record came out. So when he began the show with “Beck’s Bolero” I was on top of the world.
I have seen hundreds of shows since the early seventies and this was one of my favorite shows ever.
The chemistry of this band and the fun they had on stage at the Park West made for a memorable evening to say the least.
I was at the Crossroads show a couple years ago and got a taste of what Beck served up Thursday night. I thought he stold that show, he made everyone get up and boogie.
The full meal at Park West was even better, the sound was out of this world, the music went right through you but was in no way too loud.
I too was happy to bring my wife to an intimate venue to see a world class show.
Peter Gunn, wow, still can’t get it out of my head. Fantastic!
Thank You, Mr. Beck and CO.
WATCH:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHnfCFiUvh8
Too bad for me I missed it, though I have seen him several times in the past but never at hall as intimate as Park West. At least I have tickets for Todd this week (who lists Jeff Beck as his favourite guitarist on his website) Did he speak at all? What was the rest of the playlist?
Yes, somebody please put up the complete playlist.
As all have posted on this blog I too am a long time fan and follower of Mr. Beck. Having seen him at Crossroads was awesome but the night at the Park West was electrifying. My husband and I had tickets for Thursdays show and left awestruct. Basically the set resembled his recent CD, “Live at Ronnie Scott’s” with the encore being Peter Gunn.
To JD I’m also a long time Todd fan too. Cant wait until Friday!
F’IN FENOMENAL!
The Jeff Beck show at the Park West
was indeed incredible. Great venue,
sound and the music was all part of a concert experience of a lifetime. You may find this hard to believe but Jeff was even better the nexy night in Milwaukee.
The show was at the Old Turner Hall. This was more like a concert
of old with a rowdy audience and Jeff seemed to really “pull out all the stops.” It is indeed Packerland but a fine time was had by all.
Jammin’ with Jeff:
http://twitpic.com/3vl51
As I have said about Jeff Beck many times in the past, but never more true than now…
T.S. Eliot gave a lecture @ Washington Univ. in June of 1953 where he described Twain as ‘ a rare writer…brought their language up to date, and in doing so have purified the dialect of the tribe’
Beck’s spectacular vocabulary, unique technique, and genuine enthusiasm have always been a great and generous gift to music fans and the music world. What a great talent!
My husband and I have seen Jeff many times, and the Park West concert was one of the best. I love the fact that ALL the seats are great, and of course the sound couldn’t have been better. The energy, and Jeff’s obvious enjoyment of playing at the concert made it all the better. And I have to say, I’ve never seen anyone play the same guitar with another person (Tal) and it could not have been better!
Thanks for the opportunity XRT and keep coming to Chicago Jeff!!!