Music Review: Emotion And Commotion

Jeff Beck is a name that always eludes most conversations when debates on guitar heroes throw up names like Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, John McLaughlin etcetera.

Emotion And Commotion
Jeff Beck
Rhino Records
****

HT Image

Jeff Beck is a name that always eludes most conversations when debates on guitar heroes throw up names like Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, John McLaughlin etcetera. Jeff Beck has stood silently in the wings smiling at all of us and every once in a while he will throw in a gem that will shine brighter than the best of them out there.

Here is Jeff taking guitar expressionism to a new level. I use the word ‘expressionism’ because I consider the guitar an instrument of soulful interpretation as opposed to technical egotism. And from that point of view, he is one of my guitar heroes.

This time around, he chooses to interpret classical works, songs from musicals, opera as well as blues covers. So behold pieces like Nessun Dorma, Corpus Christi Carol, Judy Garland’s ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’,Screamin Jay Hawins, I Put A Spell On You’, with guest vocals by Joss Stone. And even more amazing is the band, on bass is 24-year-old wondergirl, Tal Wilkenfeld, on drums is virtuoso Vinnie Colaiuta and playing keybards is jazzman, Jason Rebello. Expect some Grammies here next year.

Bottom Line
Pure emotion, No commotion, thankfully.