Whenever a discussion turns to whom the greatest guitarists of the 20th century might be, inevitably three names come up: Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Jeff Beck. Besides being British and virtuosos on the electric guitar, these three legends also have something else in common; at one time or another they had all been in same band, the seminal Yardbirds.
While Clapton and Page’s styles have remained firmly rooted in the blues, Jeff Beck took it in an altogether different direction in the ‘70s. With his album “Blow by Blow,” Beck was able to blend rock and jazz fusion on incredible instrumental songs such as “Freeway Jam,” and the Stevie Wonder penned “Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers.” With his next album, “Wired,” his collaboration with keyboardist Jan Hammer pushed the boundaries of what rock music could be by adding elements of funk with jazz fusion.
No one plays a Fender Stratocaster like Jeff Beck. He’s the master of using the whammy bar, tone, and volume knobs to create sounds that leave other guitarists shaking their heads in wonderment. He has a style and technique that no one else has duplicated, forgoing the use of a plectrum or guitar pick.
He instead relies exclusively on his fingers to coax the sounds out of his instrument. To hear a sample of his skills, check out “Beck’s Bolero” from The Jeff Beck Group’s album “Truth,” and “Cause We Ended as Lovers” from Eric Clapton’s 2007 Cross Roads Festival.
Of the three guitar legends previously mentioned, only Beck is still touring and releasing new music. His latest release is a collaboration with Johnny Depp called “18.” Beck explains the album title: “When Johnny and I started playing together, it really ignited our youthful spirit and creativity. We would joke about how we felt 18 again, so that just became the album title too.”
CITY NATIONAL GROVE of ANAHEIM
November 8, 2022
The new record is a mix of Depp originals along with a wide-ranging assortment of covers that has a little bit of everything from Celtic and Motown, to The Beach Boys and Killing Joke. Though Depp has said he won’t be a part of this tour, rumor has it that Johnny Depp will be joining Jeff on select dates of this tour.
Beck’s live band is made up of bassist Rhonda Smith, drummer Anika Nilles, and keyboardist Robert Stevenson. The setlist will “focus on the new album” as well as notable songs from Beck’s extensive catalog.
Don’t miss your chance to see a living guitar legend while you can. Beck is bringing his show to The Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles on November 6th, and to The City National Grove of Anaheim on November 8th.
