Imogene and Jeff

Well.

I have always believed Jeff Beck was one of the great guitar players of his generation. But <here is where I get in trouble with the true guitar aficionados> I believe he is greatest when he is complimenting … not leading.

Case in point?

I just saw a 2007 concert of his on Palladia TV channel.

When he is solo leading his band he is good … flashes of true guitar greatness … but it is not always the easiest to listen to.

Ah.

But then he invites people to perform with him. In fact in this show he has Imogene Heap join him on 2 songs.

Her voice pulls Jeff Beck up to an entirely different level. Albeit her voice is perfect for improvisational jazz but together they create a pretty magical, beautiful musical journey … his guitar is as sweet as her voice and it all just … well … flows.

This song is spectacular.

The Blanket – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z79pgPn357g

The other thing I noted as I watched was Beck’s bass player. She seemed so young to be playing with him but she also sounded awful good.

A bass player with someone like Jeff Beck has the challenge of keeping him between the guard rails as well as … on occasion … leading him back home … and always has to keep the music all moving forward.

That bass player is a young lady named Tal Wilkenfield. A guitar prodigy from Australia … she picked up the bass a while ago and the rest is history. Apparently she now always plays with Jeff.

Here are a couple more songs just for your listening pleasure.

Rollin’ and Tumblin’ – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuXcGHjBeac

Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yuZ-J5coKk

I have a framed picture of this famous photo of Jeff Beck <among a couple other semi-collector images framed> and while I can honestly say I am not a huge fan of his music … and I appreciate what the man can do with a guitar. He is proof that loud and fast is not a guarantee of ‘good’ when it comes to great guitar playing.