Jeff Beck "performing this week" OMG


I know I just finished listening to this disc. I know that sometimes music doesn't always hold up after repeated listenings. I also know that this disc is the single best guitar performance I have heard maybe ever. Last night I had just finished listening to Santanas " song of the wind" and was wondering what had become of this level of virtuosity in todays music. I put on "perform this week" which I had bought on a whim and was dumbstruck. Many years ago I was a big Jeff Beck fan but had lost some interest as I felt he was stuck in a fusion time capsule. He was terrific on Claptons crossroads ( he's always been a great blues player) and his manic depression on a Hendrix tribute was fantastic so I bought the disc hoping to not be too dissapointed. Never EVER have I heard such beauty and virtuosity at the same time. I've seen a clean SRV in concert. I saw Return to Forever back in the day. I've seen Albert King, BB king, Mclaughlin/Dimeola/Delucia, John Mayer, Eric Clapton, Santana, Buddy Guy and a hundred others that don't come to mind just now. This is a supreme performance of jazz, rock, blues even reggae. Listening to this reminds me of the story of Sonny Rollins listening to john Coltranes "Giant Steps" and retiring for two years. It was just too mind blowing. The band and the recording quality are likewise topnotch. I know this is way over the top but to me at least it's that good. Check it out. - Jim
Ag insider logo xs@2xaldavis

Showing 7 responses by shadorne

Aldavis,

I got this on Blu-Ray and it is indeed everything you say and more. I thought I should add something to your thread (after picking my jaw up off the floor).

The audio quality is awesome - although I might be biased 'cause they use ATC at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club. I also enjoyed the Rockabilly extras with the Big Town Playboys and the appearance of Eric Clapton. I also though Imogen Heap was in superb form - the disc is worth the price just for her two tracks alone.

I was floored by Jeff Beck - although I have to admit - like Santana - I don't like the over emphasis on the guitar all the time (it is kind of in your face). What I enjoyed most was Vinnie Colaiuta on drums - man was that guy in the pocket and yet so amazingly versatile...

The video quality is stellar although the drumming is slightly blurred as perhaps they did not have enough light back there or they interlaced it instead of 'P' but it won't bother most people.

They also seem to have got mostly the timing between video and audio correct - it is only off in a few places. This is important for those who want to follow Jeff's magical fingering.

I found the keyboard playing to be a little uninspiring but the young girl (Tal Wilkenfeld) on bass had the grooves nailed.

All in all I'd recommend this BD to anyone seriously interested in the Blues/Rock/Reggae.

You'll also spot Robert Plant and Jimmy Page in the audience if you look carefully...
Ok - just in case nobody takes me seriously (which I fully expect being a crazy
and opinionated a b*stard that I am).

Just listen to this and if you don't get it then you
have no soul. (yeah - you are lost forever if this does not move you - give it up and go buy Barry Manilow albums)

Of course the sound on the Blu-ray is about one hundred times better than
youtube...but you surely get the idea....
Jax2,

Yes - keep spreading the word. Thx should really go to Jim for starting this thread.
Bongofury,

Funny you should say that - I liked Beck's work when he is not so busy too. He has great timing and I felt that the less aggressive numbers they played at Ronnie Scott's showed his real skills. Like the drummer who plays incredible polyrhthms at jaw dropping speeds...so what....somehow I appreciate at lot more the drummer who can simply sit in the pocket and enhance the experience with great grooves...as Pee Wee Willis remarked once about funk music - "it is more about what you DON'T play than what you do play."
My Condolences. I will add that 91 is pretty good going though!

I looked him up and he was on Sinatra's "White Christmas" (Capitol Years) - so I figure nearly everyone alive has probably heard Big Dom although they might not know it.
There is freeware or shareware around but considering that it may take you
several hours to split the files $32 bucks ain't bad. I did this last about 5 years
ago as I wanted the soundtrack to the opening credits of
[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPz8D6RGmPA]Witches of
Eastwick[/url] and could not find it on CD. I can't remember what I used exactly
(ripper or extractor) but i do remember it took me a whole evening.