Album Notes - RIP Jeff Beck

I was unsure of exactly what album I would be spotlighting this week. Then I heard that Jeff Beck died from bacterial meningitis at the age of 78. Truly a guitar god among mere mortals since the beginning of rock's heyday in the 60s, the Englishman had a unique style that was both expressive and tasteful. The dude could shred, but usually he demonstrated his talent and creativity with other approaches to the instrument that ranged from controlled chaos to resplendent elegance. Coupled with coaxing a multitude of sounds from the instrument, his majestic phrasing was often more evocative of a lead singer than an axeman.

If you're unfamiliar with Jeff Beck, a few notes may help put the virtuoso's place in music history into perspective:

• Beck's time as guitarist in the Yardbirds was sandwiched between two guys by the names of Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page.
• After Syd Barrett was fired for being an acid casualty, Pink Floyd wanted Beck as his replacement. Apparently, they were too nervous to even ask. 
• Beck was in a group with Rod Stewart and Ron Wood, both of whom went on to become legends in their own right. That band's name? The Jeff Beck Group. 
• The drum intro on Stevie Wonder's "Superstitious" in one of the most recognizable in popular music. Beck came up with that beat when he sat down at the kit while the two were jamming. In fact, it inspired Stevie to write the rest of the song. (Beck actually recorded his own version, sans the catchy drum intro he created, and was supposed to have released it before Stevie did.)
• The Rolling Stones wanted him to replace Mick Taylor in the mid 70s. Beck went in for a session, then declined the offer. 

His life as a guitarist always seemed to overlap with, and be in demand of, a who's who of A-list musicians. Yet, no matter who Beck played with, he did so in a way that displayed his unique skills without overpowering or hindering the other performers' abilities to shine. He could simultaneously be the seamster and a thread of the musical tapestry.

On that note, 1975's Blow by Blow is one of his most well-regarded albums, even reaching #4 on the Billboard charts, especially impressive since it is a jazz-fusion instrumental. (Side note #1: The producer? That would be Beatle-man George Martin. Yep, Beck pretty much had his choice of collaborators.) 

2008's Performing This Week... Live At Ronnie Scott's puts Beck's chops on full display and welcomes listeners into the environment in which he was at his best: live. (Side note #2: I had the pleasure of seeing him in 2003, and it's still on my shortlist for most impressive guitar displays. A force unto himself.) Live At Ronnie Scott's serves as something of a career-spanning retrospective while highlighting the various techniques, tones, and styles that made Jeff Beck a one of one. RIP.