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Jeff Beck

Posted at 11:42 AM on February 1, 2007 by Christina Schmitt (15 Comments)

The walking rock encyclopedias around The Current are probably going to laugh at me for this one, but I should know more about Jeff Beck.

There's a new recording that I want to check of the Jeff Beck Group, featuring Rod Stewart and Ron Wood, playing at a bar in Dallas in 1968. The reviews call Jeff Beck "instrumental napalm." Not to mention his late-'60s hair cut is H-O-T.

Help take me to school. Share your favorite Jeff Beck memories, albums, etc.

Comments (15)

Christina,

You should really check out Jeff Beck's 1968 album, Truth. It's very cool! Features Rod Stewart on vocals & Ron Wood on bass & Jeff Beck's gonzo guitar. He cover's everything, from himself on The Yardbirds classic, "Shapes of Things" to classical, "Beck's Bolero" to the blues, "I Ain't Superstitious". It's truly an amazing album!

Posted by Bill DeVille | February 1, 2007 2:12 PM

If you haven't seen it, watch Blow-Up. Not only do you get to see a good movie, but it has a part where the characters go a Yardbirds concert while Jeff Beck was still in the band, and he does his trademark guitar smashing.

Posted by Ben Tesch | February 1, 2007 3:11 PM

The Yardbirds played in Dayton's auditorium in the summer of '66- with Jimmy Page on bass! I don't think any of us had heard anything like Jeff's playing before, truly mid-blowing... much more pyrotechnic than the Yardbird's recordings...

Posted by Professor Batty | February 1, 2007 4:23 PM

What a list of adjectives he inspires: pyrotechnic, mind blowing, instrumental napalm, gonzo. That's pretty cool.

I love hearing about standout concerts in Twin Cities history. How many people do you think attended that Yardbirds show in '66? And I hate to ask, but where was the Dayton's auditorium (I didn't grow up here)?

Posted by Christina Schmitt | February 1, 2007 5:01 PM

Jeff Beck once wrestled a grizzly bear to a draw in a best-of-three falls series of matches. Among the witnesses were Eric Clapton, Wendell Anderson, and the San Diego Chicken. This was shortly before he invented the coloring book (he came up with the idea while recovering from his wrestling matches in the hospital).

Posted by Skorch | February 2, 2007 12:41 PM

Aside from being the physical model for Spinal Tap’s Nigel Tufnel, Jeff Beck is a guitar master that always got short shrift, in my opinion.

I agree with Mr. DeVille on the “Truth” album. Rod The Mod at his best, but I also have a soft spot for his mid ‘70’s jazz/fusion solo albums “Beck-Ola” and “Blow By Blow”, and his early ‘80’s album with Jan Hammer (of Mahavishnu Orchestra and Theme from Miami Vice Fame), called There and Back. Blow by Blow was produced by George Martin and there is a very interesting cover of The Beatles’ “She’s A Woman” on there. I think they re-released most of his back catalog on CD. He doesn’t really play much anymore unfortunately. He spends most of his time working on fixing up his vintage cars.

I think I’ll have to see if I still have by JB vinyl. I may have to take a stroll down memory lane this evening.

Posted by Frick | February 2, 2007 4:41 PM

Five words: "Jeff Beck with Jan Hammer."

Ugh.

Posted by J Cruelty | February 3, 2007 11:08 AM

Greetings from Texas. I caught the article in Rolling Stone that Christina is apparently referring to, and would also like to track down this recording. RS ran the story under a banner that says "DOWNLOAD NOW," but their site doesn't have it, nor do any of their linked sites. Here are the vital stats:
Jeff Beck Group
July 17th, 1968
LuAnne's Club, Dallas, Texas
(Leaked) I have no idea what this refers to- maybe a label name?
Any help y'all could provide would be appreciated!
Steve

Posted by Steve | February 6, 2007 4:35 PM

MY GOD I MUST FIND THAT 1968 DALLAS RECORDING, I SAW THE ARTICLE IN ROLLING STONE AS WELL, AND NOW I AM DYING TO LISTEN TO IT!!!!

Posted by R Man | February 9, 2007 5:48 PM

I'm also in Texas;where can I get this Live cd?

Posted by Larry | February 14, 2007 11:19 PM

I think that is what is commonly called a 'fricke tease' if you are afraid to divulge your sources then feel free to keep the info to yourself.

Posted by 1564 N MEADOWCREST BLVD | February 15, 2007 2:01 PM

You can buy this on a site VVMO; Vintage Vinyl either a u.s.a. press or japan press with different cover art;so thank you very much and go get it.
Larry

Posted by Larry | February 16, 2007 7:20 AM

This edition of the Jeff Beck Group (Jeff Beck:g, Rod Stewart: v, Nicky Hopkins:p, Ron Wood:b and Micky Waller:dr) was in 1968 the best rock group in the world. Their unique sound was even followed by new Led Zeppelin group. "Truth" is one of my favorite albums. Probably it was also Led Zeppelin's favorite album; they took from it two tracks. On 6.14.1968 JBG had first American concert in Fillmore East (NYC). Rod was so terrrified that he sung 3 first pieces hidden behind speakers!

Posted by Jacek | February 17, 2007 9:37 PM

Let us not forget to mention the late great Nicki Hopkins on piano. R.I.P. Remember :The Girl From Marin, anyone ?

Posted by Mike | February 18, 2007 3:10 PM

To Larry - who or what is "WMO; vintage vinyl"??? I've tried every variation of this on the net, and don't come up with anything!!!! Could you please be a little more specific???
THANKS!

Posted by Karl | March 5, 2007 12:52 PM

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