Jeff Beck Rock-n-Roll Party
Jeff Beck paid Tribute to Les Paul last summer, celebrating what would have been the pioneering guitarist’s 95th birthday by playing his friend and mentor’s music, along with classic tunes from the era, in the same Times Square nightclub that Paul played every Monday for 14 years before his death in August 2009.
Sponsored by Gibson Guitar and billed as “A Celebration of Les Paul,” Beck was joined by The Imelda May Band at the Iridium Jazz Club in June 2010. Other guest performers joining Beck onstage included Brian Setzer, Gary “U.S.” Bonds, and Trombone Shorty.
“Les was my inspiration,” says Beck. “For years I had always wanted to do something for Les to show him how much I respected and admired what he had done. Les used to play every week at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City, so for me it was the obvious and fitting place for a ‘Salute’ to him.”
Beck will take the “Rock ‘n’ Roll Party” on the road for a short U.S. tour. Beck will once again be backed by The Imelda May Band and its enchanting singer Imelda May, who joined Beck on stage at the 2010 Grammy® Awards for a spot-on rendition of Paul’s “How High The Moon.”
The DVD of this amazing session is available now. The 27 track set list is jammed packed of lively, upbeat tunes that will unleash the swinger inside you. Complete with a house jazz band it will transport you back in time and make you appreciate the true talent and musicianship of Les Paul as well as Jeff Beck.
Check out the video from the DVD of Jeff and Imelda May doing their sultry version of “Poor Boy”:
Two things about Jeff lately that makes me very happy:1. That he has been getting some nice commercial recognition; 2 . That he is collaborating with vocalists more often. I REALLY enjoy his playing but some of his past albums have just been instrumental overdose for me. When his playing is accented by good vocals, it just seems to make things even better. Sort of like cleansing the palette between wine tastings.
Just my 2 cents.
Andrew
It was great to see Jeff at the Grammy Awards – and to see him WIN!
ok! i love geetars! period!
thank you.
This looks like a pretty sweet DVD. Would love to win it.
Stephen – sweet it is. Amelda May is stunning and Jeff’s playing is spot on. Good luck!
GEETARS??? Sarah!
Saw the abridged concert on PBS. Looking forward to seeing the whole thing.
@Andrew
I know what you mean, for me the best work that many guitar players have done is exactly that: look at Larry Carlton, wonderful player but surely his best work was the stuff he did with Steely Dan? It is for me!!! So often instrumentalist work is only really liked/appreciated by other instrumentalists. I’m listening to Chet Baker as I type, ‘Chet Baker sings.’ My funny Valentine: he sings one chorus…. and though a fabulous solo player he doesn’t think it necessary in this instance. 2’20” of wonderful music- I wish more musicians (especially sax players :-)) would be as economical as that!
P.S I am a gigging musician