Jeff Beck in the "Gibson Showroom"

If You Have An Extra $25,000 Laying Around…

From Gibson.com… The 1954 Jeff Beck Les Paul Oxblood is the most detail-precise reissue of this hallowed instrument ever produced by Gibson Custom. All of the intensively accurate Custom Shop craftsmanship is there. From the one-piece light mahogany back to the accurately-arched carved maple top to the light aluminum wrapover bridge to the one-piece Beck-profile mahogany neck with long-tenon neck joint. Beyond even these, however, the instrument exudes the vibe of the original, with a feel, sound and finish match that pay homage to Beck’s own modified Les Paul. -GIBSON

Available in very limited numbers, the Jeff Beck 1954 Les Paul Oxblood from Gibson Custom will come in two different series.

The first 50 of these historic guitars will be carefully aged by the master luthiers at Gibson Custom to look exactly like Beck’s original, then personally hand-signed, numbered and played by Beck himself.

The next 100 guitars will be prepared with Gibson Custom’s pioneering V.O.S. finish, bringing the total run to just 150 rare instruments. Each one also comes with a specially produced Gibson Custom case with Beck’s signature silkscreened on the top, a custom care kit and a certificate of authenticity.

The 50 “Hand-Signed” and “Beck-Played” are on sale now… (better hurry!)

I want to know…who buys these guitars? I mean…seriously!

A few days ago I wrote how “I’m a Lot Like Jeff Beck…” If you missed that post, CLICK HERE.

That post has turned out to be one of the most popular ones I have written in awhile based on the viral activity and trackback links. In that post I spoke about how I agreed with Jeff about his views on heavy-metal music. I said:

“…while I love Rock-n-Roll, Smooth Jazz, Blues, Latin and New Age…I do not care for loud, screeching, shredding Metal at all. I recognize the talent, but I do not enjoy the music. Guitar music should be sensual, spiritual, uplifting and exciting — not “ear assault”. -GuitarDaddy

Well, I am about to add another genre to my growing list of favorites…and I have Jeff Beck to thank! Would you believe Opera?? Check this out:

Jeff’s new album “Emotion and Commotion” will release on April 13th. Today, NPR.org released the entire album on streaming audio on their web site. No restrictions, 100% free to listen to and I just listened.

Jeff Beck wrote the encyclopedia about bleeding sensual sounds out of a Stratocaster and his latest release is a new master-class chapter.

Track #8 is titled: “Nessun Dorma”, which to an old rock-n-roll-smooth-jazz-blues-latin-new-age music lover means nothing. So I did a little research and learned that Neussen Dorma is an aria (solo) from the final act of Giacomo Puccini’s opera Turandot and is one of the best-known tenor solos in all opera. Who knew?

Jeff uses his Strat to give the best interpretation of a Opera-Singing Tenor I have ever heard!

Just listen:

[Click the Arrow to play "Nessun Dorma" by Jeff Beck]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

That is exactly what I meant when I said: “sensual, spiritual, uplifting and exciting…”

Jeff-Beck - Emotion and Commotion

COMPLETE TRACK LIST
1. Corpus Christi Carol
2. Hammerhead
3. Never Alone
4. Somewhere Over The Rainbow
5. I Put A Spell On You featuring Joss Stone
6. Serene
7. Lilac Wine featuring Imelda May
8. Nessun Dorma
9. There s No Other Me featuring Joss Stone
10. Elegy For Dunkirk featuring Olivia Safe

Beck recorded several of the tracks with a 64-piece orchestra. Hardly heavy-metal!

This, GuitarBUZZ readers, is guitar playing at a totally magical level as each and every track blends a new and exciting sound from Beck’s amazing guitar skills.

I didn’t say I could PLAY like Jeff Beck, but after reading some of his comments in a recent interview with the U.K.’s Daily Telegraph, I realized that I sure do THINK like Jeff Beck.

Jeff Beck (Getty Images)

“I don’t like over-the-top heavy metal. Can’t stand it. Too many amps, too much volume. It’s just flat-out ear assault. I’m sure there’s a lot of deaf people out there. Speedy guitars leave me not feeling detached but physically upset. When you think of all the subtleties that were built into the guitar and amps for you to discover, they completely cover the whole lot with a rack of effects. The guitar doesn’t need that.” — Jeff Beck

Right on, Brother Jeff!

I know this post will alienate a few of my metal friends, but as far as I am concerned God only made one thing on this earth more beautiful than the pure tonal sound of a guitar in the hands of a masterful musician.

Any guesses?

I watch a lot of YouTube videos — especially those of bands and artists that I have not had the opportunity to see perform live.  As a result, I have a much better understanding and appreciation of their true ability and talent.  I have also honed in to the styles and genres of music that resonate the most with my personal taste.  And while I love Rock-n-Roll, Smooth Jazz, Blues, Latin and New Age…I do not care for loud, screeching, shredding Metal at all.

I recognize the talent, but I do not enjoy the music.

Guitar music should be sensual, spiritual, uplifting and exciting — not “ear assault”.

So in that light, I admit that I am a lot like Jeff Beck and Jeff Beck is a lot like me!

The “Must See Concert” of 2010!

U.S. audiences recently saw Jeff Beck’s guitar mastery at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 25th anniversary concert at Madison Square Garden. Beck’s 40 minute set with guests Sting, Buddy Guy and Billy Gibbons along with a blistering rendition of “Superstition” in Stevie Wonder’s set received strong critical acclaim.

The Beck-Clapton collaboration will undoubtedly be one an amazing show.  The artists will perform in sets “Together and Apart”.

The duo have shared the stage at Festivals and benefits previously. Both artists admitted to having a fantastic time on stage together…

The following shows have been announced:

• Thursday, February 18, 2010, New York, NY, Madison Square Garden
• Sunday, February 21, 2010, Toronto, Canada, Air Canada Center
• Monday, February 22, 2010, Montreal, Canada, Bell Center

“Eric and I played together in Japan earlier this year and had a blast. Since then we have been in regular contact and talked about doing a similar show for our fans. Looking forward to the shows in 2010,” — Jeff Beck.

“I’ve always considered Jeff Beck to be one of the finest guitar players around. He’s a friend, a great guy, and a truly gifted musician. We had such a fun time in Japan that it seemed natural to play together again,” — Eric Clapton.

My guess is that other cities will follow… if not, be ready to buy the double DVD in the fall!