The loner (2005)

Various artists (ESC Records, ESC 03697-2)

Jeff Beck is an outstanding phenomenon. Being a “Master of Tone” he always believes in his own stile and artistry. He started to play guitar because of the Blues played by Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy. After Eric Clapton´s departure from The Yardbirds he filled the gap and played with the band through their most successful time. He leaves The Yardbirds and forms his own bands in various combinations. Together with Rod Stewart he founds the first Jeff Beck Group. His denial of a Rolling Stones membership is legendary. He never wants to subordinate himself to music-industry´s economic demands. Through all of his work there is a persistent quest for sound. He incorporates Jazz. Fusion and electronics into his own blend of Rock and Blues. Blow by blow, Jeff Beck’s guitar shop or his comeback You had it coming are cornerstones of rock-music history.

On this compilation a bunch of first-class musicians pay their tribute to one of the best and outstanding guitar-players and musicians around. With 13 tracks Jeff Beck’s work is highlighted from different angles. You can hear interpretations of speed-masters like Richie Kotzen, Greg Howe, Steve Lukather, or Brett Garsed and T.J. Helmerich. But also other approaches are there to listen. Argentinean Fernando Pareta plays the blues and Scott Henderson – being himself a singular blues guitar-player – adds his jazzy, fusion-like sounds to the Jeff Beck universe. Besides world-class guitarists you will find some of the best musicians around playing Jeff Beck’s music: Ex-Jeff Beck Member Simon Phillips, Dennis Chambers, Billy Sheehan, Kirk Covington, Vinnie Colaiuta to name but a few.

Tracklist

  1. Vicoden (Performers: Brett Garsed & T.J. Helmerich)
  2. Cause we've ended as lovers (P: Alex Gunia)
  3. Led boots (P: Ritchie Kotzen & Greg Howe)
  4. Snow (P: Ray Russel)
  5. Brush with the blues (P: Fernando Pareta Trio)
  6. Song holy hall (P: Scott Henderson/Tribal Tech)
  7. Head for a backstage pass (P: Rick Peckham)
  8. Star cycle (P: Derek Sherinian & Steve Lukather)
  9. My heavy heart (P: David Fiuczynski)
  10. Blue wind (P: Niacin)
  11. Dinner for Jeff (P: Trinity)
  12. Farewell (P: Keith More)
  13. Pygmy people (P: Jeff Richman)

The song Star cycle was previously released on the Derek Sherinian album Black Utopia.

Credits

on Star cycle:
Derek Sherinian - keyboards
Steve Lukather - guitars
Tony Franklin - bass
Simon Phillips - drums