Jeff Beck: Denver, April 15, 2011

Geoff Anderson

Concert/Festival Reviewer since 2007

Geoff Anderson digs jazz in the Denver area, is a DJ Tuesday nights from 7 to 10 MT on KUVO; kuvo.org.

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Published: May 2, 2011

Beck plays with his fingers rather than a pick. That's one technique he uses to pull the vast array of sounds from his guitar. He used a wah-wah pedal on occasion, but otherwise, it was mainly just Beck and his Stratocaster. His style is a little hard to pin down because it seems he can play just about anything. Most often, he has a jagged, angular style that produces solos that you won't necessarily be whistling on the way home, but that are continually inventive. Hearing him play some blues is always fun because his approach is different from nearly all other blues guitarists. This made "Rollin' and Tumblin' " a highlight for the fresh insights and unexpected twists and turns. Another highlight was his cover of "A Day in the Life." Here, again, Beck used contrast to great effect on the McCartney-inspired bridge ("Woke up/Got out of bed..."). Instead of the bouncy pop of the original, Beck laid down the heavy metal hammer for some anti-McCartney sonic fun.

Now 66, Beck shows no sign of letting up or slowing down. He has a full tour schedule this year, taking his band around the world. And, most importantly, he still sports that Rolling Stones haircut.

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