Scott_Zeppelin

JEFF BECK, ENMORE THEATRE, SYDNEY, 30^TH JANUARY 2009.

'Beck’s playing creates an atmosphere of violent elegance by pitting the raw emotions of the heart against the calculated technique of the mind.'

Last night Jeff Beck played the Enmore Theatre in Sydney. I had the great pleasure of witnessing this concert. And of course it was f'ucking unbelievable. At 9.20, after a great support act from Jeff Lang, everyone had their seat awaiting the moment. The music stopped, the lights dimmed, and a blue haze surrounded the stage. I was of course already overwhelmed at the thought of seeing Jeff in only a few moments, but when that moment came I went absolutely nuts - jumped to my feet and just screamed. Vinnie first mounted his monster kit, Tal walked out and took place in front of her amp and Sancious sat on his keyboard throne. And out from behind the stage came the legend. Jeff Beck. Dressed in his tall boots, leather pants, vest and scarf, right there in front of me (well, say 50 metres away). It was truly overwhelming. A legend; a true innovator, a master of his instrument; THE master of the Stratocaster. My biggest inspiration, who I thought I would never get to see live and in person, was there. Playing a very special and personal concert. One which I will never forget.

The opening drum sequence in Bolero started just seconds later and before I knew it I was hearing the first notes coming out of Jeff Beck's guitar. He screamed through it with harmonics, squeals, whammy, slides, swells, and tapping, changing with the slightest of ease. The ‘explosion’ part hit hard and I knew this one was going to be a great concert. It was an overture for the display of technicality and mind-blowing musicality he and his fantastic band would present to us throughout the evening.

He ran through a great rendition of The Pump, followed by an excellent version of Eternity's Breath. Great drums from Vinnie and the bass from Tal was brilliant. Next was You Never Know, where there was some 'malfunction' - Beck's guitar was absent from the speakers (only heard through his amps - 2 Marshalls and a Fender combo, I believe). So the mic-ed drums, bass and keyboard were dropped from the mix, and they were playing purely 'acoustic'. Beck gave a grin and they went into a bit of improve for a while. Next up was Cause We Ended As Lovers, which, of course was excellent with mind blowing phrasing. The volume swells he pulls off in the melody are just unbelievable. Tal had her fantastic bass solo, after which Beck prompted a huge round of applause for her, which she was already receiving (Aussie pride!). Beck took over the stage and ripped a great solo. I would have loved to hear this one later on in the set because he definitely got better as he progressed in the night, and I think it could have been even better. Behind the Veil followed where the speakers came back so the volume was kicking again. Blast From The Past came next and was great, followed by Stratus, with insane drumming from Vinnie. Angel was beautiful, where Beck's ability with the slide was fully evident, using his right hand to slide over the pick ups, creating some amazing sounds. With a drum solo from the brilliant Vinnie Coliauta following, a great prelude into Led Boots, featuring a great keyboard solo from Sancious. Nadia was another beautiful tune, showcasing his amazing ability and control over his guitar. A great bass solo from Tal was next showcasing HER talent on the bass, nailing some great harmonics and nice phrasing. Each member eventually joined in to play a new song for me, Snake Oil, which was a great tune.

The highlight for me began with Porkpie Hat/Brush With The Blues, which I simply cannot describe. His solo was just amazing. He used all his trademark techniques, and added some showmanship too, playing some little tricks with his guitar. He was simply on fire. That flame carried on into a kick-you-in-the-face rendition of Big Block, with that heavy riff, suspenseful stops and starts, and of course amazing soloing incorporating everything we love Beck for - it was amazing. The classic Blue Wind was next which was unbelievable. Again great soloing and a great performance from everyone. And the set closer, the amazing cover of A Day In The Life was just beautiful. Standing ovation followed, giving Beck a huge grin, shifting the applause to each of his band members. The band lined up, Beck took the microphone (first time of the night) and thanked everyone. He introduced the band, 'David Sancious, Vinnie Coliauta and... me', leaving out Tal for a stir, getting a laugh out of everyone. He mentioned her as he gave her a hug and they lined up again, arms around one another and took a bow.

As they left the stage, the standing audience would not cease cheering, screaming for more. It was not long before Beck returned to please his adoring fans, strutting on with a smile, removing his vest in a stripper-like fashion prompting a laugh. He played the amazingly beautiful Where Were You along with his keyboardist. His use of harmonics and swells in this piece proves that he is no doubt one of, if not the greatest innovators and players of the guitar. His guitar simply cried in this piece. He stayed on stage as Vinnie and Tal made their way back to the stage, for one last song. A piece called Scottish One, it was beautiful to begin, and grew in tension to an awesome riff. It was an epic and excellent song to finish off an amazing concert. The band had a hug and a laugh, Beck pinching Tal on the nose, as they took one last bow, waving to the audience as they were again on their feet. Then they left the stage, leaving everyone mesmerised.

The night was simply amazing. Beck’s virtuosity, his musicality, his technicality, his originality, it is simply mind blowing. Despite not saying much, he certainly connected with and entertained the audience. His interaction with his band members, particularly Tal, was so exciting to watch, as they pushed each other musically and challenged each other with exciting phrases. The whole band had phenomenal talent, a perfect band to compliment each others playing, there was definitely great chemistry between all four musicians. As Tal or Vinnie would take a solo, with a huge smile on his face, Beck would raise his arms up while shaking his head in disbelief at the sheer talent they possess, prompting huge cheers from the audience. There were also great harmonies with the keyboard and bass, as they would eye each other off and play the same riff together with a smile. Fantastic interaction and chemistry gave a great energy and made the show really enjoyable. Beck was throwing his arms in the air, clapping and always entertaining the audience doing a little dance or shuffle. I personally found him always entertaining without the need to speak. The music and interaction between his band members was just mind blowing. He showcased his full control over his strat, making full use of all its features, creating some of the most bizarre AND beautiful sounds imaginable. He attacks his guitar with gentle elegance to create some of the most aggressive and some of the most beautiful phrases possible, mastering the use of whammy, volume swells, tapping, harmonics, squeals and slides, all without that small piece of plastic we all so heavily rely on. He is in my opinion, a legend. A real innovator of the guitar, whose unique creativity allowed him to create his own distinct technique, style and sound that no one will ever be able to match. The first to develop techniques so influential in later genres, and his ability to incorporate and fuse genres so successfully, I believe that purely as a guitarist, and not as a songwriter, he is the most innovative, most individual and most exciting player to grace the great instrument of the electric guitar.

Cheers to Jeff Beck, Tal Wilkenfeld, Vinnie Colaiuta and David Sancious for the most amazing night of my life. I will not forget it!