Jeff Beck is one of the greatest rock guitarist’s Great Britain has ever produced and as his 2010 UK tour reached Cardiff’s St David’s Hall on October 25th 2010 for a sell out performance, this was clearly in evidence.
Jeff has received numerous awards and accolades since replacing Eric Clapton on guitar duties in The Yardbirds during the mid-1960s, including two inductions into The Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.
His success after the Yardbirds continued as a solo performer producing chart hits Hi-Ho Silver Lining and a memorable version of Love Is Blue. He later formed The Jeff Beck Group with Rod Stewart and future Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood and the rest as many say, is history. However, as Jeff Beck proved , he is still history in the making.
The Baseballs Support Jeff Beck on Tour
German band, The Baseballs, kicked off the concert with their presentation of modern hits played in the style of classic 1950s Rock n Roll. The Baseballs consist of three singers stylised very much on Elvis Presley and a 4 piece backing band, (compromising guitar, double bass, piano and drums).
Maroon 5’s This Love, Katy Perry’s Hot and Cold, Adele’s Chasing Pavements, Lady Gaga’s Poker face and Robbie William’s Angels were amongst several songs to get the Baseballs treatment. There was also time to squeeze in a soulful rendition of Happy Birthday to You for one lucky member of the audience.
The Baseballs upbeat doo-wop blue bass sound is reminiscent to Elvis’s early recordings and their current album “Strike! Back” is certainly worth checking out for anyone who loves to hear modern songs with a different twist.
Jeff Beck Performs Tracks From Emotion And Commotion
Following a break of about half an hour, Jeff Beck took to the stage with his support band consisting of Rhonda Smith on Bass, Narada Michael Walden on Drums and Jason Rebello on keyboard and guitar.
Along with his band, Jeff delighted the audience with instrumentals from his latest CD release Emotion and Commotion. Looking ever youthful in sleeveless tee-shirt and stylish trousers, Jeff proved he is still one of the worlds greatest rock guitarists as the band launched into Hammerhead, Corpus Christi Carol and Nessun Dorma. However; Jeff wasn’t going to steal the limelight for himself, and was eager to share the stage with the talented musicians he had brought with him.
Jeff Beck's Band Line-Up for 2010 Tour
Rhonda Smith has worked with many top acts over the last two decades including Prince, Little Richard, Chaka Khan and Candy Dulfer, so it was clear that as an accomplished musician, her guitar playing would compliment Jeff Beck well on stage.
Narada Michael Walden has also a fantastic pedigree in music, having worked and produced alongside the likes of Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin and George Michael. His drumming skills were not left to the imagination here, frequently mesmerising the audience with spectacular drum solos.
Jason Rebello, who has recorded with Sting and Mica Paris amongst others, also had an opportunity to display his classical jazz keyboard skills
Jeff Beck Pays Homage to Judy Garland and The Beatles
As the evening progressed, Jeff Beck and his band left no stone unturned. Paying homage to a wide variety of genres including musicals, jazz, rock and gospel.
Judy Garland’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow got the Jeff Beck treatment proving he really can really make a guitar sing. A warm and passionate performance was delivered with Curtis Mayfield’s People Get Ready, and a version of The Beatles A Day in the Life, (complete with explosive crescendo), truly felt like it had rocked the foundations of St David’s Hall.
Jeff Beck’s visit to Cardiff was a memorable evening for all who attended and an encore which included a tribute to rock pioneer Les Paul brought the audience to their feet , leaving them still wanting more.
