Hi dear Phil, what a beautiful tribute. He was a true innovator and unique. He will be missed. Thank you. Thankfully we can listen to the gorgeous and masterful legacy he left us with.
So true. I'm 71 and Jeff Beck and others of his generation played the sound track of our lives and will continue to do so until we die. A lovely tribute. RIP Jeff Beck. Peace love and blessings to his family and friends and all touched by his music and grace. Keep playing.
Excellent tribute to my favorite Yardbirds' guitarist. Jeff Beck was like the Miles Davis of guitar since his music constantly evolved yet was immediately recognizable. He was a legend who will be missed by many. You're right that we will always have his music.
Your love of what Jeff Beck had done for guitar music has touched you, me and MILLIONS of other people worldwide! I also have all of his albums and will treasure them forever. As someone said of Jeff's playing, "God plays electric guitar but he uses Jeff Beck's hands". R.I.P. Jeff. Neil from Sydney Australia
Hi Martin, I agree, it is why I could do a tribute when the news came in. I did what I could today. I am playing non stop Jeff Beck today and will be for sometime to come. Phil
I was shocked and Numb when I heard this news early this morning. Jeff's music as been a big part of my life for over fifty years. There is ' NO ONE ' like Jeff Beck, I was lucky enough to see him many years ago, a truly amazing live performer. Jeff's catalogue really is like a box of chocolates, when you dip into it, what you decide to pull out won't disappoint, and the variety second to none. I pulled ' Blow By Blow' today and when ' Cause We've Ended As Lovers' came on, 'I broke my heart' R.I.P. Jeff.
Very shocking news. Very nice tribute. I can now finally say he was probably the greatest guitarist ever, just never wanted to admit it as everyone has their personal favorites. May Jeff rest in peace. ♥
Hi Larry, thank you for watching. Everyone does have their personal faves, but it was his constant evolution that made him so different. He seemed to get more cool the older he got. We all need to keep that sense of wonder to keep thinking, what shall I try now! Phil
Always one of my favorites, no.1 on some days, always inspiring. I heard he was into cars. I imagine his playing like driving a sport car, punchy, nimble, smooth ,but yet perilous at the same time. I'm still having fits of crying when I think of him, even after 2 days. He has touched my life like only a few musicians have.
Thank-you, Phil, for this heartfelt - and insightful - tribute to Jeff Beck. You're so right, the musicians we grow up listening to, the ones that truly mean something to us, are all closely connected to us. They are, in some ways, like distant brothers - or sisters - or friends. At least, that's how it seems from our perspective. We certainly seem to be losing too many of them these days. Our sadness and grief, I believe, comes because we truly love these artists and their music. Without the love maybe we would not feel the way we do when we lose our old heroes. The story of how you discovered Jeff's music, and what it all means to you, is uniquely personal, and ends on a wonderfully optimistic and forward-looking note: to always keep that sense of wonder. I think as music fans we are naturally good at doing that. There's always so much to discover (and one thing always leads to the next). So, again, thanks for this - and all that you do at Now Spinning. It makes the journey all the more special.
I've watched just about every tribute to Jeff Beck today and would like to thank you for most heartfelt, informative and interesting tribute that I've heard. A wonderful and unique player sadly lost to us.
Hi Giorgia, thank you for watching and also your kind words. That means a great deal to me and I hope other Jeff Beck fans find this video and some comfort from it. Phil
Thanks for your video - it is from the heart, and to our hearts. I am older than you, and can say that Jeff Beck has been my favorite guitarist for a long time - he is always an adventure to listen to, and no other guitarist sounds like him. I saw him a few years ago, and cherish that memory. Long live Jeff Beck!!!
This musician was real! I was 19 Years old saw him live in the 80s then in the 90s at last in 2016 /18. Can't get enough of him.He was definitley the best !! The music vibes are forever magic!!! Rest in Peace.,Mr.Jeff Beck!!! 🌹🌹🎼🌹🌹
Great tribute Phil, you said it all about this special musician, who like many others has left us with some incredible recordings of their gift. You often say that music is the healer, the Dr. ("rock and roll Doctor"-Sabb. Tech. Ecst.) , I was a music major in college, played professionally for 10 yrs ('83-'93), never became famous but I made a living playing. One of my teachers/mentors shared this comment : "music is a language, you hear it, read it, write it, speak it, feel it, and perform it"...a very important part of our lives. R.I.P. Jeff, your music will live forever...
Hi Stan, thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts and story. I love this 'music is a language, you hear it, read it, write it, speak it, feel it, and perform it' Phil
He was a true Master and Legend of the guitar his touch carved and shaped the instrument in such a magical way that only he could have ever done so. There was only ever one Jeff Beck and the tears are still rolling down my cheeks hearing of his sad loss. We have truly lost one of the greatest guitarists on this planet and one who will be deeply missed. May he rest well in peace. Thanks, Phil for another smashing tribute and the stellar work you do here...
Same here,- I cried for a week. He was a member of our 13+ Art Class at Sutton East in 1958, for a very brief time, but his presence in the Teachers art cupboard, sitting on the floor with a jumble of wood and strings, caught our awareness. It was after lunch, and we were waiting for the bell in winter and had some time left. The girls were watching separately, and only the boys Jeff got on with, were speaking to him, as he sat on the floor. He said he was making a guitar. and eventually he just managed to create seven notes played fairly fast and my heart leapt Jeff was playing what I longed to hear, - the Blues. We did not realise at the time that he was nearly a year older than us, and was in trouble a lot. I went home that lunch time and when I walked back I so wanted to tell Jeff, "Some day you will be a great musician." of course I was too shy to say anything. However Jeff did do what he predicted. How did I feel this? Well, I did not know that his Mother and mine had something in common. They were both trained pianists, and played Bach, Brahms, Rachmaninov, etc so this is why I could predict this. At the time all Pop tunes were in the Major key. I longed for the blues and used to sing the songs. Well, he made it, and even more in his life, and now he has gone. I lost my beloved husband last year and was still mourning him, and Jeff Beck losing his life just set me off again. Goodbye Jeff Beck! Just keep playing in the clouds!! Cynthia Allen McLaglen
There are times when there are advantages in getting older. One such occasion was when i attended a Jeff Beck concert many moons ago at the Hammy Odeon. As i settled down this long curly headed chap sat next to me with his lady companion. I paid no attention until, just prior to the commencement of the concert, a few guys came up to this chap and asked if he would provide an autograph. My curiosity got the better of me and upon greater scrutiny i realised i was sitting next to Brian May and his wife Anita Dobson. Far to shy i gave a smile and tried to act in a cool-cat fashion (probably failing miserably in the process). However Brian shook his head numerous times during the concert and kept saying 'amazing'. After it was over i gathered up my fortitude and asked what he thought. Time has clouded my memory of Brian's response but it was to the effect 'Jeff's playing was in another league'. A wonderful memory and an extraordinary musician who played on his own terms. RIP Jeff and thank-you.
I was fortunate to see Jeff Beck 15 times, including his last tour last year with Johnny Depp. He was my all time favorite guitarist as well as musician. I am devastated right now, this hurts me as much as when my Mom died. #RIPJeffBeck
When I heard him with The Yardbirds..I couldn't believe what I was hearing..the heaviness of his chords..the lightness of the use of the vibrato..the wail of feedback controlled to pitch..he was unique. I'm at loss he was a heavyweight of guitatist...he was always looking forward never settling on what he had done alway looking for new.He will be missed..May he rest in peace 🙏 Jeff Beck we love you and will forever be in our hearts 💕.
This passing IS significant... I dreaded this day would come. However, this is a wake-up call. We are all very lucky to have been part of Jeff's journey. My first Beck LP was 1977's with Jan Hammer - Live. I was 16, and thought "Wow, this guy takes notes and sounds much further than anyone I had heard before". Then I had to go back to older LP's of the Yardbirds to hear what he had done there first. I finally got to see him at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis 2010 ! It has taken years to put together all the cd's and Lp's and dvd/blu-ray's that were hard to find. THERE should have been a career spanning Box Set already. Wait and See. There are plenty of Great musicians that are well into their 70's and we will have to endure all their passings... Let's Celebrate Their Musical Talent While We Can !!!
Very nice tribute, Phil...enjoyed your stories & journey, as well. I bought both of those LPs to your left as they were release. Still have both. My BBB copy is framed & on my cube wall at work. RIP, Jeff...your music & musicianship have made many people happy.
Thanks for this brilliant tribute for a true legend. I will be listening to Jeff Beck, and pay close attention to those 3 albums that you suggested RIP Jeff Beck
@@NowSpinningMagazine, from Brazil, thank you for your attention on this very sad date. The memory and genius works of Jeff Beck will keep us together. Take care. ❤
What an absolute legend. I’ve seen him live 6 times. The first time being in 83 at the ARMS tour in NY. I just can’t say enough about him. Truth….Rough and Ready….Blow by Blow….Wired….There and Back…..Guitar Shop. All these albums are masterpieces. We love you Jeff. RIP legend. 💔
A true Guitarist 🎸 God was Jeff Beck ~ it's hard to imagine a world without him and his inimitable style & flourish. May he rest with the angels 🕊️. Condolences to Sandra, his family & dearest of friends + rock 'n roll commrades ~ what a force of nature 🎸
@@NowSpinningMagazine Thank you Phil - for this beautiful tribute. Jeff Beck 🎸 has always been with us providing such incredible guitar work - words are inadequate now, and, it'll be hard to imagine a world without his unique and endless talent. I have a 14 year old nephew, Zim - whom I try to introduce to - some of the music I grew up listening to as a teenager (and beyond) as he begins his own musical path. I told him yesterday about Jeff Beck's passing - and - he didn't know of him; which made me feel rather inadequate that I hadn't "introduced Zim to Jeff". However, I have now and will forward your beautiful & enlightening tribute to him - hoping he'll delve deeper into the vast array of Jeff Beck's guitar greatness / music, as well, as countless others throughout the rich tapestry of music's history. Thank you again from Southern California ~
Lovely thoughts and reflections Phil. The massive reaction to his passing speaks volumes for this master musician who never paid attention to what might be commercially popular and simply continued on his quest for the perfect tone, the next sonic innovation. There's no question in my mind that he was the greatest living exponent of the electric guitar and, given the longevity and accomplishments of his career, it would be difficult to argue that he wasn't the best ever. Most top guitarists would be the first to acknowledge that. A huge loss.
Hi Chris, thank you for watching. I agree no matter who I might have in my top guitarist lists there is no doubt Jeff Beck was a pioneer and the best of the best. Phil
Thanks for giving props to his later albums. I have to include myself among those who haven’t explored them enough (although I’m a big fan of You Had It Coming). Plus, all the collaborations you mention. Heck, he won a Grammy in 2010 for his work on a Herbie Hancock record (among the three he won that year). Like so many, I’m still a bit broken up a bit about this huge loss. He just wasn’t done. 😕
Thank you for watching and reminding me about that Herbie Hancock album - it was The Imagine Project, a fabulous album. I will give that a spin today. Phil
You did an excellent job! I'd rather watch your heartfelt tribute to Jeff than any of the big bull shit music industry douches giving lip service. It was touching and spot on. I've been a great fan of Jeff since the 60s. Throughout all Rock history, I've always said he was the greatest of them all. All the big name guitar heroes shine Jeff Beck's boots. Truth and Beckola rocked my world in the 60s. I watched him morph into different styles and loved all of them. Jeff for me has always been #1 in the guitar world. Thank you for this moving tribute. I really enjoyed it and shared with my friend. I can't get over this loss. He was a great artist. It truly hurts like loss of family. Love and condolences to Jeff's family.
@@NowSpinningMagazine Mr Aston I appreciate your speaking because I could understand everything you said being french, a reason why I didn't write a lot about your tribute. But I can say I'm going to tell about it to a lot of friends fond of Jeff too
Thank you for the beautiful tribute. I discovered Jeff Beck around 2003 and him passing away came as a total shock to me. You captured Jeff's influence on a listener. It totally changed how I listened and how I perceived a guitar player should be. Who Else! is my all-time fav album. I don't know if you heard UPP by UPP (1975) where he plays and produced. Jeff slays on Bad Stuff, the album opener. Wish at some point his motown album gets released. Thank you again!!
1975. Riding a bike with some mates in West Germany. Camped underneath a garage one night. A guy pulled out a cassette player. Lying in a sleeping bag i heard a song that absolutely blew me away. I asked him, " who the hell is that?"...he raised his head up and said " Jeff Beck!". The song? " Cause we've ended as lovers... i will never forget that moment. Stunned.
Jeff beck one off the greatest guitarists all time has gone. But hes great guitar riffs and the bands, artist and solos that he played well be with us forever to play, GOD BLISS THE MAN who has given us so much joy and sounds that that we can keep spinning them now and forever.
Thank you Phil Aston, so much. I gabbled on here writing somewhere. I love your way of going through Jeff's life time of making music; summing up so completely the trail of Jeff Becks art and his way of inventing new ways of expressing different sounds and emotions. I met Jeff with Art One, at Sutton East Secondary School. He hardly attended class and was always getting into trouble with the head master. One day when Jeff, who hardly ever came to school, when he was 14 and we were 13, came in with a jumble of wires and flat pieces of wood. The girls found out from the only boys that had anything to do with Jeff, that he was trying to make a guitar!! It was break time and we were allowed to stay in, so the whole class stared at him as he sat down in the Teachers small store room on the floor and began fiddling with this jumble he was carrying. I have already written this somewhere else. We were allowed in at break and suddenly the sound of the blues came from Jeff's bundle. He told the boys he was trying to make a guitar! I was amazed that he could have got any sound out of that bundle, but I was thrilled. I went home and when I came back I was sure that Jeff would be famous one day. I wanted so much to tell him, but I did not, as I was too shy!. I went home to lunch and as I came back I said I would tell him that one day he would be famous. He was trying to do what I was trying to do but I never succeeded I could not understand why people dId not understand what he was trying to do, -but YOU DO! AND THERE IS ANOTHER GUY WHO GOES THROUGH THE WAY HE PLAYS WITH A TOOTH COMBE, SO YOU WOULD ENJOY IT TOO! Some people, just don't understand! The reason I understood, was that was because my mother like Jeff's was a trained pianist. I was brought up in Africa, and my mother had two upright pianos, so that she could teach me to play with her at the piano. She unlike Jeff's mum, did not want him to play "Pop" music, and taught him piano, like my mother. She had also been one of Billy Mayrel's 20 pianists so played professionally for a while. Pianos were used instead of an orchestra for a musical starring John Miles who was a hoofer. However my mother loved Art Tatum and he played in a very versatile and fluid way. She could drive and offered top drive him and his wife, to where ever he wanted.
Hi Cythia, thank you so much for watching and sharing you amazing story. Oh what memories you have. Can I post this on the Now Spinning Magazine website on the Jeff Beck page? I just want to make sure this comment does not get lost! - Phi
@@NowSpinningMagazine Sure I would be glad to. I do not want these memories forgotten. They were part of his story to where he became a fully developed musician and show the determination and struggle that many great musicians have at the start of their musical life.Cynthia Allen McLaglen
Well done Phil. We can see it must have been tough for you mate. All of us ata certain age understand the sense of loss. That heavenly supergroup is getting better every year.
I remember hearing Jeff's name in relation to the Yardbirds around 1967 and heard things like Shapes of Things, I didn't really hear much else except Hi Ho Silver Lining until around '71 when I left school and heard Truth at a friend's house, I was buying a fair bit of music at this time and he slipped from view for a while, then the BB&A Album came out and also I heard his contribution to Talking Book, of course it all leaped up several gears with Blow By Blow and Wired, I was getting into Fusion via The Mahavishnu Orchestra and I loved those albums, I have followed him ever since and I would say Flash and Guitar Shop are sheer class( I have Played both tonight) the 'Trilogy' you love I agree they are three of his most innovative and diverse recordings, I have collected pretty much everything I can and The Ronnie Scott Live Album is Jaw Dropping, I watch it regularly on Bluray and it always mesmerise me to watch the Master of his craft coaxing those glorious sounds from his guitar, everyone should watch it at least once, incredible! Thanks for this wonderful tribute you had me getting extremely emotional, Jeff will always be with us as long as we are able to listen! The King Is Dead, Long Live The King!🎸🔊🎶🎶🎶💔🧙♂️
Hi Chris, thank you for watching and sharing your memories of Jeff Beck. I have also played Flash today with You Had it Coming. I will play Guitar Shop tomorrow. I did start to lose it towards the end. These musicians are like distant brothers and sisters as Clive mentioned in an earlier comment. We have not met them but we feel like we know them as they have been part of our lives for so long. Phil
I love Flash, absolutely stunning sonics on this album. Incredible production and the vision is well ahead of its time. Glad someone else appreciates it as I do.
@@NowSpinningMagazine Cheers Phil, can feel the love for Jeff's music in your video. It's going to take a while to comprehend this loss, and to re appreciate his colossal talent. All the best.
lovely tribute phil - we all got 12 notes - jeff had 17/18 - he could coax extra stuff / microtones etc out of them - lovely tribute from steve hacket today on sky news - we all just wiggled the trem bar - he made it a musical artform lol - brilliant
i can only say that he was my first musical hero...the first to use distorted guitar. For this reason, my first good guitar, in 1972, was a Fender Tele, his prefered guitar at that time. RIP Jeff..real trailblazer...
Thank you for this lovely tribute. I hung on every word and you had me in tears. So similar to my experience but after Blow by Blow, Wired and Stanley Clarke’s Journey to Love I didn’t keep track of Jeff as well as you did and have only been catching up since I retired in 2019. I am so upset that I left it so late, but I did see his latest tour. I am collecting everything now and your guidance is very helpful. ❤🎶
Thanks Phil for a moving and heartfelt tribute to one of a kind musician. To me he was to the guitar what Miles Davis was to the trumpet. Always in the forefront of changes for what you could do with an instrument and Jeff did it throughout his career in a non compromising way. Like yourself my wake up call to Jeff's music came with Wired in 1976. I had just started buying LPs often being guided by the still brilliant NME Illustrated Encyclopedia of Rock, which was a game changer for me when starting collecting and in which Jeff Beck was lauded (though not sure if Wired was specifically mentioned). By then I'd heard nothing of Beck so on a sunny summer's day in Kingston Upon Thames in 1976 I walked along the market stalls and came across a bloke selling LPs. Flipping through them I came across Wired by Jeff Beck, don't think it had been available for that long at the time. "Good choice, mate!" said the seller and off I went with it. The cover alone had me excited! I had no idea whatsoever what to expect but what I heard later that day was nothing short of stunning and it opened up an entire new soundscape to me as to what could be done. It was a bit like hearing Hendrix for the first time. It's been a sad day today and thoughts go to his family first and foremost. I will be playing his music only for the next couple of days and remembering the only gig with him that I saw in 2011 in a small club in Malmö, Sweden, which was mind blowing and where he steamrollered the crowd! Many happy faces after that gig:-)
Hi Jonathan, thank you for watching and for sharing your memories of Jeff Beck. This is a wonderful story. I agree he is like the Miles Davis of the guitar. Phil
Thanks Phil for this fine tribute. Honest, emotional and heartfelt, I appreciate your insight into Jeff's work and it has inspired me to to do a deep dive into Jeff's catalogue myself. Cheers.
Thank you so much for this fantastic review of Jeff's material. I'd forgotten about half of this stuff but thanks to you I'll be able to revisit a lot of his output that I used to own on CD etc. Probably, hopefully, through Spotify etc. Thanks again, superb Tribute.
HI Phil,i' m in LOVE with 2 first Jeff BECK group and BBA,cette manière d'aborder la guitare avec les Yardbirds dans [Roger the Engeener],était Unique et il à perfectionner son jeu avec les 4 albums J B Group et BBA !! Après j'aime moins je suis pas fan de jazzrock.Mais le guitariste reste insurpassable dans son style!! Je vais être cynique mais ces chères maisons de disques,vont nous concocter l Le COFFRET DU SIÈCLE!!BIEN À TOI.THANKS A VERY GOOD [HOMMAGE]🎸🤗🎸
I luv that you addressed everyone at the beginning. I didn’t know who Beck was until I heard of his passing. I know Zeppelin & Sabbath, but Beck was apparently a little before my time. RIP 💜
Hi Jewel, thank you for watching. I always do that because I do not want anyone to feel overwhelmed or feel they are looking into an exclusive club where they are not included. There are lots of well known musicians (new & old) I am unfamiliar with. We all start out with one record or CD or that band we discover. It is a journey of discovery that will accompany you through life. When Jeff Beck started it was even before my time, I was 6. There is a wealth of Jeff Beck for you to explore. Stream 'You Had In Coming' Emotion and Commotion, Truth... all very different but an overview of his genius. Take care - Phil
Music requires both the Artist and the Listener to use their imaginations. It's a abstract form of communication, everyone may see ice-cream but every one will taste a different flavor.
truly wonderful tribute video, i felt every word and you picked the same 3 albums that blew my mind. thanks for putting this together while the rest of us are trying to figure out what the hell this empty feeling inside us is all of a sudden.
Hi Jeff, thank you for watching, is was not easy and I did cry afterwards but I am please I decided to do this. I am playing nothing but Jeff Beck music at the moment and it is actually very healing and life affirming. Take care - Phil
My friends and I were listening to and appreciating Jeff Beck in the early 70's, particularly his way of bringing out the soul of the instrument like no one else. It always seemed as though Jeff was hovering around the periphery of the music world like an asteroid, occasionally returning and grazing the atmosphere, leaving a trail and then back out into the cosmos. I remember his reentrance during the MTV era of the 80's with the tune "Ambition" with a lineup of various singers and it put a huge smile on my face, once again, as he reminded us "I'm still here, I'm still exploring", just as he had always done and would continue to do for decades to come. There are only a few guitarists of this caliber, musicians that are clearly in love with their instrument and Jeff Beck is one of the important individuals in this particular realm. He will be missed, but I'm also fairly certain that he will continue to be discovered by new music lovers, and of course guitarists, far into the future. We lost a beautiful and soulful being in Jeff Beck. May his journey be as smooth as his playing. Peace.
Hi Rob, thank you for watching and sharing your wonderful thoughts on the genius that was Jeff Beck. I agree his music and playing will inspire generations that follow. Phil
My only complaint is that ya left off "Crazy Legs".....As a drummer ,the sheer expanse of his visions for the " confines" of rock n' roll guitar,his command of so many styles,is simply stunning.....
Nice tribute. Growing up, Jeff Beck was one of those musicians I always heard about, but for whatever reason I just wasn't familiar with his music. Thanks to TH-cam, I have been able to explore his catalog over the past several years and purchased several CD's. My favorites are "Wired" and "Truth" and I just recently picked up his amazing "Guitar Shop" album. An incredible musician that will be missed.
"Never Lost his Sense of Wonder" Yep. I had gotten rid of my LP's. But I have a few picture discs left. One of them on my wall is a 45 with Black strats which is the side facing out. It has Beck's Bolero and Hi-Ho Silver Lining. I think his excellence, (And up until his passing) was in his Moments that he pulled off live.
Only just seen this. Missing Jeff like crazy, like many will be I know. Anyway, I enjoyed this tributute but the funny / odd / amazingly coincidental thing is that my history will Jeff is almost exactly as explained here. Quite bizarre! Miss you Jeff, and youd like my newly done 32 coupe. Sad you never got to see it.
Fine tribute Phil, as always straight from the heart. I remember circa 1972, two of the older, cooler boys at my school had gone to a Jeff Beck concert. They then held court and told an eager audience of the rest of us all about it. They had seen a great artist. I also feel that the Jeff Beck Group blazed the trail that Led Zeppelin followed to such musical glory. Did Jeff plus Rod and Ronnie do it first and best? Now that is something for debate. RIP Jeff and thank you for everything you have given us.
I was shocked this morning,when i heard the sad news that Jeff Beck has passed away. I saw him once November 11, 2010 Amager bio Copenhagen. I always loved the 3 cd box(beckology) Rest in peace Jeff
Thank you Phil for your lovely perspective on Jeff’s music.. I love the history of how he entered your life throughout the decades.. I need to open myself to his music and do some deep sea diving into those albums you mentioned.. I grew up hearing him from my brothers stereo yet never bothered exploring further..Jeff has crossed over yet the beauty of the music will live on ..
Jeff's music very obviously meant much to you, as it did to me, though I started a bit earlier than you with his debut single from the Yardbirds, 'Heart Full of Soul'. It opens with a guitar riff (and sound) that signalled a new direction in pop music. 'Evil Hearted You' came next. Both of those plus the Yardbirds' debut hit, 'For Your Love' and Beck's second solo single, 'Tallyman', were penned by 10cc's Graham Gouldman, who also wrote the Hollies 'Bus Stop' and 'Look Through Any Window' as well a hits for Herman's Hermits and others, including his own 'Dreadlock Holiday' with 10cc. An early irony with Jeff's career is that 'Beck's Bolero', recorded in May '66 with Keith Moon drumming, John Paul Jones on bass, Jimmy Page on 12-string and Nicky Hopkins on piano, was the definitive early example of heavy rock music. But it wasn't released until 1967 as the B-side of 'Hi Ho Silver Lining', a single that Jeff fans didn't buy. A year after that it surfaced on Jeff's 'Truth' album. But by 1967 the concept of heavy music was, thanks to Vanilla Fudge (which contained Beck's future bandmates Tim Bogert and Carmine Appice), Blue Cheer, the Jimi Hendrix Experience and Cream already permeating the scene, as pop escalated up into rock. Even the Beatles were getting riff-heavy with the likes of 'Hey Bulldog'. And Paul McCartney's guitar solo in 'Taxman' is very inspired by Beck's playing on the Yardbirds 'Shapes of Things' (Jeff's own heavier half-time version on 'Truth' wouldn't arrive until '68). The fact that Led Zeppelin stole Beck's thunder was totally Jeff's fault. After a stellar response to the debut tour of America by the Jeff Beck Group, manager Peter Grant booked a string of return dates. But Beck, much to Grant's fury, rejected the idea of returning at that time. So Grant gave the dates to Jimmy Page's new band, which after fulfilling some outstanding dates as the New Yardbirds was now named Led Zeppelin. Their first gigs included opening for Vanilla Fudge, which is where Zep drummer John Bonham - after seeing Fudge drummer Carmine Appice's oversized drums - got the idea to get the same big setup (on the first Zep album he used standard sizes). It was Appice who arranged for Bonham to receive a kit - identical to his own - and endorsement from Ludwig, though Page and John Paul Jones soon insisted Bonham get rid of the second bass drum as it was getting in the way of what they were playing. So Jeff not only opened the door for Page & Co. to capitalise on the excitement the Jeff Beck Group had created, he also prompted Grant to put Zep at the top of the priority list, automatically relegating Jeff to a distant second. Mind, that was just one of many setbacks Jeff would experience due to his bloodymindedness, lack of business savvy and reluctance to assume the responsibility associated with being a band leader - he just wanted to play guitar. Page, by contrast, was a savvy producer and businessman with a vision - he had learned much as a top session player. And after years of being stuck in studios, he also enjoyed the spotlight. Worth noting that Jeff's exclusive use of a Les Paul was short-lived. He had one during his latter period with the Yardbirds (apparently smashed that up in a pique of rage when he walked out on the band, thus leaving Page to handle all the guitar parts), and a couple during his Jeff Beck Group MKI days. But by the time of 'Beck-Ola' he was using a Strat. Ditto in Jeff Beck Group MKII. He reverted to using a Les Paul and Strat with BB&A as well as his 'Blow by Blow' and 'Wired' era. BTW, the sessions for 'Blow by Blow' originally included Appice on drums. Carmine had come up with some of the riffs and assumed that as with BB&A his name would be on the album. His manager pressed the point and Jeff's management responded by sending the drummer packing. BTW, it was Carmine who first introduced Jeff to Billy Cobham's 'Spectrum' album and inspired him to dig deeper into the jazz-fusion thing, which Jeff in turn converted to funky rock-fusion on 'Blow by Blow' before taking it a few steps deeper into the jazzier fusion terrain of the genre with 'Wired'. On 'Blackbird' Jeff is actually using a dinner fork as a slide to create the bird sounds. Brilliant! It is great that you highlighted the trilogy of 'Who Else?', 'You Had It Coming' and 'Jeff'. Though there are numerous great tunes - and all great guitarring - on them, those albums did nothing in terms of popularity. But if anyone is still reading at this point, listen to the two stunning solos on 'Seasons'. IMO that is some of Jeff's very best playing. There is also 'Brush with the Blues', which is actually a live recording. By the end of that his is really ripping it up. (Also watch him doing that tune on 'Later...with Jools Holland' on TH-cam, though the ending is rather tame by comparison.) And listen to 'Final Peace' on 'There & Back'...just him and Tony Hymas on keys. I had always hoped those two would do an album minus any other instruments. We are all mourning the loss of Jeff. Despite all the guitarists in the world, there was only one Jeff Beck. And as we are seeing with outpourings of grief from such majors as Brian May, Clapton, Page, Joe Perry, Joe Satriani and all the rest, they too agree that when it came to creatively wicked and melodically moving guitar playing, there really was only Jeff.
The first time I heard Cause We Ended as Lovers! Back in 75 he and Larry Carlton were guitarist I couldn't get enough of them! But Jeff dropped my jaw every time I heard him 🔥✌🤘
Hi Henry, thank you for watching. I am so sorry I forgot to mention this. It was in front of me but I was struggling at times to keep it together. It is a fabulous album. Phil
@@NowSpinningMagazine He put so much into that album including using Cliff Gallup's steel finger picks and sticking with Cliff's difficult technique until he had it perfected for the recording. In the years following he would fall back into a more comfortable and orthodox right hand playing style when playing those rockabilly classics live again. But it's a measure of the man that when it came to laying down the tracks he was determined to put in the hard work necessary to pay honour to his own hero and early inspiration.
Hi Jamie, I was the same and there are some tracks that are still a challenge but I played it yesterday and more of it makes sense now! Never say never! Phil :)
Hi dear Phil, what a beautiful tribute. He was a true innovator and unique. He will be missed. Thank you. Thankfully we can listen to the gorgeous and masterful legacy he left us with.
Hi Tino, thank you for watching and your kind words - Phil
A sad day for those of us who were youngsters in the 1960s and 1970s.
Indeed it is - Phil
The very 1st thing I saw this morning was this...I really had to look 3 times to be certain my eyes were reading correctly.
So true. I'm 71 and Jeff Beck and others of his generation played the sound track of our lives and will continue to do so until we die. A lovely tribute. RIP Jeff Beck. Peace love and blessings to his family and friends and all touched by his music and grace. Keep playing.
Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. Phil
Excellent tribute to my favorite Yardbirds' guitarist. Jeff Beck was like the Miles Davis of guitar since his music constantly evolved yet was immediately recognizable. He was a legend who will be missed by many. You're right that we will always have his music.
Hi Laura, thank you for watching. He really was the Miles Davis of guitar. Phil
Your love of what Jeff Beck had done for guitar music has touched you, me and MILLIONS of other people worldwide!
I also have all of his albums and will treasure them forever. As someone said of Jeff's playing, "God plays electric guitar but he uses Jeff Beck's hands". R.I.P. Jeff.
Neil from Sydney Australia
Hi Neil, thank you for watching and sharing your story - love that - Phil :)
Jeff Beck deserves endless praise and appreciation. His passing hits immeasurably hard. We had no warning. This is especially difficult to get over.
Hi Martin, I agree, it is why I could do a tribute when the news came in. I did what I could today. I am playing non stop Jeff Beck today and will be for sometime to come. Phil
You explained it well. It’s very difficult
I was shocked and Numb when I heard this news early this morning. Jeff's music as been a big part of my life for over fifty years. There is ' NO ONE ' like Jeff Beck, I was lucky enough to see him many years ago, a truly amazing live performer. Jeff's catalogue really is like a box of chocolates, when you dip into it, what you decide to pull out won't disappoint, and the variety second to none. I pulled ' Blow By Blow' today and when ' Cause We've Ended As Lovers' came on, 'I broke my heart' R.I.P. Jeff.
❤
Very shocking news. Very nice tribute. I can now finally say he was probably the greatest guitarist ever, just never wanted to admit it as everyone has their personal favorites. May Jeff rest in peace. ♥
Hi Larry, thank you for watching. Everyone does have their personal faves, but it was his constant evolution that made him so different. He seemed to get more cool the older he got. We all need to keep that sense of wonder to keep thinking, what shall I try now! Phil
Always one of my favorites, no.1 on some days, always inspiring. I heard he was into cars. I imagine his playing like driving a sport car, punchy, nimble, smooth ,but yet perilous at the same time. I'm still having fits of crying when I think of him, even after 2 days. He has touched my life like only a few musicians have.
This is such a wonderful tribute to a giant!!!
Hi Robin, thank you for watching and your kind words. Phil
A guitarist like no other. RIP Jeff.
Hi Keith, thank you for watching - I agree, Phil
Thank-you, Phil, for this heartfelt - and insightful - tribute to Jeff Beck. You're so right, the musicians we grow up listening to, the ones that truly mean something to us, are all closely connected to us. They are, in some ways, like distant brothers - or sisters - or friends. At least, that's how it seems from our perspective. We certainly seem to be losing too many of them these days. Our sadness and grief, I believe, comes because we truly love these artists and their music. Without the love maybe we would not feel the way we do when we lose our old heroes. The story of how you discovered Jeff's music, and what it all means to you, is uniquely personal, and ends on a wonderfully optimistic and forward-looking note: to always keep that sense of wonder. I think as music fans we are naturally good at doing that. There's always so much to discover (and one thing always leads to the next). So, again, thanks for this - and all that you do at Now Spinning. It makes the journey all the more special.
Hi Clive, thank you for watching. I love your comment and agree our musical heroes are like distant sisters and brothers. Phil
Great tribute Phil,
Legends never die
Thank you! Phil
Musical integrity is a rare gem , Jeff had it in heaps. Jeff checks all the T"s ...Taste Tone Touch Technique and Talent RIP
Thank you for watching - I like the T's, totally agree. Phil
I've watched just about every tribute to Jeff Beck today and would like to thank you for most heartfelt, informative and interesting tribute that I've heard. A wonderful and unique player sadly lost to us.
Hi Giorgia, thank you for watching and also your kind words. That means a great deal to me and I hope other Jeff Beck fans find this video and some comfort from it. Phil
Thanks for your video - it is from the heart, and to our hearts. I am older than you, and can say that Jeff Beck has been my favorite guitarist for a long time - he is always an adventure to listen to, and no other guitarist sounds like him. I saw him a few years ago, and cherish that memory. Long live Jeff Beck!!!
Thank you for watching and for your kind words. The music will live on in our hearts for ever. Take care Phil
Another one of the greatest guitarists gone!!R.I.P. Jeff
Thank you for watching - Phil
This musician was real!
I was 19 Years old saw him live in the 80s then in the 90s
at last in 2016 /18.
Can't get enough of him.He was definitley the best !!
The music vibes are forever magic!!!
Rest in Peace.,Mr.Jeff Beck!!!
🌹🌹🎼🌹🌹
Hi Alex, thank you for watching and sharing your memories of Jeff Beck. Phil
RIP 🙏 My condolences to the family and all of his friends Jeff Beck did everything his way. A wonderful musician. A great man. God Bless
Hi Matthew, thank you for watching and your kind words. Phil
Great tribute Phil, you said it all about this special musician, who like many others has left us with some incredible recordings of their gift. You often say that music is the healer, the Dr. ("rock and roll Doctor"-Sabb. Tech. Ecst.) , I was a music major in college, played professionally for 10 yrs ('83-'93), never became famous but I made a living playing. One of my teachers/mentors shared this comment : "music is a language, you hear it, read it, write it, speak it, feel it, and perform it"...a very important part of our lives. R.I.P. Jeff, your music will live forever...
Hi Stan, thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts and story. I love this 'music is a language, you hear it, read it, write it, speak it, feel it, and perform it' Phil
What a beautiful tribute straight from the heart .
Thank you for watching and your kind words - Phil
He was a true Master and Legend of the guitar his touch carved and shaped the instrument in such a magical way that only he could have ever done so. There was only ever one Jeff Beck and the tears are still rolling down my cheeks hearing of his sad loss. We have truly lost one of the greatest guitarists on this planet and one who will be deeply missed. May he rest well in peace. Thanks, Phil for another smashing tribute and the stellar work you do here...
Hi Lee, thank you for watching and for sharing your wonderful words about Jeff Beck. Phil
Same here,- I cried for a week. He was a member of our 13+ Art Class at Sutton East in 1958, for a very brief time, but his presence in the Teachers art cupboard, sitting on the floor with a jumble of wood and strings, caught our awareness. It was after lunch, and we were waiting for the bell in winter and had some time left. The girls were watching separately, and only the boys Jeff got on with, were speaking to him, as he sat on the floor. He said he was making a guitar. and eventually he just managed to create seven notes played fairly fast and my heart leapt Jeff was playing what I longed to hear, - the Blues. We did not realise at the time that he was nearly a year older than us, and was in trouble a lot. I went home that lunch time and when I walked back I so wanted to tell Jeff, "Some day you will be a great musician." of course I was too shy to say anything. However Jeff did do what he predicted. How did I feel this? Well, I did not know that his Mother and mine had something in common. They were both trained pianists, and played Bach, Brahms, Rachmaninov, etc so this is why I could predict this. At the time all Pop tunes were in the Major key. I longed for the blues and used to sing the songs. Well, he made it, and even more in his life, and now he has gone. I lost my beloved husband last year and was still mourning him, and Jeff Beck losing his life just set me off again. Goodbye Jeff Beck! Just keep playing in the clouds!! Cynthia Allen McLaglen
There are times when there are advantages in getting older. One such occasion was when i attended a Jeff Beck concert many moons ago at the Hammy Odeon. As i settled down this long curly headed chap sat next to me with his lady companion. I paid no attention until, just prior to the commencement of the concert, a few guys came up to this chap and asked if he would provide an autograph. My curiosity got the better of me and upon greater scrutiny i realised i was sitting next to Brian May and his wife Anita Dobson. Far to shy i gave a smile and tried to act in a cool-cat fashion (probably failing miserably in the process). However Brian shook his head numerous times during the concert and kept saying 'amazing'. After it was over i gathered up my fortitude and asked what he thought. Time has clouded my memory of Brian's response but it was to the effect 'Jeff's playing was in another league'. A wonderful memory and an extraordinary musician who played on his own terms. RIP Jeff and thank-you.
Hi Baz, thank you for watching and sharing your amazing story, just wow! Fantastic memories - Phil
JEFF BECK YOU ARE ONE OF THE GREATEST. R.I P
So true, thank you for watching - Phil
Thanks for great tribute R.I.P Jeff Beck
Hi Mike, thank you for watching. Phil
YEAH A REAL UPSETTING DAY, HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED RIP FELLA.
Hi Michael, thank you for watching - Phil
@@NowSpinningMagazine no problem i think you covered every thing epic.
I was fortunate to see Jeff Beck 15 times, including his last tour last year with Johnny Depp. He was my all time favorite guitarist as well as musician. I am devastated right now, this hurts me as much as when my Mom died. #RIPJeffBeck
Hi, thank you for watching. This is also the anniversary of my mum dying so I know what you mean. This was a very difficult video to do. Phil
When I heard him with The Yardbirds..I couldn't believe what I was hearing..the heaviness of his chords..the lightness of the use of the vibrato..the wail of feedback controlled to pitch..he was unique. I'm at loss he was a heavyweight of guitatist...he was always looking forward never settling on what he had done alway looking for new.He will be missed..May he rest in peace 🙏 Jeff Beck we love you and will forever be in our hearts 💕.
Hi Michael, thank you for watching and sharing your memories. Take care - Phil
This passing IS significant... I dreaded this day would come. However, this is a wake-up call. We are all very lucky to have been part of Jeff's journey. My first Beck LP was 1977's with Jan Hammer - Live. I was 16, and thought "Wow, this guy takes notes and sounds much further than anyone I had heard before". Then I had to go back to older LP's of the Yardbirds to hear what he had done there first. I finally got to see him at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis 2010 ! It has taken years to put together all the cd's and Lp's and dvd/blu-ray's that were hard to find. THERE should have been a career spanning Box Set already. Wait and See. There are plenty of Great musicians that are well into their 70's and we will have to endure all their passings... Let's Celebrate Their Musical Talent While We Can !!!
Thank you for watching and sharing your very wise words, I really appreciate it. Phil
Jeff’s musical history is brilliantly summed up in this tribute; Thank you - RIP Jeff Beck!!
Thank you 🙏
Indeed, our generation of rock music. I'm glad he had such a blast on his recent tour.
Thank you for watching - Phil
Shapes of Things!!!
A most wonderful, heartfelt tribute, Phil. Thank you.
Hi David, thank you - Phil
don't forget the different live albums he made in the last years... for me probably the best...
Awesome tribute Phil. Thank U so much.
Hi Marvin, thank you for watching - Phil
Very nice tribute, Phil...enjoyed your stories & journey, as well. I bought both of those LPs to your left as they were release. Still have both. My BBB copy is framed & on my cube wall at work. RIP, Jeff...your music & musicianship have made many people happy.
Thank you for watching and sharing your comment. I have just finished playing Blow by Blow. It sounds better not than ever.
Phil
Thanks Phil I really enjoyed that heart felt tribute to the great man , he will be very sorely missed
Thank you very much for watching - Phil
Such a nice tribute
Thank you 🙏
I just got introduced to Jeff Beck in 1998. He was one of my favorites!
Thanks for this brilliant tribute for a true legend. I will be listening to Jeff Beck, and pay close attention to those 3 albums that you suggested
RIP Jeff Beck
Thank you 🙏
A very nice tribute Phil. Many thanks.
Thank you 🙏
I love Jeff Beck ❤️. He's now star dust and will shine endlessly. I am sad, very sad now 😔😢😭.
Thank you for watching, the love will never die. Take care - Phil
@@NowSpinningMagazine, from Brazil, thank you for your attention on this very sad date. The memory and genius works of Jeff Beck will keep us together. Take care. ❤
Beautiful tribute man. Thanks, Love.
Thank you 🙏
What an absolute legend. I’ve seen him live 6 times. The first time being in 83 at the ARMS tour in NY. I just can’t say enough about him. Truth….Rough and Ready….Blow by Blow….Wired….There and Back…..Guitar Shop. All these albums are masterpieces.
We love you Jeff. RIP legend. 💔
Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts on the passing of Jeff Beck. Phil
As you say, absolute masterpieces. What an incredible gift he had and will we ever see the like again?
Been a fan since the Blow by Blow album.
Hi Chris, thank you for watching. I played that today - Phil
A true Guitarist 🎸 God was Jeff Beck ~ it's hard to imagine a world without him and his inimitable style & flourish. May he rest with the angels 🕊️. Condolences to Sandra, his family & dearest of friends + rock 'n roll commrades ~ what a force of nature 🎸
Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts - wonderful words - Phil
@@NowSpinningMagazine
Thank you Phil - for this beautiful tribute. Jeff Beck 🎸 has always been with us providing such incredible guitar work - words are inadequate now, and, it'll be hard to imagine a world without his unique and endless talent.
I have a 14 year old nephew, Zim - whom I try to introduce to - some of the music I grew up listening to as a teenager (and beyond) as he begins his own musical path. I told him yesterday about Jeff Beck's passing - and - he didn't know of him; which made me feel rather inadequate that I hadn't "introduced Zim to Jeff". However, I have now and will forward your beautiful & enlightening tribute to him - hoping he'll delve deeper into the vast array of Jeff Beck's guitar greatness / music, as well, as countless others throughout the rich tapestry of music's history.
Thank you again from Southern California ~
Lovely thoughts and reflections Phil. The massive reaction to his passing speaks volumes for this master musician who never paid attention to what might be commercially popular and simply continued on his quest for the perfect tone, the next sonic innovation. There's no question in my mind that he was the greatest living exponent of the electric guitar and, given the longevity and accomplishments of his career, it would be difficult to argue that he wasn't the best ever. Most top guitarists would be the first to acknowledge that. A huge loss.
Hi Chris, thank you for watching. I agree no matter who I might have in my top guitarist lists there is no doubt Jeff Beck was a pioneer and the best of the best. Phil
A wonderful tribute, Phil. Jeff Beck was the Guv’nor; he always will be …
Hi Derek, thank you for watching, the Gov indeed! Phil :)
Thank you for sharing so many of his treasures with us. I remember Blow by Blow and Wired but had NO IDEA of his vast library
Thank you for watching and you are very welcome 🙏 Phil :)
Wonderfully put, Phil, and clearly heartfelt too.
Thank you - Phil
Beautifully done. Thank you for your thoughts on the Maestro.
Thank you 🙏
a legend of rock..thank you. RIP
Hi Alex, thank you for watching - Phil
Thanks for giving props to his later albums. I have to include myself among those who haven’t explored them enough (although I’m a big fan of You Had It Coming). Plus, all the collaborations you mention. Heck, he won a Grammy in 2010 for his work on a Herbie Hancock record (among the three he won that year). Like so many, I’m still a bit broken up a bit about this huge loss. He just wasn’t done. 😕
Thank you for watching and reminding me about that Herbie Hancock album - it was The Imagine Project, a fabulous album. I will give that a spin today. Phil
Thanks for your wonderful eulogy of Jeff Beck. The way I got to know Beck was similar to yours.
Hi Daniel, thank you for watching. Phil
Bravo Jeff Beck. Thank you for sharing your life and music to us. R.I.P.
Hi Francis, thank you for watching - Phil
@@NowSpinningMagazine You're most welcome.
You did an excellent job! I'd rather watch your heartfelt tribute to Jeff than any of the big bull shit music industry douches giving lip service. It was touching and spot on. I've been a great fan of Jeff since the 60s. Throughout all Rock history, I've always said he was the greatest of them all. All the big name guitar heroes shine Jeff Beck's boots. Truth and Beckola rocked my world in the 60s. I watched him morph into different styles and loved all of them. Jeff for me has always been #1 in the guitar world. Thank you for this moving tribute. I really enjoyed it and shared with my friend. I can't get over this loss. He was a great artist. It truly hurts like loss of family. Love and condolences to Jeff's family.
Hi Alex, thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts and your kind words. Phil
Thanks a lot for this very interesting and moving tribute
Thank you for watching - Phil
@@NowSpinningMagazine Mr Aston I appreciate your speaking because I could understand everything you said being french, a reason why I didn't write a lot about your tribute. But I can say I'm going to tell about it to a lot of friends fond of Jeff too
Thank you for the beautiful tribute. I discovered Jeff Beck around 2003 and him passing away came as a total shock to me. You captured Jeff's influence on a listener. It totally changed how I listened and how I perceived a guitar player should be. Who Else! is my all-time fav album. I don't know if you heard UPP by UPP (1975) where he plays and produced. Jeff slays on Bad Stuff, the album opener. Wish at some point his motown album gets released. Thank you again!!
Hi, thank you for watching. I actually have not heard that album but will definitely seek it out. Phil
NICE COMMEMORATION .RIP JEFF.God Bless.
Thank you - Phil
1975. Riding a bike with some mates in West Germany. Camped underneath a garage one night. A guy pulled out a cassette player. Lying in a sleeping bag i heard a song that absolutely blew me away. I asked him, " who the hell is that?"...he raised his head up and said " Jeff Beck!". The song? " Cause we've ended as lovers... i will never forget that moment. Stunned.
Hi John, thank you for watching and sharing your fantastic story. Because we ended as lovers is my favourite track from Blow By Blow. Phil :)
Thank you. Im awfully fond of Diamond Dust as well!
Lovely tribute Phil
Thank you 🙏
Jeff beck one off the greatest guitarists all time has gone. But hes great guitar riffs and the bands, artist and solos that he played well be with us forever to play, GOD BLISS THE MAN who has given us so much joy and sounds that that we can keep spinning them now and forever.
Hi Roland, thank you for watching and sharing your wise words. Phil
Thank you Phil Aston, so much. I gabbled on here writing somewhere. I love your way of going through Jeff's life time of making music; summing up so completely the trail of Jeff Becks art and his way of inventing new ways of expressing different sounds and emotions. I met Jeff with Art One, at Sutton East Secondary School. He hardly attended class and was always getting into trouble with the head master. One day when Jeff, who hardly ever came to school, when he was 14 and we were 13, came in with a jumble of wires and flat pieces of wood. The girls found out from the only boys that had anything to do with Jeff, that he was trying to make a guitar!! It was break time and we were allowed to stay in, so the whole class stared at him as he sat down in the Teachers small store room on the floor and began fiddling with this jumble he was carrying. I have already written this somewhere else. We were allowed in at break and suddenly the sound of the blues came from Jeff's bundle. He told the boys he was trying to make a guitar! I was amazed that he could have got any sound out of that bundle, but I was thrilled. I went home and when I came back I was sure that Jeff would be famous one day. I wanted so much to tell him, but I did not, as I was too shy!. I went home to lunch and as I came back I said I would tell him that one day he would be famous. He was trying to do what I was trying to do but I never succeeded I could not understand why people dId not understand what he was trying to do, -but YOU DO! AND THERE IS ANOTHER GUY WHO GOES THROUGH THE WAY HE PLAYS WITH A TOOTH COMBE, SO YOU WOULD ENJOY IT TOO! Some people, just don't understand! The reason I understood, was that was because my mother like Jeff's was a trained pianist. I was brought up in Africa, and my mother had two upright pianos, so that she could teach me to play with her at the piano. She unlike Jeff's mum, did not want him to play "Pop" music, and taught him piano, like my mother. She had also been one of Billy Mayrel's 20 pianists so played professionally for a while. Pianos were used instead of an orchestra for a musical starring John Miles who was a hoofer. However my mother loved Art Tatum and he played in a very versatile and fluid way. She could drive and offered top drive him and his wife, to where ever he wanted.
Hi Cythia, thank you so much for watching and sharing you amazing story. Oh what memories you have. Can I post this on the Now Spinning Magazine website on the Jeff Beck page? I just want to make sure this comment does not get lost! - Phi
@@NowSpinningMagazine Of course but there are better versions elsewhere, Cynthia Allen McLaglen
@@NowSpinningMagazine Sure I would be glad to. I do not want these memories forgotten. They were part of his story to where he became a fully developed musician and show the determination and struggle that many great musicians have at the start of their musical life.Cynthia Allen McLaglen
My dad was into Jeff Beck. If he was alive he would be 92. I owe a lot of my musical exposure to my dad.
Hi Vicki, thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. Take care - Phil
Well said Phil. Jeff Beck played like the guitar was an extension of himself. All I can say is thank you Jeff for the great music you gave us all.
Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts on Jeff Beck - Phil
Thank you for the nice tribute. Shout out to his work on Donovan’s Barabajagal.
Thank you for watching, and the shout out - Phil
Well done Phil. We can see it must have been tough for you mate. All of us ata certain age understand the sense of loss. That heavenly supergroup is getting better every year.
Hi Malc, thank you for watching, i did find this very difficult and emotional to do but I am very happy that so many Jeff Beck fans liked it. Phil
I remember hearing Jeff's name in relation to the Yardbirds around 1967 and heard things like Shapes of Things, I didn't really hear much else except Hi Ho Silver Lining until around '71 when I left school and heard Truth at a friend's house, I was buying a fair bit of music at this time and he slipped from view for a while, then the BB&A Album came out and also I heard his contribution to Talking Book, of course it all leaped up several gears with Blow By Blow and Wired, I was getting into Fusion via The Mahavishnu Orchestra and I loved those albums, I have followed him ever since and I would say Flash and Guitar Shop are sheer class( I have Played both tonight) the 'Trilogy' you love I agree they are three of his most innovative and diverse recordings, I have collected pretty much everything I can and The Ronnie Scott Live Album is Jaw Dropping, I watch it regularly on Bluray and it always mesmerise me to watch the Master of his craft coaxing those glorious sounds from his guitar, everyone should watch it at least once, incredible! Thanks for this wonderful tribute you had me getting extremely emotional, Jeff will always be with us as long as we are able to listen! The King Is Dead, Long Live The King!🎸🔊🎶🎶🎶💔🧙♂️
Hi Chris, thank you for watching and sharing your memories of Jeff Beck. I have also played Flash today with You Had it Coming. I will play Guitar Shop tomorrow. I did start to lose it towards the end. These musicians are like distant brothers and sisters as Clive mentioned in an earlier comment. We have not met them but we feel like we know them as they have been part of our lives for so long. Phil
I love Flash, absolutely stunning sonics on this album. Incredible production and the vision is well ahead of its time. Glad someone else appreciates it as I do.
I played it again today, it is a stunning album - Phil
@@NowSpinningMagazine Cheers Phil, can feel the love for Jeff's music in your video. It's going to take a while to comprehend this loss, and to re appreciate his colossal talent. All the best.
@@NowSpinningMagazine it's going on first thing tomorrow morning! Sorry neighbours!!
th-cam.com/video/3uIrlSLKP6A/w-d-xo.html
quite a comprehensive run down of his gear history, worth a look if your a gear nerd like me!
Ele tinha um detalhe. Utilizava o polegar para tocar a guitarra. Nao usava a palhetA. Sua obra esta registrada nao morrera. X. Descanse em paz.
Hi Francis, thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. Phil
lovely tribute phil - we all got 12 notes - jeff had 17/18 - he could coax extra stuff / microtones etc out of them - lovely tribute from steve hacket today on sky news - we all just wiggled the trem bar - he made it a musical artform lol - brilliant
Hi William, thank you for watching. He did seem to have extra notes in his playing that no one else could get to! Phil
i can only say that he was my first musical hero...the first to use distorted guitar. For this reason, my first good guitar, in 1972, was a Fender Tele, his prefered guitar at that time. RIP Jeff..real trailblazer...
Hi Mark, thank you for watching. Phil
Thank you for this lovely tribute. I hung on every word and you had me in tears. So similar to my experience but after Blow by Blow, Wired and Stanley Clarke’s Journey to Love I didn’t keep track of Jeff as well as you did and have only been catching up since I retired in 2019.
I am so upset that I left it so late, but I did see his latest tour. I am collecting everything now and your guidance is very helpful. ❤🎶
Hi Susan, thank you so much for watching and sharing your thoughts. I hope you enjoy the later albums as well. Phil
Thanks Phil for a moving and heartfelt tribute to one of a kind musician. To me he was to the guitar what Miles Davis was to the trumpet. Always in the forefront of changes for what you could do with an instrument and Jeff did it throughout his career in a non compromising way. Like yourself my wake up call to Jeff's music came with Wired in 1976. I had just started buying LPs often being guided by the still brilliant NME Illustrated Encyclopedia of Rock, which was a game changer for me when starting collecting and in which Jeff Beck was lauded (though not sure if Wired was specifically mentioned). By then I'd heard nothing of Beck so on a sunny summer's day in Kingston Upon Thames in 1976 I walked along the market stalls and came across a bloke selling LPs. Flipping through them I came across Wired by Jeff Beck, don't think it had been available for that long at the time. "Good choice, mate!" said the seller and off I went with it. The cover alone had me excited! I had no idea whatsoever what to expect but what I heard later that day was nothing short of stunning and it opened up an entire new soundscape to me as to what could be done. It was a bit like hearing Hendrix for the first time.
It's been a sad day today and thoughts go to his family first and foremost. I will be playing his music only for the next couple of days and remembering the only gig with him that I saw in 2011 in a small club in Malmö, Sweden, which was mind blowing and where he steamrollered the crowd! Many happy faces after that gig:-)
Hi Jonathan, thank you for watching and for sharing your memories of Jeff Beck. This is a wonderful story. I agree he is like the Miles Davis of the guitar. Phil
Thanks Phil for this fine tribute. Honest, emotional and heartfelt, I appreciate your insight into Jeff's work and it has inspired me to to do a deep dive into Jeff's catalogue myself. Cheers.
Hi Glyn, thank you for watching and your kind words. Phil
Truth is on my desert island list. Absolute classic.
Hi Dominic, thank you for watching and sharing your favourite Jeff Beck album. Phil
@@NowSpinningMagazine I also love Blow by Blow, Wired, Flash, Guitar Shop, Beck-Ola, and White Boy Blues.
Thank you so much for this fantastic review of Jeff's material. I'd forgotten about half of this stuff but thanks to you I'll be able to revisit a lot of his output that I used to own on CD etc. Probably, hopefully, through Spotify etc. Thanks again, superb Tribute.
Thank you for watching and your kind words - Phil
HI Phil,i' m in LOVE with 2 first Jeff BECK group and BBA,cette manière d'aborder la guitare avec les Yardbirds dans [Roger the Engeener],était Unique et il à perfectionner son jeu avec les 4 albums J B Group et BBA !! Après j'aime moins je suis pas fan de jazzrock.Mais le guitariste reste insurpassable dans son style!! Je vais être cynique mais ces chères maisons de disques,vont nous concocter l Le COFFRET DU SIÈCLE!!BIEN À TOI.THANKS A VERY GOOD [HOMMAGE]🎸🤗🎸
Thank you - Phil
I luv that you addressed everyone at the beginning. I didn’t know who Beck was until I heard of his passing. I know Zeppelin & Sabbath, but Beck was apparently a little before my time. RIP 💜
Hi Jewel, thank you for watching. I always do that because I do not want anyone to feel overwhelmed or feel they are looking into an exclusive club where they are not included. There are lots of well known musicians (new & old) I am unfamiliar with. We all start out with one record or CD or that band we discover. It is a journey of discovery that will accompany you through life. When Jeff Beck started it was even before my time, I was 6. There is a wealth of Jeff Beck for you to explore. Stream 'You Had In Coming' Emotion and Commotion, Truth... all very different but an overview of his genius. Take care - Phil
Music requires both the Artist and the Listener to use their imaginations. It's a abstract form of communication, everyone may see ice-cream but every one will taste a different flavor.
Thank you for watching - possibly my favourite comment - Phil
truly wonderful tribute video, i felt every word and you picked the same 3 albums that blew my mind. thanks for putting this together while the rest of us are trying to figure out what the hell this empty feeling inside us is all of a sudden.
Hi Jeff, thank you for watching, is was not easy and I did cry afterwards but I am please I decided to do this. I am playing nothing but Jeff Beck music at the moment and it is actually very healing and life affirming. Take care - Phil
My friends and I were listening to and appreciating Jeff Beck in the early 70's, particularly his way of bringing out the soul of the instrument like no one else. It always seemed as though Jeff was hovering around the periphery of the music world like an asteroid, occasionally returning and grazing the atmosphere, leaving a trail and then back out into the cosmos. I remember his reentrance during the MTV era of the 80's with the tune "Ambition" with a lineup of various singers and it put a huge smile on my face, once again, as he reminded us "I'm still here, I'm still exploring", just as he had always done and would continue to do for decades to come. There are only a few guitarists of this caliber, musicians that are clearly in love with their instrument and Jeff Beck is one of the important individuals in this particular realm. He will be missed, but I'm also fairly certain that he will continue to be discovered by new music lovers, and of course guitarists, far into the future. We lost a beautiful and soulful being in Jeff Beck. May his journey be as smooth as his playing. Peace.
Hi Rob, thank you for watching and sharing your wonderful thoughts on the genius that was Jeff Beck. I agree his music and playing will inspire generations that follow. Phil
@@NowSpinningMagazine And thank you for the tribute Phil🙏.
My only complaint is that ya left off "Crazy Legs".....As a drummer ,the sheer expanse of his visions for the " confines" of rock n' roll guitar,his command of so many styles,is simply stunning.....
Hi John, I’m sorry it was in front of me and was I trying to cover everything and keep it together and i dropped the ball. Phil
Nice tribute. Growing up, Jeff Beck was one of those musicians I always heard about, but for whatever reason I just wasn't familiar with his music. Thanks to TH-cam, I have been able to explore his catalog over the past several years and purchased several CD's. My favorites are "Wired" and "Truth" and I just recently picked up his amazing "Guitar Shop" album. An incredible musician that will be missed.
Hi Ken, thank you for watching and sharing your memories. Guitar Shop is an amazing album. Phil
"Never Lost his Sense of Wonder" Yep. I had gotten rid of my LP's. But I have a few picture discs left. One of them on my wall is a 45 with Black strats which is the side facing out. It has Beck's Bolero and Hi-Ho Silver Lining. I think his excellence, (And up until his passing) was in his Moments that he pulled off live.
Thank you for watching and sharing your memories of Jeff Beck - Phil
Only just seen this. Missing Jeff like crazy, like many will be I know. Anyway, I enjoyed this tributute but the funny / odd / amazingly coincidental thing is that my history will Jeff is almost exactly as explained here. Quite bizarre! Miss you Jeff, and youd like my newly done 32 coupe. Sad you never got to see it.
Thank you 🙏
Wonderful tribute Phil. Beautiful....
Thank you - Phil
Fine tribute Phil, as always straight from the heart. I remember circa 1972, two of the older, cooler boys at my school had gone to a Jeff Beck concert. They then held court and told an eager audience of the rest of us all about it. They had seen a great artist. I also feel that the Jeff Beck Group blazed the trail that Led Zeppelin followed to such musical glory. Did Jeff plus Rod and Ronnie do it first and best? Now that is something for debate. RIP Jeff and thank you for everything you have given us.
Thank you for watching and sharing your Jeff Beck story with us. You are right about the Jeff Beck / Led Zeppelin connection. Phil
I was shocked this morning,when i heard the sad news that Jeff Beck has passed away.
I saw him once November 11, 2010
Amager bio Copenhagen.
I always loved the 3 cd
box(beckology)
Rest in peace Jeff
Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts - Phil
Thank you Phil for your lovely perspective on Jeff’s music.. I love the history of how he entered your life throughout the decades.. I need to open myself to his music and do some deep sea diving into those albums you mentioned.. I grew up hearing him from my brothers stereo yet never bothered exploring further..Jeff has crossed over yet the beauty of the music will live on ..
Hi Terence, thank you for watching. I would recommend exploring his albums throughout the decades. It will be a fabulous journey. Phil
Definitely shocking news Jeff Beck is one of the greatest guitarists
Hi Kevin, thank you for watching, he certainly was. Phil
Well put...Emotion and Commotion rekindled my fan devotion, check out "Never Alone" and "Lilac Wine"
Thank you - I will - Phil
Sad to hear of this news.
My friend saw him at York last year with Johnny Depp. Bill Nelson was also at the same gig.
Thank you for watching - Phil
❤😥
I'll dedicate, a favorite of mine and a fitting finale, I think, to JB - The Golden Road from There and Back
Hi Wolftree, thank you for watching. I am going to play that track now - Phil
@@NowSpinningMagazine Phil, thanks for sharing your 3 JB desert island discs. I got Who Else on order.
Jeff's music very obviously meant much to you, as it did to me, though I started a bit earlier than you with his debut single from the Yardbirds, 'Heart Full of Soul'. It opens with a guitar riff (and sound) that signalled a new direction in pop music. 'Evil Hearted You' came next. Both of those plus the Yardbirds' debut hit, 'For Your Love' and Beck's second solo single, 'Tallyman', were penned by 10cc's Graham Gouldman, who also wrote the Hollies 'Bus Stop' and 'Look Through Any Window' as well a hits for Herman's Hermits and others, including his own 'Dreadlock Holiday' with 10cc.
An early irony with Jeff's career is that 'Beck's Bolero', recorded in May '66 with Keith Moon drumming, John Paul Jones on bass, Jimmy Page on 12-string and Nicky Hopkins on piano, was the definitive early example of heavy rock music. But it wasn't released until 1967 as the B-side of 'Hi Ho Silver Lining', a single that Jeff fans didn't buy. A year after that it surfaced on Jeff's 'Truth' album. But by 1967 the concept of heavy music was, thanks to Vanilla Fudge (which contained Beck's future bandmates Tim Bogert and Carmine Appice), Blue Cheer, the Jimi Hendrix Experience and Cream already permeating the scene, as pop escalated up into rock. Even the Beatles were getting riff-heavy with the likes of 'Hey Bulldog'. And Paul McCartney's guitar solo in 'Taxman' is very inspired by Beck's playing on the Yardbirds 'Shapes of Things' (Jeff's own heavier half-time version on 'Truth' wouldn't arrive until '68).
The fact that Led Zeppelin stole Beck's thunder was totally Jeff's fault. After a stellar response to the debut tour of America by the Jeff Beck Group, manager Peter Grant booked a string of return dates. But Beck, much to Grant's fury, rejected the idea of returning at that time. So Grant gave the dates to Jimmy Page's new band, which after fulfilling some outstanding dates as the New Yardbirds was now named Led Zeppelin. Their first gigs included opening for Vanilla Fudge, which is where Zep drummer John Bonham - after seeing Fudge drummer Carmine Appice's oversized drums - got the idea to get the same big setup (on the first Zep album he used standard sizes). It was Appice who arranged for Bonham to receive a kit - identical to his own - and endorsement from Ludwig, though Page and John Paul Jones soon insisted Bonham get rid of the second bass drum as it was getting in the way of what they were playing.
So Jeff not only opened the door for Page & Co. to capitalise on the excitement the Jeff Beck Group had created, he also prompted Grant to put Zep at the top of the priority list, automatically relegating Jeff to a distant second. Mind, that was just one of many setbacks Jeff would experience due to his bloodymindedness, lack of business savvy and reluctance to assume the responsibility associated with being a band leader - he just wanted to play guitar. Page, by contrast, was a savvy producer and businessman with a vision - he had learned much as a top session player. And after years of being stuck in studios, he also enjoyed the spotlight.
Worth noting that Jeff's exclusive use of a Les Paul was short-lived. He had one during his latter period with the Yardbirds (apparently smashed that up in a pique of rage when he walked out on the band, thus leaving Page to handle all the guitar parts), and a couple during his Jeff Beck Group MKI days. But by the time of 'Beck-Ola' he was using a Strat. Ditto in Jeff Beck Group MKII. He reverted to using a Les Paul and Strat with BB&A as well as his 'Blow by Blow' and 'Wired' era. BTW, the sessions for 'Blow by Blow' originally included Appice on drums. Carmine had come up with some of the riffs and assumed that as with BB&A his name would be on the album. His manager pressed the point and Jeff's management responded by sending the drummer packing. BTW, it was Carmine who first introduced Jeff to Billy Cobham's 'Spectrum' album and inspired him to dig deeper into the jazz-fusion thing, which Jeff in turn converted to funky rock-fusion on 'Blow by Blow' before taking it a few steps deeper into the jazzier fusion terrain of the genre with 'Wired'.
On 'Blackbird' Jeff is actually using a dinner fork as a slide to create the bird sounds. Brilliant!
It is great that you highlighted the trilogy of 'Who Else?', 'You Had It Coming' and 'Jeff'. Though there are numerous great tunes - and all great guitarring - on them, those albums did nothing in terms of popularity. But if anyone is still reading at this point, listen to the two stunning solos on 'Seasons'. IMO that is some of Jeff's very best playing. There is also 'Brush with the Blues', which is actually a live recording. By the end of that his is really ripping it up. (Also watch him doing that tune on 'Later...with Jools Holland' on TH-cam, though the ending is rather tame by comparison.) And listen to 'Final Peace' on 'There & Back'...just him and Tony Hymas on keys. I had always hoped those two would do an album minus any other instruments.
We are all mourning the loss of Jeff. Despite all the guitarists in the world, there was only one Jeff Beck. And as we are seeing with outpourings of grief from such majors as Brian May, Clapton, Page, Joe Perry, Joe Satriani and all the rest, they too agree that when it came to creatively wicked and melodically moving guitar playing, there really was only Jeff.
Thank you for watching and taking the time to write such a brilliant story about how you felt about Jeff Beck. Phil :)
The first time I heard Cause We Ended as Lovers! Back in 75 he and Larry Carlton were guitarist I couldn't get enough of them! But Jeff dropped my jaw every time I heard him 🔥✌🤘
Hi Lucas, thank you for watching, that is such an amazing track. Phil :)
No mention of 'Crazy Legs' his 1993 tribute to Gene Vincent and Cliff Gallup! A great album that meant so much to Jeff.
Hi Henry, thank you for watching. I am so sorry I forgot to mention this. It was in front of me but I was struggling at times to keep it together. It is a fabulous album. Phil
@@NowSpinningMagazine
He put so much into that album including using Cliff Gallup's steel finger picks and sticking with Cliff's difficult technique until he had it perfected for the recording. In the years following he would fall back into a more comfortable and orthodox right hand playing style when playing those rockabilly classics live again. But it's a measure of the man that when it came to laying down the tracks he was determined to put in the hard work necessary to pay honour to his own hero and early inspiration.
Jeff Beck is the Miles Davis of the Rock.
Loudhailer was a terrible album but you can’t knock the guy for doing something different. A real innovator who’ll be sadly missed 🎸🤘😥
Hi Jamie, I was the same and there are some tracks that are still a challenge but I played it yesterday and more of it makes sense now! Never say never! Phil :)
Blow by Blow is superior to Wired.
Hi Henry, it is a superb album I played it today I was referring to how I felt when I was 16 in 75. Thank you 🙏