LIVE REVIEW: JEFF BECK, Perth, 24 April 2014

LIVE REVIEW: JEFF BECK, Perth, 24 April 2014
Perth Concert Hall, Thursday 24 April, 2014
Reviewed by Gazman Campbell
Photos by Awakening Vixen Photography

It’s not every day you get to see a true living legend of the rock era but today would be my 2nd chance to catch Mr Jeff Beck- rock & roll survivor & genuine guitar hero – live !!!

Unlike his last gig at this venue there was no support act, which made my job easier.

The lights faded, the band started up the first tune, Loaded & out strutted Jeff Beck from the side of the stage, playing a white Fender Telecaster. This little faux pas was quickly corrected as the guitar tech handed him the more familiar white Stratocaster – probably a Jeff Beck Signature – & the band ran through their next choice – Nine.

Another white Strat was put to stunning use as JB led the band through an amazing version of the Hendrix classic Little Wing. You Know, You Know, Hammerhead & Angels Footsteps followed as JB informed us the guitar changes were for different tunings.

Billy Cobham’s Stratus was one of the few tunes I actually recognised – the lack of lyrics can make it hard to identify selections in what was essentially an instrumental only performance, bar one song sung by bass player extraordinaire Rhonda Smith.

Speaking of his hand picked touring band, Jonathan Joseph is a drumming tour de force with more fills than a drive in petrol attendant & an uncanny sense of timing, while rhythm guitar duties were more than stunningly assumed by Nicholas Meier – whom I suspect is a Godin endorsed player judging by his nice choice of weapons (yes, I have one too).

Where Were You, Egyptian, Pork Pie Hat/Brush With Blues & You Never Know, were all well received as was the entire near 2 hour set as Beck showed why he is one of the worlds most respected players & kept all present entranced with his digital dexterity. More Beck faves rounded out a very entertaining concert culminating with his version of The Beatles, A Day In The Life.

Returning to centre stage for the obligatory encore, Rollin’ & Tumblin’ gave the musical smorgasbord an awesome blues dessert, before ending the night with the stunningly played Cause We Ended As Lovers.

According to some of our own muso’s present, myself included, this gig was certainly one to remember.

 

Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries