Historical Figure
Jeff Beck
1944–2023
English guitarist (1944–2023)
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Biography
Geoffrey Arnold Beck was an English guitarist. He rose to prominence as a member of the rock band the Yardbirds, and afterwards founded and fronted the Jeff Beck Group and Beck, Bogert & Appice. In 1975, he switched to an instrumental style with focus on an innovative sound, and his releases spanned genres and styles ranging from blues rock, hard rock, jazz fusion and a blend of guitar-rock and electronica.
In Their Own Words (2)
Well, I play purely from the heart, y'know, and so if it doesn't work the first couple of hours, forget it. Unless we feel like we're somehow on the right track then I'll keep on going. That's it, really; I don't have any magic where I just press a button and it happens. It'll either happen or it won't.
As quoted in Guitar World (March 1985) , 1985
I've got no particular desire to play ten minute solos. Those were never valid anyway in my book -- never. It was just a cheap way of building up a tension in the audience...A solo should do something; it shouldn't just be there as a cosmetic. It should have some aim, take the tune somewhere. I'm not saying I can do it, but I try and take the tune somewhere.
As quoted in The Guitar Handbook (2002) by Ralph Denyer, p. 140 , 2002
Timeline
The story of Jeff Beck, told in moments.
Replaced Eric Clapton in the Yardbirds. Pushed their sound toward distortion and feedback. His 18-month stint produced "Heart Full of Soul" and "Shapes of Things."
Released Blow by Blow, a jazz-fusion instrumental album that went platinum. No vocals, no lyrics. Just guitar. It redefined what a rock guitarist could do on a solo record.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the second time. Once with the Yardbirds, once as a solo artist. Spent his offstage hours restoring hot rods in his garage.
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