Jeff Beck: Loud Hailer

NEW 2016 ALBUM! On this album Jeff collaborates with singer/guitarist Rosie Bones and guitar player Carmen Vandenberg from the British group Bones (“Girls Can’t Play Guitars”) and together with songs highlighting social issues (hence “Loud Hailer”) this has really given the music a different vibe from recent Beck albums, albeit still with the virtuoso guitar playing that you’d expect. The sophistication and expertise of Jeff’s guitar playing contrasts with Rosie’s punky vocals and a raw, basic rock sound reminiscent of the White Stripes or the Black Keys. There are plenty of Beck’s trademark guitar licks throughout the album but the test is if you like it dished up in this modern setting and with these in-your-face punk vocals. Personally I think that it works great and that it’s good to see Jeff, now in his 70s, doing something different and a bit more contemporary however, if you liked his jazz fusion noodling this may not be your cup of tea. As well as the girls the band also includes bassist Giovanni Pallotti and drummer Davide Sollazzi, with production being handled by Beck and Filippo Cimatti.