Concert Review: Jeff Beck - Ulster Hall, Belfast - 30 June 2009 - Page 2

What makes a good performance? Perhaps, dialogue between the musician's on stage. While creating their own voice and space - each musician, tonight - seems to bend and shape the music to maximum effect, and the combined output goes straight to your emotions, your soul. Something, not all musicians achieve.

Vinnie and Tal begin the hypnotic rhythm to "Pump", and Tal's bass sound is beautifully warm, you could listen to it all night. A lot of people comment on her playing - which speaks for itself - but the diverse tones she gets from her bass, amps, and effects pedals are astounding. During the sixteen-number set it is evident the deep intuitive skills displayed by Vinnie, Tal, and Jason, provide a strong canvas for Jeff to paint a colourful array of sounds from his guitar.

Jeff plays with warmth, finesse, and an impish quality which permeates the group, and creates an extraordinary bond with the audience. The band truly seem astounded by the warm reception after each song, and exchange smiles. A great version of "You Never Know" follows, which sets the high standard of musicianship, and sound, that Jeff and his band reach during the rest of the performance.

Who could not be moved by the sublime "Cause We've Ended as Lovers" - beautiful sounds and melodies emanating from Jeff's guitar, and inspired soloing by Tal. It digs deep into the twilight room of the soul, creating a dizzy sense of magic. Does music get better than this? I doubt it. During the set Jeff moves around the stage, sometimes changing direction when the music changes course. Periodically, he exchanges a cheerful smile with a fellow band member, and continues to play his guitar with a naturalness few guitarist's attain. Each song is a highlight. If music is a dream, then this is one of the greatest of them all.

Jeff Beck has risen above his contemporaries and peers. Eric Clapton expired, suffocated by his own tediousness. Jimmy Page was there, but can't repeat it. The Led Zeppelin albums, however, remain a testament to his genius, and that of Robert Plant. Jeff was always there, without thinking about it. He is a consummate musician by profession - always has been - now he wears the Crown. Tonight, great music was played by great musicians fronted by a guitarist who can truly be called a genius.

Article Author: Ronnie Kerrigan

The things that matter to me - which have sustained me during periods of temporary triumph, and intense failure - are my children, grandchildren, music, film, poetry, prose, theatre, and humour. I can be highly emotional, especially when standing on a ladder.
…

Visit Ronnie Kerrigan's author page — Ronnie Kerrigan's Blog