Jeff Beck is known as the Picasso of the guitar for the angular, abstract sound shapes he creates from his fiery fingers. He is also acknowledged by his six-string peers and punters alike as the Guv’nor. And the control and poise he exerts over his instrument were hammered home tonight in the idyllic grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea.

Introduced onstage by a Chelsea Pensioner, and with Jimmy Page looking on from side-stage, Beck ripped into the blistering jazz fusion of Stratus. It was one of a few incendiary covers songs planted into a lengthy set of superlative musicianship from both band and maestro alike.

Rewinding through his own stellar back catalogue, a sparky take on Star Cycle from his There And Back album reminded his rapt audience of his own songwriting expertise.

This set up a showcase of supreme individual performances on Mahavishnu Orchestra’s You Know, You Know. Rhonda Smith’s bass popping funky fingered finesse and Vinny Colaiuta percussive prowess, was a masterclass by musicians bang on top of their game.

Beck has clearly assembled an Everest sized group that stands head, shoulders and ears above any other.

Source: Daily Express