Style: instrumental, hard rock, blues-rock
Label: Epic
Year: 1989
Home: England
Members: Jeff Beck ~ guitars
Terry Bozzio ~ drums/voice
Tony Hymas ~ keyboards
I believe that though most up & coming guitarists know the name Jeff Beck they largely haven't heard his playing, including his work with the Yardbirds. Or, maybe they've heard him doing a guest solo but didn't read the liner notes. I bet most guitarists don't realize that it was Beck's gimmick of playing the guitar with a cello bow that Jimmy Page stole for Zeppelin. I first heard Jeff's via a Yardbirds collection & later saw his name repeatedly as a guest soloist ... always hearing an outstanding near lunar solo & wondering who did it because it didn't sound like a guitar. Also, I could never forget one review I saw that described his guitar playing as the sound of a dump truck backing up. I would say more it's like a cyclone in a machine shop. Beck's solo career is famous for it's range of blues-rock to fusion jazz, all under an unassuming sheen & with a few big names along the way such as Rod Stewart. Because he doesn't have the same charisma as Slash or Satriani, isn't a tabloid hog, regularly has large gaps between albums & has an an unpredictable musical output his career has been undoubtedly hurt. In the end it's our loss, not his. As the unassuming sheen of his albums & career mask sheer technical & creative brilliance. How many guitarists have pulled off the same range of styles, with favorable reviews along the way? Though it doesn't rock out like some of his other releases, Jeff Beck's Guitar Shop is a good starting point for those who like a bluesier taste in their music. But, know that the title track does indeed sound like it's name with a a cacophony of disconnected guitar sounds appearing & disappearing imitating ... a cyclone in a machine shop. I believe that Beck aims for the bigger sound experience than the potential of the individual songs. He wants an experience not a chart-topper with some filler. Beck's albums are largely instrumental, which a lot of people tend to shy from, including myself, due to the regular over-the-top masturbatory approach they often take. Beck is the exception. This album is proof, as though it's an album of overdubs & studio magic it's largely much softer than might be expected. Jeff Beck's Guitar Shop opens with a burst then settles down into an addictive groove. You don't need to be a rocker to enjoy this, or know the technicalities of music theory to appreciate his playing. It's got funk, metal, blues, techno & whole lot in between. If you haven't Jeff Beck - you're missing a stellar & underappreciated creative force. Here's your starting point.
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