Uncle G’s FUN Classic Rock CD Collection: Jeff Beck – Blow By Blow (2013)

Date First Published: 30 March 2013 — Classic Rock Radio (UK)
Uncle G’s FUN Classic Rock Music Collection
Spot Light: Jeff Beck – Blow By Blow (1975)

By Gary “Uncle G” Brown
X (formerly Twitter) @GBrown0816

For those who read my column, finding out that Jeff Beck’s 1975 album Blow By Blow is one of my favorite all-time albums, would not be much of a surprise. Those who personally know me, are especially not surprised. A few of them are reading this and starting to yawn as a matter of fact. Thinking; “not again.” Can’t help myself. Hard to explain my passion for the music contained in this PERFECT Jazz/Rock Instrumental album, with the main focus on the guitar stylings of one Mister Jeff Beck.

Blow By Blow was produced by Sir George Martin, who back then was just known as the true fifth Beatle. Many called themselves that. It was Mr. Martin who took their musical ideals and made them recorded history. I know a professional rock musician with more than one classic rock hit under his belt who told me anyone working with George Martin would sound good. I believe that as well. Foundation was there had to be talent. Plenty of that regarding the Fab Four. I imagine Mr. Martin after working with The Beatles, had his standards. Jeff Beck by the year 1975, was known to be one of the BEST guitarists in the field of rock.

One night in the 1970s, under the influence of one or more things, I played Beck’s Blow By Blow 8-Track while wearing a pair of Sennheiser headphones. My mind soaked up the sounds like a sponge. I immediately the very next day, went out and stole the album (wax). Under five bucks was brand new back then, I’m sure. I was a foster kid and never had money for long. I survived, and sometimes by not doing the nicest of things. Keeping up with the Joneses is hard, especially when one is without a piss bucket, or a window to throw it out of. I now live a life of righteous honesty. Or so I try.

Jeff Beck’s Blow By Blow has remained to this very day, and will till my last living day on this planet, one of the albums I dig the most. Weird, I didn’t end up a Jeff Beck fanatic. I never go that far with anyone. It’s like I have a shutoff button I use to keep from getting burned out. Being a supporting fan is one thing. The word fanatic brings to mind visions of crazy people, doing crazy things. Imagine that. I have maybe 25 percent of Beck’s 49 years and counting, catalog of music, in my personal CD collection. I have never seen Mr. Beck play live, but I would VERY MUCH welcome the opportunity. I have the “Live at Ronnie Scott’s” DVD Jeff did not that long ago. Absolute kick ass !! I play it as much as any of his other CDs except maybe ‘Blow By Blow’, which I play more often.

Uncle G’s Classic Rock Tip of the Day

Jeff Beck’s Blow By Blow is great to have as background music for a romantic evening. Do your partner(s) a favor, and press the repeat button. The whole recording clocks in at just under 45 minutes. He/She/They may want to go it a bit longer 🙂

Just The Facts: Jeff Beck – Blow By Blow (1973)

Musicians

Jeff Beck – guitars
Max Middleton – keyboards
Phil Chen – bass (identified as “Phil Chenn”)
Richard Bailey – drums, percussion
Stevie Wonder – uncredited clavinet on “Thelonius”
Technical

George Martin – production, orchestral arrangement
Denim Bridges – engineering
Artwork – John Berg (design) and John Collier (cover art).

End of Article

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