Often referred to as the father of jazz-rock fusion, our featured guitarist for July is remarkably overlooked with respect to his contribution to the guitar and music world. All of the subtle techniques within guitar playing– hammer-ons & pull-offs, string bends, whammy vibrato and finger-picked harmonic tones–were generally first done or were made popular by this guy. Not only is his guitar playing one of a kind but his original compositions really come to life with the host of players he used to back him up, including Stanley Clarke and Jan Hammer!

Geoffrey Arnold Beck was born in England in 1944. He was one of three original guitarists with the Yarbirds and released several albums under his own name or moniker Jeff Beck Group. He also had an on/off relationship touring with Rod Stewart for several years. Most notable in his musical career were his solo albums, which featured a heavy handed, rock-based approach to jazz-fusion and of course some off-the-hook jams! It is always easy to discern Jeff Beck’s playing style from other players as his sound is so original and so unique.

Originally turned on to the guitar from hearing Les Paul perform “How High The Moon” when he was 6 years old, Jeff grew to build the guitars he played in his early days. After years of several odd side jobs, he got his first big break as a session player in the early 60’s and was later recruited to join the Yarbirds in 1965, replacing Eric Clapton. In fact, this change of the guard was by the recommendation of fellow session player and friend, Jimmy Page. He was eventually fired from the Yarbirds a couple years later, due to being a “no-show” at several gigs and his quite explosive temper. Interestingly enough, around the same time period Pink Floyd really wanted to hire him in the years after the departure of Syd Barret, but no one in the band had the nerve to ask him!

The 70’s were really the start of what I feel is the Jeff Beck “sound”. The albums he was producing at the time were very heavily rock influenced, but with a nice subtle jazz undertone that made the compositions a lot more interesting. Regardless of what he was playing, Jeff’s sound was always unique, stylish and unrelenting. His innovative approach to guitar reminds me a little bit of Eddie Van Halen a decade later. A Fender Strat was usually the go-to guitar for Mr. Beck, although the 1975 debut solo album “Blow by Blow” features Jeff on the cover with a Gibson Les Paul. Jeff, being a perfectionist, was often unhappy with his recorded solos and generally sought out multiple overdub sessions, sometimes even after the album was in print! “Wired” (1976) is probably his most famous fusion album with the collaboration of keyboardist, Jan Hammer.

As the decades wore on, Jeff Beck continued to impress, especially with the release of Jeff Beck’s Guitar Shop in 1989. Like his earlier fusion albums of the 70’s, this album is full of original, one of a kind fusion guitar playing that perhaps has an updated 80’s feel with respect to production and compositions. He also had a brief reunion with former band mate Rod Stewart, re-recording the Curtis Mayfield single, People Get Ready, which received critical acclaim. He almost toured with Guns & Roses in the early 90’s–believe it or not! However, unfortunately a loud Matt Sorum drum session damaged his hearing to the point that he couldn’t make the tour! Through the rest of the 90’s and 2000’s he stayed busy touring and playing in various combinations. He won his 4th Grammy award as recently as 2003 for the song “Plan B” contained on the self-titled release Jeff. For those looking for great, authentic Jeff Beck, there is a fantastic performance at Ronnie Scott’s jazz club in London (circa 2009) that is really defining with respect to the many decades that helped shape and refine his guitar style.

While for most guitar players, Jeff Beck is a little off the beaten path, he is nevertheless one of the most influential guitarists in the last 50 years. Whether you are familiar with him or not, there is a reason he comes in at number five on the Rolling Stone top 100 guitar player list! Many of the modern day guitar techniques originate from this guy in one form or another. Jeff’s playing is a nice bridge between the older, more antiquated guitar techniques of the 50’s & 60’s and today’s modern sound. For this reason, many of the rock and jazz players in the 80’s & 90’s were heavily influenced by him, his style and sound. Definitely add this guy to your list and make sure to check him out today!