Jeff Beck Emotion and Commotion

by Chris A.
Staff Writer

Haunting, dramatic, soulful and so very Jeff Beck, Emotion and Commotion continues the guitar god’s never-ending quest to push the electric guitar to its creative and musical limits. The opening cut, “Corpus Cristi Carol,” is a soft, sweeping, contemplative song accentuated by Beck’s trademark volume swells and precise tremolo. It’s packed with feeling and sets the “emotional” tone of the disc. Conversely, the second cut, “Hammerhead,” features a gritty, wah-wah pedal opening, transitioning into an electric symphony of Beck wailing above a slick groove. The virtuoso pulls esoteric, expressive and always-perfect lead licks from deep within his soul, demonstrating some of the “commotion” of the album.

Of the British invasion guitarists of the 1960s, only Jeff Beck has continued to push the envelope in an effort to really exploit he capabilities of the guitar. Beck’s playing on “Emotion and Commotion” isn’t groundbreaking, and there’s nothing that’s going to change the course of guitar history on this record. Yet, seriously, what more can the man do as a musician to “impress” us? He’s done it all, yet as he approaches his 50th year as a professional musician, he continues to give it 100 percent. No matter the song or the record, when Jeff Beck performs, one can be assured it’s going to be masterful.

Many of the cuts on “Emotion and Commotion” merit special attention, but none more than Beck’s rendition of Harold Arlen’s classic “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” It doesn’t matter if you’re a die-hard metal head or a fan of a classic crooner, you’ll be moved, touched and contemplative when experiencing the feeling and life Beck breaths into his performance of the “Wizard of Oz” classic.

Yeah, “Emotion and Commotion” is a softer, lighter and decidedly musical effort. It’s a mature, contemplative album replete with expressive musical reason why guitarists everywhere appreciate the genius and style of Jeff Beck.
Currently on tour, Beck is one of those “must-see” musicians, an icon who’s laid-back approach to his business and his success makes him very special. If you have the opportunity to catch him on tour, do not pass it up.

Track Listing:
1. Corpus Cristi Carol
2. Hammerhead
3. Never Alone
4. Somewhere Over The Rainbow
5. I Put A Spell On You
6. Serene
7. Lilac Wine
8. Nessun Dorma
9. There’s No Other Me
10. Elegy Dor Dunkirk

Hardrock Haven rating: n/a