Jeff Beck, ‘Performing This Week … Live At Ronnie Scott’s': Album Review

When it comes to guitar legends, there are few in line ahead of Jeff Beck. For 50 years now, Beck's playing has continued to inspire, amaze and influence countless fans and fellow guitarists around the globe. Over the years, Beck has always been found in pursuit of his own artistic vision.

Previously released as a DVD and Blu-ray, Performing This Week ... Live At Ronnie Scott's captures the six-string master in concert at a London club in 2007. The intimate setting adds to the excitement here for both fans and band, as Beck turns in a splendid batch of songs.

This new two-disc Deluxe Edition includes all the material from the aforementioned DVD, as well as seven tracks previously only available on the Blu-ray version that were recorded with the Big Town Playboys. In addition, there are five bonus tracks that feature guest spots from Joss Stone, Imogen Heap and Eric Clapton.

From the opening blast of his 1968 classic "Beck's Bolero," on through to signature tunes such as "Led Boots" and "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat," Beck and band sizzle and stun. His unique rendering of the Beatles' classic "A Day In The Life" has now become a Beck standard. His interpretation of the tune has been featured in his live shows for years, and the version here is through the roof. "Big Block," from his 1989 album Jeff Beck's Guitar Shop features one of his most blazing solo workouts.

The tracks that highlight guests artists add a welcome break from the jazz fusion onslaught, allowing his more soulful side to shine. Joss Stone joins in for a nice run through of the Curtis Mayfield classic "People Get Ready," while Imogen Heap lends her fire to the blues staple "Rollin' And Tumblin'. Eric Clapton and Beck battle it out on first-rate versions of "Little Brown Bird" and "You Need Love," but the real highlight of the disc has to be the mini-set that features the Big Town Playboys. Beck and band rip through a smattering of choice rockabilly tunes including Gene Vincent's "Race With the Devil," Carl Perkins' "Matchbox," and a faithful-as-can-be blast through of the Johnny Burnette landmark "Train Kept A Rollin'." Simply put, Beck and band kick out the jams here.

This double disc set is a must for Beck fans as well as guitar aficionados. Though Beck has never achieved the mainstream success of contemporaries like Clapton or Jimmy Page, this two-disc set stands as a testament to his incredible playing, as well as to his ever faithful fans, who have long included him on that Mount Rushmore of guitar heroes.

See Jeff Beck and Other Rockers in the Top 100 Albums of the '60s

25 Interesting Rock Movie Facts