The concert was recorded both for this and for a separate DVD. I've got it going on Spotify if you want to listen along!
The first three tracks all feature Darrel Hingham. "Double Talking Baby" is the first song, and it's definitely a perfect rock'n'roll sound to kick off the evening. The vocals are Elvis-esq with the soul we know his for, while the guitar is classic to the sound, with just this slight echo to drive it home.
The next nine tracks feature a singer name Imelda May. Jason Rebello also comes on for this one, "Cry My A River" which you'll remember pretty much as soon as the voice starts going. It's an old slow classic, where the notes drag in this incredibly beautiful way, full of hurt, yet strength. She kicks it up, but remains in a classic sound with "How High The Moon." Start dancing with me as we check it out on video. "Somewhere there's mu-uu-uu-sic..."
"The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise" slows down, but barely. It's still chugging on. It's not until "Vaya Con Dios" that we get another breath for a moment. While the fast-playing guitar is entertaining and impressive, I think hearing its ability to slow for just a second and sing a lovely song like this can be just as impressive.
But we're not done with them yet. In a way to cooly introduce the band and their primary objective, we get Darrell Hingham back on board for "Rocking Is Our Business." Good to know why we're here 14 tracks in!
Jason Rebello is back, and this time he's brought Gary U.S. Bonds for the party. Seriously, that's the only way I can describe "New Orleans." It's a big party, and Gary has taken on the role of host. His voice carries throughout, introducing the hard playing members of the band, and getting that audience on their feet and singing along!
"Walking In The Sand" doesn't have a singer credited, but I'm taking bets that Imelda is back for this soul-packed angry song about a boy who left after all the lies. Whew, you'd be fanning yourself after this one, where everyone is truly bringing it full-force and letting go. So, so well done. She slows it down for "Please Mr. Jailor," but I have to say, I am so happy to see her awesome voice coming through. The song is kind of eh, but when they get her up there without all the backup and echos, this girl's voice shines just as much as that guitar playing of Mr. Beck does.
For the final number, we get Brian Setzer on board! Woo for connecting albums. Anywhos, this one is "Twenty Flight Rock." Brian's clearly excited to be there. He's back to singing on this one - yayyyyy. We close as we starts - good ol' rock 'n' roll!
- "Crusin'"
- "Cry Me A River"
- "How High The Moon"
- "I'm A Fool To Care"
- "Walking In The Sand"
Whew, that was fun. I loved the whole thing, and I'm sure it's 100% better in person. I mean, this was clearly a great concert for the people that got to sit and enjoy it. What's more, this was clearly a great tribute to a man who did so much with the guitar. So, kudos to Jeff Beck, in the end, for a fantastically done show in honor of the one and only great - Les Paul!