IN THE hours following Michael Jackson's death last week, the veteran broadcaster Paul Gambaccini put forward an interesting theory on a Radio 2 tribute programme as to the singer's impact on popular music. Before Jackson, he said, pop stars were "pl
ayers" – static, proficient, credible through their ability with an instrument. After Jackson, they were "dancers" – mobile, visual and more revered for their ability to physically express music than to create it. Jeff Beck, alongside his fellow former Yardbirds Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page, best exemplifies the bygone era of the player.
Not that good playing, particularly of the guitar, isn't still a virtue of any band. It's just that only a performer of Beck's vintage gets away with doing nothing but. His skill is clearly a joy for technical aficionados and fellow players, but other listeners may find their minds wandering from time to time.
The 65-year-old Beck, sporting co-ordinated white boots, jeans, sleeveless shirt and guitar, didn't have a microphone here (aside from one hidden at the stage's edge for making his thanks at the end). Instead, he expressed himself with a whip-like flick of the guitar cable or a roll back on his heels for another wailing solo.
For a slim but hardcore contingent of classic rock fans, this show must have been a revelation. Beck's band (Vinnie Colaiuta on drums and Jason Rebello on keyboards complete the quartet) are all exceptional, and at times they led the music off into credible jazz interludes or pounding, almost drum'n'bass rhythms.
Highlights included the guitarist's own Beck's Bolero, a virtuoso instrumental cover of the Beatles' A Day in the Life and a raw, noisy version of Henry Mancini's Peter Gunn Theme, all of which rejuvenated a vintage style for those who love it most.
