By Gordon Durich
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 11/7/22 – My friend Annee, a guitarist herself, and a huge Clapton devotee confessed “Jeff Beck is a Guitar God. He’s even better than Eric Clapton!”
The legend who is Jeff Beck came to play in Thousand Oaks, at Bank of America’s Fred Kavli Theatre on an early October night, and wowed the crowd. In his signature sleeveless black vest, the low-key Beck, wearing shades, walked on stage and performed strong, confident and loud. He has been called the “best rock ‘n roll guitar player in the world” from the 1960’s to now, by Joe Bonamassa, amongst others.
I knew of him from his days with Rod Stewart, a-la-The Jeff Beck Group and the brilliant album “Truth.” A rock and blues classic from the 60’s.
The master guitar star known for “Beck’s Bolero” had an impressive set-list. A couple of covers that stood out on the night were The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s “Little Wing” and “A Day in the Life” by The Beatles.
The anticipation for Johnny Depp’s appearance was palpable. He strolled out in hat and coat and of course shades, and joined Beck with his guitar hung low about his waist. He sung “This is A Song for Miss Hedy Lamarr” in a guttural fashion, backed by his mate Jeff and a brilliant backing band. On drums , the wonderfully wild Anika Nilles, Rhonda Smith on bass, who took to the front of the stage, and impressed. So did the keyboardist work hard.
Jeff and Johnny had a powerful chemistry. A standout was John Lennon’s “Isolation,” a personal favorite from way back and done justice by the English and American duo.
The tight band powered the performance which drew a standing ovation and garnered a bunch of encores, much to the audience’s elation.
Mention must be made of opener Max Gomez. The New Mexican troubadour proudly hailing from New Mexico — not “New” not “Mexico” as he sang in a protest song. He was almost Dylan-esque and his banter was very funny! Original and a great asset to a memorable show.
