Since the mid 1960s, guitarist Jeff Beck has played in a league of one. Arguably no guitarist since pioneer Les Paul (not surprisingly, one of Beck's boyhood heroes) has consistently pushed the instrument's envelope as far as the soft-spoken Englishman. Beck's compelling musicality can evoke both the elegance of Mozart and the invention of Charlie Parker, often in a single, magically lyrical phrase. But just as quickly his playing can turn maniacally assaultive.

Beck's 18-month tenure in the Yardbirds remains a central part of their legend. The bluesy Jeff Beck Group, fronted by Rod Stewart, became the mold for Led Zeppelin and a whole generation of "heavy" bands.

In the '70s Beck turned down an offer to join the Rolling Stones... continues here:
www.amazon.com/jeff-beck-interview

"Lots of sugary, sentimental lyrics are around, but I've always held that the pure sound does more for me in terms of internal emotions. I listen to choirs and I haven't got a clue what they're singing about, but it doesn't matter; it's the blending of the sounds that hits you." - Jeff Beck

More UK Legends:
www.GuitarSite.com/bands1.htm

The Yardbirds
www.GuitarSite.com/bands1.htm#yardbirds

Led Zeppelin
www.GuitarSite.com/LedZep.htm

Rolling Stones
www.GuitarSite.com/stones.htm

Eric Clapton
www.GuitarSite.com/clapton.htm

Cream
www.GuitarSite.com/clapton.htm#cream

The Beatles
www.GuitarSite.com/bands1.htm#beatles

Pink Floyd
www.GuitarSite.com/floyd.htm