The Film
On August 12, 2009, the music world lost a living legend. The passing of Lester William Polsfuss; otherwise known as "Les Paul" brought to a close a very important chapter in the history of music. His contribution to the world of country, jazz, and blues has been well documented, but this dynamic gentleman will forever be known as one of the inventors of the first solid-body electric guitar.
The Gibson Les Paul is one of the most popular styles of electric guitars, perhaps only second to the Fender Esquire and Telecaster models, which were manufactured by his rival, Leo Fender. Les Paul also invented the neck-worn harmonica holder, which is still in use today by musicians around the globe. As a bassist, I was always drawn to Leo Fender's precision bass and jazz models, but the wanna-be guitarist in me always coveted a Gibson SG. Needless to say, Les Paul had an immeasurable impact on the lives of millions of guitarists and forever shaped the sound of rock 'n' roll and jazz. One of those guitarists was Jeff Beck (even though his preferred axe was a Fender).
Jeff Beck may never have achieved the level of stardom of his fellow Yardbirds compatriots; Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page, but he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in two different categories. He was one of the most influential guitarists in the history of rock music and deservedly earned five Grammy Awards for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. His infamous temper was satirized by the character Nigel Tufnel in This is Spinal Tap, but nobody ever took issue with the quality of his musicianship. Beck was ranked 14th in Rolling Stone's list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" and continues to headline with artists around the globe. Slowhand never really held a candle to him, but that is just my opinion.
Les Paul loved to perform at New York's Iridium Jazz Club, so it was only fitting that Beck and his all-star band would honor the late-Paul with a tribute concert at that venue, captured here in Jeff Beck Rock'n'Roll Party: Honoring Les Paul. If Les Paul was watching from the guitar shop in the sky, he was clearly jamming along with Beck because the 90-minute concert is a scorcher. Jeff Beck may be the name on the box, but the real stars of the show are singer Imelda May and her band. Gary U.S. Bonds, former Stray Cats front man Brian Setzer, and Trombone Shorty also contribute to this fantastic set and the entire collaboration is first rate. The 27 songs are a collection of Les Paul and Mary Ford classics, but Jeff Beck also decided to include some of his favorite 50's and 60's Rock classics giving the performance a rockabilly atmosphere. The concert moves along at a brisk pace, but you will be tempted to watch it over and over again. And yes, that is Blue Lou Marini of the Blues Brothers on baritone sax. Blue Lou!
The Picture
The Sound
There are three different soundtracks on this Blu-ray release; 2.0 LPCM stereo, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, and Dolby Digital 5.1. All of them sound quite full and engaging, but I was surprised that I liked the Dolby Digital 5.1 track the best. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track has more ambience, but I liked the warm and forward sounding presentation with the front three channels on the DD 5.1 soundtrack more. The Iridium is a small venue and you want to feel the intimacy. The bass track is potent, but not overwhelming and I think the sound engineers made the right choice as the real focus is on the vocals and Beck's guitar work.
The Extras
Eagle has packed some real goodies on this one, including a 2010 interview with Jeff Beck. There is also behind the scenes footage that adds to the atmosphere of the tribute to Les Paul. Beck also performs two additional tracks from Jeff Beck and Les Paul - Rock ‘N' Roll Tonite, which are not part of the 27-song show. The coolest part of the additional content is the "At Home with Jeff Beck and his Guitars" which screams This is Spinal Tap. Rob Reiner and Christopher Guest pulled it off a lot more convincingly than Beck, but it is still interesting to watch. The last segment with Les Paul and his "Little Black Box" is a snippet of rock history and quite fascinating. Not a bad collection of content to say the least.
Final Thoughts
Les Paul had a long and storied career and his impact will be felt for as long as musicians continue to play the solid body guitar. Jeff Beck and friends have created a most fitting tribute and it is one of the best concert videos around. Eagle Rock has a real keeper with this release. Highly recommended.
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