Story & Photographs by Diane Fleischman
It was a smoking hot performance Sunday night at The Sands Event Center with Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Jeff Beck and Buddy Guy performed to a full house.
Buddy Guy set the tone as he opened with “Damn Right I Got the Blues”. For a man who just turned 80 years old, Guy’s been singing the blues for over 60 years, His vocals belted with an infinite depth, matched by a fullness in his voice that only comes with the maturity of life. Originally labeled as a Chicago bluesman, Guy quickly shattered that mold while he explored jazz, rock, and soul. A master of the guitar would be an understatement, as Guy, who remains somewhat outspoken as a performer, has shaped this genre and has influenced countless guitarists of our time. His set was complete with a few pelvic thrusts, whipping a hand towel against the guitar strings, and flinging the guitar over his back for a “bum” solo. Guy also provided plenty of humorous banter and a few life lessons that left us wanting much more.
After a brief intermission, Jeff Beck took the stage, and provided a quick round of waves to the audience and smiled. There was no microphone in sight for any Beck stories or song introductions. Beck is known for playing primary instrumental compositions, and he roamed the stage which allowed his guitar to speak, sing, and soar.
Providing the vocal assistance for some songs were Rosie Bones, of the group Bones, which are featured on Beck’s latest release, “Loud Hailer”. Filling in on other tunes was Jimmy Hall, lead singer of Wet Willie.
Hall warmed up to “Morning Dew” (from the 1968 Beck album “Truth”) and hit his full vocal range glory with the Sam Cooke classic, “Change is Going to Come.” At one-point Hall dropped to his knees to really cement the high notes.
Meanwhile, Beck stood further back on the stage, allowing all the talent of the group to overflow, while he remained very capable of providing the pure and articulate sound of each high fretted note.
As Bones took her turn with lead vocals, there was definitely more of an upbeat funk sound brought forth which left Beck’s guitar lines dancing and weaving in between the vocals.
A fan favorite of the night was the rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” which continued the funky session.
This was an incredible concert, showcasing the careers of two musicians who are revered as the best guitarists in the world, who continue to create and inspire. The Jeff Beck/Buddy Guy tour continues throughout the summer.
