Jeff Beck's Magnum Opus

After a 5 year recording standstill, Jeff Beck returned to the studio with a new band to record Blow By Blow, which ultimately became his best piece, and one of the standout jazz fusion albums of all time.

After leaving his blues/rock based roots, Beck created this instrumental album in 1975. Already well established as a good guitar player, here Beck takes his playing to new and unforseeable hights; Beck purists were surprised for sure when they first heard the opening track, "You Know What I Mean."

Rather than returning to the studio to record blues/rock with a vocalist, Jeff Beck brings an ensemble of fantastic musicians, including Max Middleton from his previous group, to record instrument-focused jazz fusion. And do they ever play.

It is obvious by listening to this album that this band knows how to play. Beck shines on guitar, showing the world that he had grown as a guitarist over that 5-year dormant period. He elegantly plays through each tune with respect for the other musicians, but also unrestrained. Beck switches between lead and rhythm seamlessly; he takes the helm of each song when he needs to, and takes the back seat when time calls for it.

The highlights of the album include "Cause We've Ended As Lovers," a sad and powerful song that Jeff Beck plays with extreme passion, "Scatterbrain," a real workout for the musicians that's a treat to listen to, and the famous "Freeway Jam," known for it's popular guitar riff.

Overall, Blow By Blow is a must if you are interested in jazz fusion, or even musicianship in general. Many musicians have been inspired by this album to play jazz, and with good reason.

Overall: 5/5