Jeff Beck Group - Rough And Ready (1971/2017) [Official Digital Download 24-bit/96kHz]

"Rough And Ready" is an important transitional album for Jeff Beck. Moving away from the amped-up blues of BECK-OLA and presaging the cutting-edge fusion of "Blow By Blow", "Rough And Ready" is a mixture of gutsy, funky R&B, slicing, distortion-heavy rock, and progressive, jazzy flourishes. The addition of keyboardist Max Middleton changes the sound of the Group, hinting at its future fusion experiments, yet vocalist Bob Tench keeps thing firmly grounded with his mainstream-styled blues-rock singing.

The uptempo "Situation" shows the band's pop prowess, as do driving rockers like "I've Been Used." Yet there is evidence here of the sophisticated, streamlined sound that would define Beck's later (and arguably best) work, especially in Middleton's solos and the moments where Beck's six-string prowess is shown to excellent effect. Though not an essential purchase, fans of Beck's early music and his blues-influenced playing will find much to appreciate here. „Recouping after a car crash and faced with the loss of Rod Stewart and Ron Wood, Jeff Beck redefined what the Jeff Beck Group was about, deciding to tone down the bluesy bombast, adding keyboardist Max Middleton for a jazz edge, then having Bob Tench sing to give it an overblown early-'70s AOR edge. As expected, these two sides are in conflict and Tench can be a little overbearing, but there are moments here that bring out the best in Beck. Namely, these are the times when the group ventures into extended, funk-inflected, reflective jazzy instrumental sections. These are the moments that point the way toward the success of Blow by Blow, yet this remains an unabashed rock record of its time, and it falls prey to many of its era's excesses, particularly lack of focus. Still, there are moments that are as fine as anything Beck played here.

Tracklist:

01 - Got the Feeling
02 - Situation
03 - Short Business
04 - Max's Tune
05 - I've Been Used
06 - New Ways / Train Train
07 - Jody

Produced by Jeff Beck.
Digitally Remastered.

Musicians:
Jeff Beck - guitars, bass
Bobby Tench - vocals, rhythm guitar
Max Middleton - piano, keyboards
Clive Chaman - bass
Cozy Powell - drums


Thanks to the Original customer!