Jeff Beck Names His Favorite Collaborators

Posted on May 13th 2010 3:00PM by Steve Baltin
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Jeff Beck has made his legendary career out of collaborating, from his days in the Yardbirds and with Rod Stewart in the Jeff Beck Group to guest appearances with the likes of Roger Waters, Stevie Wonder and countless others. As recently as last year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th anniversary shows, he shared the stage with Wonder, Sting and ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, and his new 'Emotion And Commotion' album features Joss Stone, opera singer Olivia Safe and Imelda May. So, yes, Beck probably knows the art of collaborating as well as any rock musician alive.

So, for such an impressive resume, what have been some of Beck's favorites? "Everybody that I played with had their own place, their own benefits to me -- and vice versa, I hope," he diplomatically tells Spinner. But upon further review, he does recall a few that stand out. "[Jazz bassist] Stanley Clarke. When I found people listening to 'Blow By Blow,' that opened up not only the public buying side of things, but I got letters and requests from other musicians. It really made me realize the power of music. And then Jan Hammer, of course, who I toured with for over a year. That was a master class everyday listening to him, the tradeoffs and the fiery solo. That was my training ground, really."

As for vocalists, Beck is clearly a soul man. "I did do a show, a Rainforest benefit. Patti Labelle sang and I couldn't play," he recalls. "There are not many singers that make you incapable of playing because they're giving it out so loud and so clear and powerfully. Sadly, Ray Charles is gone -- I'd have loved to have worked with him. Most of the people I would have loved to work with are now gone."

Still, he's not complaining. "I did work with Les [Paul] and that was another amazing thrill. Sly Stone, I worked with him. I've been to Motown. I've had a pretty good time," he says, laughing.

And what makes a great collaboration? He refers to his work with Joss Stone on the new album as an example. "Working with Joss and just everybody who has a like mind, the inquisitiveness and the diversity, the richness," he says. "Thank god they haven't made a law that prevents that."