Jeff Beck - Rock 'n' Roll Party

August 2009 saw the sad passing of Les Paul, the man commonly credited for the invention of the electric guitar and a mean player in his own right. One of the musicians influenced by Les' infectious character and music was none other than guitarist Jeff Beck, formerly of the Yardbirds, so he decide to stage a party in Les' honour at the famous Iridium Jazz Club in New York.

The resulting live album, Rock 'n' Roll Party is a twenty track blast ( Remember that most of this music dates from a time when a three minute track was considered fairly epic) through the heart of blues, jazz and swing that's both refreshing and a suitable tribute to the great man. The tracks on offer are classics that Les, along with his wife Mary Ford, were famous for playing - many of them on that very stage. Beck managed to draft in a number of great names to help with the celebrations including Brian Setzer of the Stray Cats, young Irish vocalist Imelda May and the amazing talents of the even younger Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews.

Les Paul was known for having a great, subtle touch and the ability to play exactly what was needed, no more, no less; Beck and co. take this ethic and respectfully crank it up a few notches right from the off with a belting take on Double Talkin' Baby, allowing Setzer to stretch out into familiar territory. We're treated to a riotous version of Tiny Bradshaw's jump blues classic 'The Train Kept A-Rollin' before Imelda May joins for a mellow and subtle version of 'Cry me A River', performing with a depth way beyond her years. May stays onstage for an energised trip through what's possibly Les and Mary's most famous track, 'How High The Moon', stirring the crowd into whoops of appreciation.

We have a few mellower moments in the form of Vaya Con Dios, yet another no.1 hit for the couple, and the beautifully sultry 'I'm a Fool to Care'. The band throw in the deliciously silly swingtime anthem 'Tiger Rag' for a bit of lighthearted relief, before tearing the place to pieces with an absolutely filthy, rocking version of The Peter Gunn theme. Trombone Shorty shines here, lending the music a much needed swagger with just a hint of menace. The lad has an amazing future ahead of him.

There's a surpise inclusion in the form of Apache, made famous by the Shadows and, it has to be said, one of those rare moments where Beck overdoes it. He ducks and dives a little bit too heavily, taking the dreamy shimmer of the original and making it sound half asleep. No matter though, it's just a different take. He redeems himself with a smooth rendition of Santo & Johnny's slide classic 'Sleep Walk' before May rejoins the band for possibly the best version of The Shangri-Las '(Remember) Walking in the Sand' I've ever heard.

If you're not into rock 'n' roll you're probably not going to be converted regardless of who plays the classics, or how well, but this album has a charm and energy all of its own. You'll find yourself being swayed by the rhythms whether you want to or not, and that speaks volumes of the performers. Beck and friends staged a great show, and a provided fitting tribute to one of the greats.