Jeff Beck - Wired - rock, jazz fusion 12" Vinyl LP Album

"Wired," Jeff Beck's 1976 studio album, is a fusion of rock and jazz brilliance. Produced by George Martin, the English guitarist showcases his eclectic style and virtuosity across this 12" vinyl LP. The album, a testament to Beck's musical versatility, solidified his reputation as an innovative force. Each track is a sonic journey, seamlessly blending genres and leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of instrumental music.

 

High Resolution Photo Jeff Beck Wired

Album Description:

On the 1st of April 1976, the music world was electrified by the release of "Wired", a landmark studio album by the legendary English guitarist, Jeff Beck. As a collector of vinyl records from the 1960s through the early 1990s, with a particular focus on Heavy Metal and Hard Rock, "Wired" undoubtedly holds a special place in your collection. This 12" Vinyl LP Album, a fusion of rock and jazz, is a testament to Jeff Beck's unparalleled talent and innovation in the realm of guitar music.

The Making of "Wired"

"Wired" was a musical masterpiece produced by none other than the "fifth Beatle" himself, George Martin. Recorded at the iconic Air Studios and Trident Studios in London, this album was a creative endeavor that brought together a stellar lineup of musicians to complement Jeff Beck's virtuosity on the guitar.

Let's take a closer look at the lineup that contributed to the magic of "Wired":

- Jeff Beck - The driving force behind this album, Beck's guitar work on "Wired" is nothing short of breathtaking. His ability to seamlessly blend rock and jazz elements is showcased throughout the record.

- Narada Michael Walden - On drums, Walden's rhythmic prowess added depth and groove to the album. His collaboration with Beck on tracks like "Come Dancing" and "Blue Wind" is a highlight of the album.

- Wilbur Blascomb - Handling bass duties, Blascomb's contributions provided the essential foundation for the album's sound, anchoring the compositions with his deep, resonant bass lines.

- Max Middleton - A keyboard virtuoso, Middleton's work on the Fender Rhodes and clavinet added a rich layer of textures to the album. His keyboard solos on tracks like "Led Boots" are a testament to his musical versatility.

- Jan Hammer - Renowned for his synthesizer skills, Hammer's cosmic keyboard work on "Wired" helped create an otherworldly atmosphere on tracks like "Space Boogie".

- Ed Green and Richard Bailey - Green and Bailey handled percussion duties, adding a rhythmic dynamism that elevated the album's overall sound.

The Album's Sound and Impact

"Wired" seamlessly blends elements of rock and jazz fusion, creating a sonic journey that pushes the boundaries of what was thought possible on the electric guitar. From the blistering opening track "Led Boots" to the hypnotic and experimental "Head for Backstage Pass", the album showcases Beck's technical prowess and musical innovation.

One of the standout tracks, "Blue Wind", features Beck's signature slide guitar work and displays his ability to convey raw emotion through his instrument. This track, in particular, has become a fan favorite and a testament to Beck's influence on the evolution of rock guitar.

"Wired" received widespread critical acclaim upon its release and has since become a timeless classic in the world of instrumental rock and jazz fusion. It's an album that not only captures the essence of the 1970s but also transcends its era, remaining relevant and inspiring to generations of musicians and collectors like yourself.

Music Genre:

  Fusion Jazz Rock

Album 
Production information:

The album: "Wired" was produced by: George Martin

Recorded at Air Studios and Trident Studios London

Record Label & Catalognr:

Orange EPIC EPC 86012

Media Format:

  12" Vinyl Full-Length Stereo LP  Gramophone Record
Album weight: 200 gram  

Year & Country:

  1976 Made in Holland

Band Members and Musicians on: Jeff Beck Wired
    Band-member, line-ups:
  • Jeff Beck - Guitar

    Jeff Beck (Name at birth: Geoffrey Arnold Beck) , a highly acclaimed rock, jazz, and studio guitarist, was born on 24 June 1944, in Wallington, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom. He was the first child of Arnold Herbert Beck and Ethel Florence Dixie.

    Beck's musical journey began in his early years, when he developed a deep passion for the guitar. His innate talent and dedication to his craft propelled him to become one of the most influential guitarists in the world.

    Read more...

    Tragedy struck Beck's life when he was 27 years old, as his father, Arnold Herbert Beck, passed away in 1971. Four years later, at the age of 31, Beck faced another devastating loss when his mother, Ethel Florence Dixie, also passed away in 1975. Despite these personal hardships, Beck found solace and expression through his music.

    In 1975, at the age of 31, Beck embarked on a new chapter in his career, joining the album "Blow By Blow" as their guitarist. This marked a significant milestone for him as he delved into the world of rock music, showcasing his exceptional skills and innovative approach to the guitar.

    The following year, in 1976, Beck continued his musical journey as a solo artist and formed the "Jeff Beck Band". This period saw him release the critically acclaimed album "Wired", which further solidified his reputation as a groundbreaking musician. With its fusion of rock and jazz elements, "Wired" showcased Beck's versatility and ability to push the boundaries of traditional genres.

    In 1989, at the age of 45, Beck once again captivated audiences with his album "Jeff Beck's Guitar Shop". This release, featuring collaborations with talented musicians Terry Bozzio and Tony Hymas, showcased Beck's virtuosic guitar skills and cemented his status as one of the world's most influential guitarists. The album was met with critical acclaim and received the esteemed "Best Rock Instrumental Performance" award at the 1990 Grammy Awards.

    Throughout his career, Jeff Beck has continued to push the boundaries of his craft, experimenting with various genres and techniques. His innovative approach, characterized by his mastery of the guitar and his ability to create emotive and expressive performances, has earned him accolades and admiration from both fellow musicians and fans worldwide.

    Jeff Beck has played in several notable bands throughout his career. Here are some of the significant bands and musical projects he has been associated with:

    1. The Yardbirds (1965-1966): Beck gained prominence as the lead guitarist of the influential British rock band, The Yardbirds. He joined the band after Eric Clapton's departure and contributed to their sound with his innovative guitar playing.

    2. The Jeff Beck Group (1967-1969): After leaving The Yardbirds, Beck formed his own band called The Jeff Beck Group. This lineup included notable musicians such as Rod Stewart on vocals and Ron Wood on bass. The band's bluesy and hard rock sound gained them recognition and they released two studio albums, "Truth" (1968) and "Beck-Ola" (1969).

    3. Beck, Bogert & Appice (1972-1974): Beck collaborated with bassist Tim Bogert and drummer Carmine Appice to form the power trio Beck, Bogert & Appice. The band released one self-titled studio album in 1973, showcasing their hard rock and blues influences.

    4. The Jan Hammer Group (1976-1977): Beck worked with Czech-American musician Jan Hammer in a fusion jazz-rock project called The Jan Hammer Group. They released two albums together, "Jeff Beck with the Jan Hammer Group Live" (1977) and "Oh, Yeah?" (1976).

    5. The Honeydrippers (1984): Beck contributed his guitar skills to a side project called The Honeydrippers, formed by Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin. They released an EP titled "Volume One" in 1984, which featured a blend of rock and R&B covers.

    6. The Jeff Beck Band (1975-present): Throughout his solo career, Beck has toured and recorded with various lineups under the name "The Jeff Beck Band." These collaborations have resulted in albums such as "Blow by Blow" (1975), "Wired" (1976), "Guitar Shop" (1989), and more.

    Today, Jeff Beck's contributions to the music industry remain influential and enduring. His legacy as a groundbreaking guitarist and his continued commitment to musical exploration serve as an inspiration to aspiring musicians and fans alike.

    Overall, "Jeff Beck's Guitar Shop" remains an important release in the rock instrumental genre. Its recognition at the Grammy Awards and the enduring popularity of its tracks are a testament to the album's lasting impact on the music industry. Whether enjoyed on vinyl or in other formats, this album offers a captivating listening experience for fans of Jeff Beck and instrumental rock music alike.

    On 10 January 2023, he passed away in Wadhurst, East Sussex, England, United Kingdom when he was 78 years old.

  • Narada Michael Walden
  • Wilbur Blascomb
  • Max Middleton
  • Jan Hammer
  • Ed Green
  • Richard Bailey

Track Listing of: "Wired"
    Side One:
  1. Led Boots
  2. Come Dancing
  3. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
  4. Head for Backstage
    Side Two:
  1. Blue Wind
  2. Sophie
  3. Play with Me
  4. Love is Green
Album cover photos of : Jeff Beck Wired

Photo of "Wired" Album's Front Cover 
High Resolution Photo Jeff Beck Wired  
Photo of "Wired" Album's Back Cover  
High Resolution Photo Jeff Beck Wired  
Close-up Photo of "Wired" Record Label 
High Resolution Photo Jeff Beck Wired  

 Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).