Guitar god Jeff Beck doesn't sing. He doesn't do many interviews. He usually lets his guitar do the talking.
The two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer -- first as a member of the Yardbirds, then for his solo career -- took most of the 1990s off. His concert Sunday at the State Theatre will be his first in the Twin Cities since 2001. But he's been relatively prolific of late.
Last year, he did a brief, multi-continent tour with Eric Clapton and released "Emotion & Commotion," his first album in seven years. The disc featured instrumental interpretations of "Over the Rainbow," the Puccini aria "Nessun Dorma" and numbers made famous by the late Jeff Buckley as well as vocal classics rendered by R&B siren Joss Stone and jazz thrush Imelda May. He also undertook a world tour with his quartet and played on Herbie Hancock's all-star "Imagine" project.
In February, Beck performed on the Grammys (taking home two trophies) and dropped a new live album, "Rock 'n' Roll Party," a tribute to the late guitar innovator Les Paul that features Brian Setzer, Gary U.S. Bonds and Trombone Shorty. Then he tore through a short U.S. tour to promote the album, playing such chestnuts as "Train Kept A-Rollin'," "Peter Gunn" and "How High the Moon."
Working full steam at age 66, Beck was scheduled to back the contestants on "American Idol" two weeks ago, but he bowed out of the gig because travel delays wouldn't have allowed sufficient rehearsal time with each singer. He did have time, though, to address some questions via e-mail.
Q You've been touring with the Rock 'n' Roll Party honoring Les Paul. Now you'll be touring with your own music and group. What's the difference for you?
A The Rock 'n' Roll Tour is a completely different show to my own tour. I am paying my respects to my friend and mentor Les Paul and trying to keep my playing in that style. The show is based around the rock 'n' roll era with a tribute to Les Paul and Mary Ford as well as other musicians from that era.
On my show with my band of Jason Rebello, Rhonda Smith and Narada Michael Walden, we are doing my music. The energy of the show is quite unique and that is due to the people I share the stage with.
