JEFF BECK / JOHNNY DEPP – 18 (2022)
Surprise has been one of the sharpest arrows in Jeff Beck’s quiver for more than six decades now. From his comings and goings in various ensembles – even the group that bore his name – to stylistic excursions into jazz fusion, Gene Vincent and opera, and collaborations with Jan Hammer, Roger Waters, Kate Bush, Rod Stewart, just to name a few, the guitar legend keeps us guessing. And he then makes them sound like something that fits as easily as a 12-bar progression. But, really — who saw this one coming?
”18” finds Beck joining forces with Johnny Depp, he of Pirates of the Caribbean and the all-star hard rock combo Hollywood Vampires. JEFF BECK / JOHNNY DEPP raised eyebrows during the spring when Depp began joining Beck onstage in Europe while his sensationalized defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard was wrapping up.
The album announcement, coming shortly afterward, wasn’t as surprising as it might have been otherwise but was still another example of Beck’s daring-do idiosyncrasy and devil-may-care history.
“18” is a curio, a mix of originals (two written by Depp) and covers that is most definitely a Jeff Beck album, with the immense Pino Palladino (bass) and Vinnie Colaiuta (drums) providing and amazing rhythm section…
