Wired

by Jeff Beck

Overview

Released in 1976, Jeff Beck's Wired contains some of the best jazz-rock fusion of the period. Wired is generally more muscular, albeit less-unique than its predecessor, Blow by Blow. Joining keyboardist Max Middleton, drummer Richard Bailey, and producer George Martin from the Blow by Blow sessions are drummer Narada Michael Walden, bassist Wilbur Bascomb, and keyboardist Jan Hammer. Beck contributed no original material to Wired, instead relying on the considerable talents of his supporting cast. Perhaps this explains why Wired is not as cohesive as Blow by Blow, seemingly more assembled from component parts. Walden's powerful drumming propels much of Wired, particularly Middleton's explosive opener, "Led Boots," where Beck erupts into a stunning solo of volcanic intensity. Walden also contributes four compositions, including the funk-infused "Come Dancing," which adds an unnamed horn section. While Walden's "Sophie" is overly long and marred by Hammer's arena rock cliches, his "Play With Me" is spirited and Hammer's soloing more melodic. Acoustic guitar and piano predominate the closing ballad, "Love Is Green"; Beck's electric solo gracefully massages the quiet timbres. Wired is well balanced by looser, riff-oriented material and Walden's more intricate compositions. Walden and Hammer give Wired a '70s-era jazz-rock flavor that is indicative of their work with the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Bascomb's throw-down, "Head for Backstage Pass," finds Bailey skillfully navigating the mixed meters while Beck counters with a dazzling, gritty solo. Hammer's "Blue Wind" features an infectious riff over which Beck and Hammer trade heated salvos. As good as "Blue Wind" is, it would have benefited from the Walden/Bascomb rhythm section and a horn arrangement by Martin. One of Wired's finest tracks is an arrangement of Charles Mingus' "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat." Beck's playing is particularly alluring: cleanly ringing tones, weeping bends, and sculpted feedback form a resonant palette. Bailey and Middleton lend supple support. Within a two-year span, the twin towers Blow by Blow and Wired set a standard for instrumental rock that even Beck has found difficult to match. On Wired, with first-rate material and collaborators on hand, one of rock's most compelling guitarists is in top form. ~ Mark Kirschenmann

Product Details

Release Date:	10/02/2020
Label:	Epic / Sony Music
UPC:	0194397926118

Tracks

1. Led Boots
2. Come Dancing
3. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
4. Head for Backstage Pass
5. Blue Wind
6. Sophie
7. Play with Me
8. Love Is Green

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Jeff Beck   Primary Artist,Bass,Guitar,Lead Guitar,Guitar (Rhythm),Guitar (Acoustic)
Narada Michael Walden   Drums,Piano
Max Middleton   Clavinet,Keyboards,Fender Rhodes
Ed Greene   Drums
Jan Hammer   Drums,Synthesizer
Wilbur Bascomb, Jr.   Bass
Wilbur Bascomb   Bass
Ed Green   Drums
Richard Bailey   Drums

Technical Credits

Christopher Bond   Production Assistant,Assistant Producer
Geoff Emerick   Mixing,Mixing Engineer
Dennis MacKay   Engineer
Peter Henderson   Engineer
Narada Michael Walden   Composer
Max Middleton   Composer
George Martin   Producer
Vic Anesini   Mastering
John Arrias   Engineer
Jan Hammer   Composer,Engineer,Producer,Remixing
John Mills   Mixing,Engineer,Mixing Engineer
Wilbur Bascomb, Jr.   Composer
Pete Henderson   Engineer
Lock Huey   Cover Photo,Photography
Dennis McCay   Engineer
Mark Guercio   Assistant Engineer
Wilbur Bascomb   Composer
John Berg   Cover Design
John H.R. Mills   Mixing,Engineer
Robert Biro   Back Cover,Cover Design
Bruce Dickinson   Reissue Producer
Charles Mingus   Composer
Andi Clark   Composer