'BECK01'
By: Jeff Beck
(Hard Cover / Genesis Publications / 352 Pages / £345)
Description: In 'BECK01', Jeff Beck takes us on the journey of a lifetime. Over five decades, he has blazed a trail forging a unique style lauded by critics, fans and fellow guitar legends. Telling the story behind the music, Beck's twin inspirations - hot rodding and rock'n'roll - are now bound together in his official signed limited edition book.
Verdict: This incredible, truly incredible 'BECK01' is a full-to-bustin' volume of rare images from top photographers all documenting Beck's career-charting opus. Also containing unseen items from his own archives, is narrated with his original manuscript. Oh, and if all that weren't enough, each lovingly hand-crafted book is numbered and personally signed by the author, Jeff Beck.
• Signed by Jeff Beck
• 2,000 Copies Worldwide
• Hand-bound in Leather
• Pressed Aluminum Cover
• Archival Case
OK, and just to add the cherry on the cake to this magnificent book, 'BECK01' we know that it is being made available in a limited run of 2000 copies worldwide, but the first 350 of these will ship in a Deluxe Edition that includes an extra collector’s print and packaging “inspired by the sleek curves, luxurious finish and iconic imagery of his hot rods!
I kid you not, for these Deluxe Edition's are fully bound by hand in Italian leather with silver page edging and hand tooling. A stamped metal number plate — based on a Californian model from the year Beck was born — is inset into the cover. The large format book (280 mm x 320mm; 11 in x 12.5 in) is housed in a felt-lined solander case. Bound in ‘Corvette blue’ cloth, the case features a foil-blocked illustration inspired by Von Dutch’s legendary pinstriping designs.
But, as one would expect, all this attention to detail doesn’t come cheap. Available now for pre-order through Genesis Publications, 'BECK01' is selling for £345 — a little more than $500 at current exchange rates. Still, if you’ve got the money, it makes for a fine conversation piece, of that have no doubt, my friends.
As for Jeff Beck himself, well, I think we're all well aware by now that he is, by far, one of music's true innovators. Indeed, the release of 'BECK01' celebrates the anniversary of his debut solo album, Blow by Blow, produced by George Martin some 40 years ago.
As for whats inside, well, of course it is stocked full with glorious shots of our guitar legend, Mr. Jeff Beck, but the assembled shots are not all about its main focal point. Also included are other guitar icons such as both Les Paul and B.B. King, which simply goes a long way in reaffirming the British guitarist’s loyalty to whence where his musical desires were first born.
With over three-hundred pages of cars, guitars, and famous faces to peruse, you won't get bored, that's for sure. But yes, you have to be a Beck fan, because being a generic guitar fan is not gonna cut it here. I mean, the man sleeps with one hand on his damn guitar, that's who Jeff Beck is! As for those guitars, classic fretboard instruments of Fender, Gibson and Gretsch make are lovingly shown alongside vintage autos, many of which (as we watch and learn) Beck worked on himself.
As for who helped put all this together, aside from contemporary guitar icon John McLaughlin composing a forward to 'Beck01' (at Beck's very own request), it was Beck himself who selected most all the photos and letters. Letters such as a highly complimentary one from jazz great Charles Mingus. That all said, 'BECK01' showcases a guitar legend, a music legend whose career has taken him from the cold, dusty, grimy days of black and white hot licks and cranky autos to the present day, well, much the same, save for it all being in color now, I guess.
'BECK01' Book Pre-order Purchase Link
www.JeffBeck.com
www.JeffBeckBook.com