Eric Clapton has dropped his latest single – a cover of the classic Moon River – which features the unmistakable electric guitar excellence of the late Jeff Beck.
Released today (May 12), Moon River marks one of the final studio recordings committed to tape by Beck, having been recorded not long before the guitar icon’s passing earlier this year.
It’s a thought that makes the first minute-and-a-half of the song – which is reserved entirely for Beck and his guitar – even more powerful.
Moon River was put together by Clapton and his longtime collaborator Simon Climie in January 2022, with the pair later seeking out Beck’s six-string services. Unsurprisingly, what they received from Beck blew them away.
“In January 2022, Eric and I recorded a version which was more of a ballad – and naturally the guitar and vocals were brilliant,” Climie recalled. “When we were happy with the track, Eric asked me to send it over to Jeff. Jeff loved it. And soon after that in the spring of 2022, Jeff added his unmistakable guitar part. It knocked us off our feet.” (GuitarWorld)
A star-studded line-up has been revealed for two London concerts paying tribute to Jeff Beck. Johnny Depp and Rod Stewart are featured on the line-up of guest performers.The two Jeff Beck tribute concerts scheduled for May 22-23, 2023, at London’s Royal Albert Hall have added even more wattage to their all-star lineups. On March 30, the news was shared that Ronnie Wood and Joe Perry were also going to perform.
Other artists who have reportedly expressed their interest to be involved include Clapton, Johnny Depp, Billy Gibbons, Imelda May, John McLaughlin, Robert Randolph, Olivia Safe, Rod Stewart, Joss Stone, Gary Clark Jr, Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks. Also expected to perform, from the Jeff Beck Band, are Rhonda Smith, Anika Nilles and Robert Stevenson.
Announced by wife Sandra Beck and guitarist Eric Clapton, the shows will take place at the Royal Albert Hall on May 22 and 23, with Clapton, Johnny Depp and Rod Stewart among the artists expected to perform, Stereoboard report.
Guitarist Jeff Beck, whose full name was Geoffrey Arnold Beck, died back in January at the age of 78 after contracting bacterial meningitis.
Jeff Beck’s funeral service was held on February 3. Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page described him in the eulogy he gave as “the quiet chief”, according to comedian Jim Moir (aka Vic Reeves) who was in attendance.
