Jeff Beck’s forthcoming studio album Loud Hailer, his first in six years, is due for release on July 15. Beck has changed course on Loud Hailer, wanting to do something other than another "guitar-nerd album", as he puts it. So the legendary guitarist has teamed up with two talented female musicians (who he met at a birthday party for Queen drummer Roger Taylor): singer Rosie Bones and guitarist Carmen Vandenberg, to help him write the 11 tracks on the new record.
Loud Hailer, which is another name for a megaphone, is a suitable moniker for an album that isn’t shy about speaking its mind, exploring political and social themes throughout. The lyrics make a powerful statements about everything from the love of power, to the power of love. “I really wanted to make a statement about some of the nasty things I see going on in the world today, and I loved the idea of being at a rally and using this loud device to shout my point of view.” - says Beck.
One of the stand outs on the album is the reflective ballad, "Scared For The Children", about being worried about the world we will leave behind for our children. The track is a totally different sound to first single "Live In The Dark", a rowdy rocker of a song, revealing the scope of the record. With its beautiful underwater tone, Rosie Bones' powerful vocal, and Beck's flowing guitar solo, "Scared For The Children" makes for an interesting and introspective listen for both Beck fans and curious listeners.
"This is the end of the age of the innocent
What will we leave them with?
Suppose we'll never know"
Hear "Scared For The Children" revealed here for the first time in Australia...
Beck produced Loud Hailer with Filippo Cimatti, who also works with Rosie and Carmen. In addition to the core trio, the album also features drummer Davide Sollazzi and bassist Giovanni Pallotti, who were both recruited by Cimatti. Bones lends her powerful voice to nine of the 11 songs on Loud Hailer, including the intense album opener "The Revolution Will Be Televised", "Scared For The Children", the funk infused "O.I.L." and the tranquil album closer "Shrine". The album is rounded out by two signature Beck instrumentals in "Pull It" and "Edna".
Over the course of Beck’s illustrious 50-year career, the trailblazing guitarist, who is known for making the fantastically difficult sound effortless, has earned many accolades. He has twice been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. First, as a member of the Yardbirds in 1992 and then again, as a solo artist, in 2009. Rolling Stone ranked him as one of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” and he has earned a total of eight Grammy Awards during his long career.
Loud Hailer is out July 15, available on CD, LP and Download. Pre-order it here.
