Blow by Blow

Jeff Beck - Blow by Blow

Blow by Blow is a solo album by British electric guitarist Jeff Beck. The Epic Records release, recorded in October 1974, was released in 1975. Considered one of his best releases, former Yardbirds sideman Chris Dreja had predicted in 1965 that Beck’s current sound “…was 1975.” In a glowing review on Allmusic, Mark Kirschenmann said that Blow by Blow ranks as one of the premiere recordings in the canon of instrumental rock music.

As an all-instrumental album it was a surprising commercial success, with a jazz fusion-like approach seldom seen on best-selling lists at the time. It was certified gold in 1976.

The album was produced by George Martin and recorded at his own AIR studios. Martin also composed string arrangements for two of the tracks, Scatterbrain and Diamond Dust.

As a big admirer of fellow guitarist Roy Buchanan, Beck dedicated the track Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers to him.

Allmusic review by Mark Kirschenmann
Blow by Blow typifies Jeff Beck’s wonderfully unpredictable career. Released in 1975, Beck’s fifth effort as a leader and first instrumental album was a marked departure from its more rock-based predecessors. Only composer/keyboardist Max Middleton returned from Beck’s previous lineups. To Beck’s credit, Blow by Blow features a tremendous supporting cast. Middleton’s tasteful use of the Fender Rhodes, clavinet, and analog synthesizers leaves a soulful imprint. Drummer Richard Bailey is in equal measure supportive and propulsive as he deftly combines elements of jazz and funk with contemporary mixed meters.