BECK, BOGERT & APPICE Live In Japan 1973, Live In London 1974

BECK, BOGERT & APPICE Live In Japan 1973, Live In London 1974
Boxed Set Introduces Previously Unreleased Live Performances By The Original Supergroup Featuring Jeff Beck, Tim Bogert, And Carmine Appice
4-CD And 4-LP + Digital Versions Available September 15

A Power Trio Revisited: Celebrating Jeff Beck with Beck, Bogert & Appice’s Live Recordings

Released in honor the memory of the legendary guitarist Jeff Beck, whose influence on the rock music genre is immeasurable. Before his passing earlier this year, Beck dug into concert recordings of Beck, Bogert & Appice (BBA), the power trio he formed in 1972 with drummer/singer Carmine Appice and bassist/singer Tim Bogert. These recordings showcase the band’s incredible prowess in two shows in Japan in 1973, followed by one of their final performances in London in 1974.

ATCO/Rhino has announced the upcoming release of the new BBA box set, titled ‘LIVE IN JAPAN 1973, LIVE IN LONDON 1974,’ to commemorate what would have been Beck’s 79th birthday. The collection will be available on September 15 in two formats: 4 CDs or 4 LPs. Moreover, a special purple-vinyl edition will also be released the same day, which is available for pre-order. Additionally, the music from the set will be accessible through digital and streaming services. Fans can get a taste of the collection by listening to the 1974 live version of “Superstition” recorded in London, which is available digitally now.

What’s particularly remarkable is that all three members of BBA were involved in creating this collection, making it a heartfelt tribute dedicated to Jeff Beck and Tim Bogert, who passed away in 2023 and 2021, respectively. The box set includes a detailed booklet featuring extended liner notes penned by music journalist and manager Bruce Pilato, along with an array of memorabilia, archival photos, and a replica poster.

Jeff Beck and Carmine Appice personally mixed all the concerts included in this collection from the original multi-tracks that had been in Beck’s archive for nearly half a century. The resulting quality is stunning, silencing the many bootleg releases that Beck disdained. This collection features the two performances at Koseinenkin Hall in Osaka, Japan, recorded on May 18 and 19, 1973, which were previously available exclusively in Japan. Additionally, the complete concert at the Rainbow Theatre in London, recorded on January 26, 1974, is unveiled for the first time.

In the booklet, Bruce Pilato delves into the fleeting yet impactful existence of BBA, a supergroup that critics lauded as “the first successor to Cream” and an “ensemble of virtually unparalleled magnificence.” Pilato explores the foundation of the group, highlighting how Jeff Beck emerged from The Yardbirds as a revolutionary guitarist, while Bogert and Appice were the fiery rhythm section behind Vanilla Fudge and Cactus. When the trio united, the music community eagerly awaited what was to come.

The ‘LIVE IN JAPAN 1973’ recording happened shortly after BBA’s self-titled debut album release. The tracks are brimming with raw energy, as the trio delivered electrifying live versions of almost every song on the album, such as “Superstition,” “Lady,” and “Livin’ Alone.” They also played songs by the Yardbirds and the Jeff Beck Group.

The ‘LIVE IN LONDON 1974’ concert was recorded eight months after the Japan shows and just before the trio disbanded. This performance features new songs that were meant for BBA’s second studio album, which was never completed, including “Satisfied,” “Jizz Wizz,” and “Solid Lifter.”

Reflecting on the experience, Carmine Appice said, “It was artistically fulfilling at the time, but it was too quick…the fact that we got to play together was great. Jeff, Tim and I did play great together, but before we knew it, it had ended.”

LIVE IN JAPAN 1973, LIVE IN LONDON 1974
Track Listing

Live in Japan 1973
LP One: Side One
“Superstition”
“Lose Myself With You”
“Jeff’s Boogie”

Side Two
“Going Down”
“Boogie”
“Morning Dew”

LP Two: Side One
“Sweet Sweet Surrender”
“Livin’ Alone”
“I’m So Proud”
“Lady”

Side Two
“Black Cat Moan”
“Why Should I Care”
“Plynth / Shotgun” (Medley)

Live in London 1974
LP One: Side One
“Satisfied”
“Livin’ Alone”
“Laughing Lady”

Side Two
“Lady”
“Solid Lifter”
“Jizz Wizz”

LP Two: Side One
“Name The Missing Word (Prayin’)”
“(Get Ready) Your Lovemaker’s Coming Home”
“Superstition”

Side Two
“Blues De Luxe / You Shook Me”
“(Rainbow) Boogie”

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine