Blues, Bones & Beck

Carmen Vandenberg Gets the Jeff Beck Seal of Approval

- Michael Ross

CARMEN VANDENBERG’S BRITISH DUO BONES HAS A SONG called “Girls Can’t Play Guitar.” Fighting words to be sure, but watching Vandenberg rip lines and solos over the tune’s Chicagostyle blues groove reveals the irony of the title. Though still young, she displays chops acquired through extensive schooling, touring, and session work, and a soul that belies her years.

In the studio with musical partner/vocalist Rosie Bones—who occasionally plays guitar, as well—the band has created a unique blend of creative, aggressive guitar parts layered over modern rhythms. Live, when Bones puts down her guitar, and the personnel is stripped down to one guitar, drums, and vocals, Vandenberg’s elemental playing still fills out the sound with big riffs and solos that incorporate chords in a style harking back to Chuck Berry, without sounding like him.

The band’s blues-based-guitar-meets-electronica songs found a fan in none other than Jeff Beck. The legend enlisted the pair to help him write and record Loud Hailer, and join him on the subsequent tour.

“I couldn’t believe that a young, 22- or 23-year old girl would be in love with Buddy Guy, or even know about him,” Beck told England’s Total Guitar. “The fact that she could really play made me think, ‘Wow, this is incredible, maybe this is the right choice for me.’”