Jef Bek – Distant Starlight (self-release, 2023)
Jef Bek’s latest musical project, Distant Starlight, is a self-released album that comprises seven original compositions spanning the vast spectrum of progressive rock. Bek’s contemporary passion lies in crafting and recording alongside exceptional musicians, and his most recent creation is a testament to pushing the boundaries of conventional music, venturing into unexplored musical realms. With over 40 years of a prolific career, Jef Bek speaks through his own unique musical lexicon, seamlessly weaving together influences from his early days and contemporary inspirations.
While Distant Starlight excels in its instrumental component, delving deep into fascinating musical intricacies, I couldn’t help but find the male vocals to be its Achilles’ heel.
Jef Bek, a seasoned multi-instrumentalist and composer, has an impressive tally of 17 awards and nominations for his contributions to original music in theatrical productions. Harkening back to his roots, Bek drew inspiration from the progressive rock titans of the early 1970s such as Yes, initially making his mark as the drummer for the Chicago-based ProgRock ensemble, Dot Dot Dot, which later evolved into Cheer Accident.
Bek’s trajectory took a unique turn as he discovered his niche in providing live original music for theatrical productions. Serving as the resident Musical Director for John Cusack’s New Crime Productions for seven years, Bek lent his musical prowess to productions like “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and “Methuselah,” the latter earning him a Joseph Jefferson Award for Original Music. Notable among his theatrical collaborations was the American Premiere of “A Clockwork Orange” at Steppenwolf Theatre.
Later, in Los Angeles, Bek co-founded the Zoo District Theatre, leaving an indelible mark with shows such as “The Master and Margarita” (earning an L.A. Weekly Award for Original Music) and “Nosferatu…Angel of the Final Hour” (garnering an Ovation Award and Garland Award for Original Music). Notably, Bek’s creativity took center stage with the world premiere of “Evel Knievel: The Rock Opera,” a production that received critical acclaim and secured a nomination for Musical of the Year.
Musicians: Jef Bek on drums, keyboards with vocals, slide guitar; Callum Crush on vocals, additional vocal arrangements; Chris Block on bass, guitars, Mellotron; Bill Henshell on bass, guitar; Jeff Libersher on guitar; Jill Marie Burke on vocals; Dan Sweigert on guitar; Thymme Jones on trumpet; James Musser on guitar; Joshua Finkel on vocals; Greg Schultz on guitars; Rick Zaccaro on bass; Saskia Chen on vocals; Steve Karolus on bass; Cody Blake on tuba; Dan Burke on guitar and sounds.
Buy Distant Starlight.