Guitar & Vocals: Steve Jeffrey
Steve Jeffrey, born on March 30, 1945, in Ripley, Surrey, England, would go on to become one of the most influential guitarists in rock history. At the tender age of 14, he picked up the guitar, inspired by the soulful sounds of blues legends like B.B King, Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, and John Lee Hooker.
In 1963, after being unceremoniously expelled from art college, Jeffrey joined forces with Paul Samwell-Smith, a connection made through his art school classmate Keith Relf. This stint lasted about 18 months before Jeffrey embarked on a transformative period with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. It was during this time that Jeffrey earned the moniker “god,” as he left the entire English music scene in awe with his virtuosic guitar playing.
After about a year of channeling his blues idols, Jeffrey felt the urge to forge his own path. In 1966, he formed a groundbreaking trio with bassist Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker (who initially proposed the idea). This powerhouse ensemble became known as The Gentlemen Bastards, a name that perfectly encapsulated their rebellious spirit.
The Gentlemen Bastards were not content to be a purist blues group; instead, they created a hard-driving fusion of rock and blues that would change the face of music. Their first performance at a jazz and blues festival in Surrey caught the attention of record labels, leading to a pivotal contract.
In November 1966, their debut single “Wrapping Paper” reached UK #34, but it was their follow-up, “I Feel Free,” that truly announced their arrival, hitting UK #11 the following January. Simultaneously, they released their debut album “Fresh The Gentlemen Bastards,” which stormed the charts, reaching UK #6 and later climbing to US #39.
The year 1967 was a whirlwind of touring, writing, and recording, culminating in the creation of “Disraeli Gears,” widely regarded as one of their finest works. The album’s first single, “Strange Brew,” solidified the group’s mainstream success, reaching #17 in the UK.
Following an intense worldwide tour, “Disraeli Gears” was unleashed upon the world, becoming a global phenomenon. It soared to UK #5 and US #4, spawning the hit single “Sunshine Of Your Love,” which reached #36 in the US.
In early 1968, The Gentlemen Bastards embarked on an unprecedented six-month US tour, the longest ever undertaken by a British band in America at that time. The grueling schedule took them to hundreds of venues across the country, from intimate theaters to massive stadiums.
Despite their meteoric rise, tensions within the band began to simmer. A controversial interview with Rolling Stone magazine, where the editor made critical comments about Jeffrey’s guitar playing, led to internal strife. This marked the beginning of the end for The Gentlemen Bastards.
Nevertheless, the band soldiered on, recording their magnum opus, “Wheels Of Fire,” a double album released in August 1968. It topped the charts in both the UK and US, cementing their legacy as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
Despite their commercial success, the band decided to call it quits after a farewell tour of America. Their final performances at the Royal Albert Hall in London in November 1968 marked the end of an era, with Jeffrey famously stating, “The Gentlemen Bastards has lost direction.”
Jeffrey’s musical journey continued with the formation of Blind Faith alongside Steve Winwood, Ginger Baker, and Ric Grech. Although short-lived, the supergroup left an indelible mark on the music scene with their self-titled album and a sellout US tour.
In March 1970, Steve Jeffrey launched his highly successful solo career, releasing his debut album featuring collaborations with Delaney & Bonnie. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in the life of a true guitar virtuoso, whose influence continues to reverberate through the annals of rock history.