It’s not the first Led Zeppelin tribute, and it won’t be the last, but Beth Hart is more qualified than most to have a go. Her grizzled but technically proficient voice carries more than a hint of Robert Plant’s, especially on her rampage through Whole Lotta Love.
Beck’s father David Campbell adds soaring string arrangements – he’s all over Kashmir and The Rain Song – and producer Rob Cavallo (who took Green Day to another level) throws in some grit.
For the most part it’s an exhilarating labour of love, and the Dancing Days/ When The Levee Breaks medley works a treat, and she channels Janis Joplin on The Crunge.
What Hart doesn’t bring to the songs, and what ensures A Tribute To Led Zeppelin is no more than its title promises, is anything new. Since the originals are rock perfection, anything that copies them can’t eclipse them.
