Freewheeling Beck Takes Command of Where He’s At

As recently as October, Beck Hansen was demonstrating in concert for hometown fans here that he was indeed pop music’s man of the moment--a distinction that would soon be affirmed with a slew of artist-of-the-year honors and a couple of Grammys for his album “Odelay.”

It seemed unlikely he could have much more to offer on Friday at the Universal Amphitheatre, a bonus L.A. date on his ongoing tour. But the artist currently known as Beck (as he called himself during the band introduction) took his crowd-commanding, rap-emcee persona even further, turning the full house into an arm-waving, slogan-shouting congregation. That he can combine that showmanship with a folkie’s intimacy and a freewheeling experimentation verbally and musically is his unique gift.

Certainly part of the charm on Friday was the incongruity of this geeky-looking guy acting like James Brown. But it would be a mistake to underestimate Beck’s prowess. He might not have Brown’s athleticism, but his spins and leaps are sharp and formidable--you can’t have your tongue in your cheek when you put a guitar in orbit around your neck or flip to your feet while lying on your back.

Most important, it all extends the embracing nature of his music. Playful and generous (his tribute to the blues harmonica master Sonny Terry was the model of modesty), never self-aggrandizing yet intense and authoritative, Beck sweeps you up in his fierce belief in music’s importance, and in his refusal to observe conventional stylistic divisions. He’s as intoxicated by the ability of soul music and hip-hop to create a spirit of community and celebration as he is by folk music’s power to illuminate the inner landscapes and tell stories about life.

Despite all the acclaim, Beck is still trying to shake the prankster image that was attached to him at the beginning of his career. But his sincerity is never in doubt. He may be wry, but he’s not trying to fool anybody, and the more tricks he pulls out, the less enigmatic he becomes.