Yesterday, we told you the story of Stagger Lee …
Today, Shelley’s got a review of ALBERT Lee (yeah, I know … different guy) …
But worth reading just the same!
ALBERT LEE CONCERT REVIEW
Albert William Lee (born 21 December 1943) is an English guitarist known for his fingerstyle and hybrid picking technique. Lee has worked, both in the studio and on tour, with many famous musicians from a wide range of genres. He has also maintained a solo career and is a noted composer and musical director.
That is what Wikipedia has to say. I have never seen him on tour with his band. The only input I can offer is from a tour with Peter Asher. Now that I have attended a concert of Lee's, I more fully understand how he and Asher connected.
The audience came in singing Albert's praises and stating how they have been waiting for this concert. The concert is at The Katherine Hepburn Performing Center. (We all know how much I love that place.) They were here first to see Albert Lee and secondly, to support this great site.
I hear them explaining: There will be an opening act that will sing six songs for a half hour. Then there will be an intermission. The reason for the early intermission is because Albert and his group want to perform continuously for 90 minutes. It actually turned out to be two hours. Let's begin.
The Cryers, who have appeared as openers at The Kate five times now, have also been frequent openers for Albert's tours past and present. Joe Orlando and Belle Liao are the mainstays of this group with alternating drummers and a new 24 year old lead guitarist. Opening with Green Tangerine and following with five original compositions covering different styles, they have been a good opening choice for Denny Laine, Joey Molland, Albert, Micky Dolenz and many others.
At intermission, The Cryers help set up for The Albert Lee Band. When all is ready, Charlie Faragher (drummer), JT Thomas (keyboards), David Chamberlain (bass) and Albert walk on quietly and the band waits patiently as Albert gets himself set up. The three band members sit silently. watching Albert and smiling. It is customary for drummers and keyboard players to sit, but even Chamberlain, who is wearing an African caftan, sits and I wonder if this is going to be a more somber concert than I anticipated. When Albert speaks, it is with the soft unassuming British tone that I hear while watching the BBC.
THEN THE MUSIC BEGINS!
'Setting Me Up' is definitely not soft and quiet. Chamberlain has risen to his feet and from here on in, the band continues a grounded, unassuming stature while the music showcases the talents of all four musicians.
Albert had experience playing with Emmy Lou Harris, Don Everly. Eric Clapton, and The Everly Brothers when they reunited. He has a wealth of stories that escort the songs forward and motivate the audience to bounce along in their seats.
Country Boy
Spellbound
Runaway Train
Luxury Line
If You Don't Want To, You Don't Have To
Too Young To Die
Highwayman
These are just a few of the songs from the show. Praise for Albert's guitar picking innovations rise up in every article written about him. His band has also picked up unusual instrument techniques, and my eyes float back and forth trying to catch it all. They watch each other and smile, thoroughly enjoying the challenges they have assumed. When the band is introduced, they turn to each other, shaking hands and saying, "Hi, I'm ..." This all creates a grounded and humble atmosphere.
They were brought back for encores by a sold-out standing ovation. They ended with Glen Campbell's 'A Better Place' and Johnny Burnett's 'Tear it Up'
The country rock sound that Albert Lee came over to America to play filled up The Kate. Even ushers said, "That was great! That is why I wanted to work tonight."
Shelley J Sweet-Tufano
NE Correspondent
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