Country Boy: Albert Lee

Koen writes: I had heard Albert Lee’s guitar licks before, probably first on Emmylou Harris’ Luxury Liner (1977) and Dave Edmunds’ Repeat When Necessary (1979), but I wasn’t aware of him as an artist in his own right. I vaguely recall a Nicky Hopkins LP called Super Rock (1975), which prominently featured Albert. It turned out to be a reissue of 1968’s No Introduction… and has been reissued under various titles ever since. His name popped up again on Jerry Lee Lewis' The Session (1973), which I still consider a classic album.

Over the years Albert never featured much in my music collection until 2019.  That year I was going back to the Netherlands and had asked an old friend to check if any interesting concerts were happening during my visit. He replied quickly with a “How about Albert Lee?” That made me do some digital digging on YouTube and various music blogs, resulting in me being utterly shocked, how could I have missed this fantastic guitar slinger all that time?!

On the 5th of October, I went to Amsterdam, met my friend Hendrik, and we moved to a place called the Q Factory. Everything looked quite new, and the concert area was not that big which suited us fine. After a beer or two, it was time and we went inside, standing only, none of that ‘remain seated please’ nonsense.

Albert & his band started playing (on time!), great sound, brief but fun interaction with the audience and they gave a hell of a show. Most of the songs were familiar classics and to hear these finally played live professionally was awesome!  The only worrying aspect was the fact that 98% of the audience was gray-haired, similar to Albert!  It does make one wonder how long concerts like these will continue…

Earlier this year Jonder, Stinky, and I were brainstorming about possible future Jokonky projects. My suggestion, an Albert Lee retrospective, was well received (as presently there aren’t any!) and you have the results here.

It was difficult to come up with a good selection for a single CD, as Albert has recorded so many great tracks, but I thought it would be fitting to start and end with his signature tune ‘Country Boy’ as well as several collaborations with the Crickets, Hogan’s Heroes, Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, and others.

[Note from jonder: Albert Lee is touring the US in August and September (and the UK in October) to promote his new album, Lay It Down. He pays tribute to his influences with versions of songs by the Everly Brothers (The Price Of Love), Glen Campbell (Less Of Me), Jimmy Webb (Too Young To Die), the Flying Burrito Brothers (Wheels), and others.  Visit Albert Lee's official website for tour dates!]

ELSEWHERE ON JONDERBLOG: Stinky's compilations of Bill Kirchen, another Master Of The Telecaster!