An opportunity to see a great guitarist in our local theatre in Monmouth was not to be missed. We saw Albert Lee a couple of years ago in Bristol and this was a pretty similar gig in terms of the set list. The band was different but I didn't catch their names. The keyboards man was excellent and he fitted with Albert's Guitar playing very well with some fast and rocky keyboards.
He played a Carl Perkins track 'Restless' early on and that was the first time he slipped into one of his distinctive, fast and rhythmic solos that are his trademark. He has a fluidity that is rarely equalled, maybe when Mick Taylor was at his pomp and playing blues solos, maybe Knopfler (in a different way) - who we are seeing tonight as it happens.
He also respectfully names the songwriter before each track and sometimes mentions his connection to said songwriter (Albert's resume is astonishing). There were a couple of Gram Parson's tracks and 'Luxury Liner was one highlight of the gig with amazing playing by Albert on an extended solo and some good soloing from the keyboards man. Albert Lee is a great stage presence as well with no ego on show although he was clearly a little bit resentful that he had been sacked by Eric Clapton and let off a few notes from 'Layla' by way of musical comment.
There was a couple of Rodney Crowell covers, an Everley brothers cover, 'Highwayman' from Jimmy Webb, some Crickets covers (including 'Well All Right) and a great version of 'Tear Stained Letter' that might even have Richard Thompson listening with envy at the guitar picking. And of course there was 'Country Boy' - absolutely outstanding.
The encore included a Glen Campbell cover at the keyboards following by a couple of trademark guitar songs to finish, the last song being 'Tear it Up' - which he had.
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