Albert Lee
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Albert Lee is an English guitarist.
Early life and education
He was born on December 21, 1943 in Leominster, Herefordshire, England. He grew up in Blackheath, London. His father was a musician, and Albert studied piano. During this time, like many of his age, he became a fan of Buddy Holly, and also Jerry Lee Lewis. He took up guitar in 1958, and left school at age 16 to play full-time the following year.
Bands
Albert was with a variety of bands from 1959 onwards, playing mostly country music and rock and roll. Band membership changed constantly, and he might step into a role vacated by Jimmy Page, and in turn have Ritchie Blackmore step in for him. During his time playing with Heads Hands & Feet, Lee became a "guitar hero", playing his Fender Telecaster at breakneck speed.
Career
Despite positive press from Melody Maker and New Musical Express his career never seemed to take off. Despite his technical wizardry he seems to have lacked the stage presence that his peers enjoyed, mainly because he has been described by his peers, as a complete gentleman, who does not know the meaning of the word, ego. He left for Los Angeles, California in 1974 as offers of session work were flooding in, although efforts to record and release his own albums went nowhere. In 1976, Lee was asked to join Emmylou Harris's Hot Band, replacing one of his heroes James Burton and finally found a niche where his talents were appreciated.
Starting in 1978, he worked for five years with Eric Clapton, playing and singing for a live concert recording at the Budokan in Japan.
While still nowhere near as famous as his nominal peers, he continues to work on tour and in the studio. In recent years he has toured with Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings Band. Albert Lee, is widely known as, "the guitar player's, guitar player." This is due to the high presence of many famous, and non famous guitarists, everywhere, and anywhere he performs. Albert Lee is also referred to as "Mr. Telecaster".
Albert Lee was responsible for The Everly Brothers reunion concert and is a regular player with the Everlys.
Partial Band List
- Chris Farlowe And The Thunderbirds
- The Crickets
- Country Fever
- Heads Hands & Feet
- Emmylou Harris Hot Band
- Hogan's Heroes (guitar and vocals)
- Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings
- The Biff Baby All-Stars (in association with Ernie Ball products)
Discography
Recordings for other artists not included.- Albert Lee - Black Claw/Country Fever
- Heads Hands & Feet - Heads, Hands & Feet
- Heads Hands & Feet - Tracks
- Heads Hands & Feet - Old Soldiers Never Die
- Heads Hands & Feet - Home From Home - The Missing Album
- Albert Lee - Hiding
- Albert Lee - Albert Lee
- Albert Lee - Speechless
- Albert Lee - Gagged But Not Bound
- Albert Lee - Real Wild Child
- Albert Lee - That's All Right Mama
- Albert Lee - Heartbreak Hill
- Albert Lee - Road Runner
- Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes - In Full Flight!
- Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes - Tear It Up
Featured on
- Jerry Lee Lewis - The London Sessions
- Emmylou Harris - Luxury Liner, The Ballad Of Sally Rose.
- Eric Clapton - Just One Night, Another Ticket, Money and Cigarettes.
- John Prine - The Missing Years.
- Jon Lord - Gemini Suite.
- Earl Scruggs - Earl Scruggs and Friends.
External links
- [An record review about Albert Lee – Road Runner]
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