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Every year again and again, and according to himself, for 7 years now, Albert Lee comes to Munich for a visit to our most traditional countryclub, the Rattlesnake Saloon. And to be honest, I wouldn't like missin' it, to check him out over and over again. I have reported about this exeptional Guitarist quite often here on this website. Every time again I'm amazed by such a huge talent. No surprise then, that Mr.Lee just received his second Grammy. And of course he's got many other awards throughout his carriere.
Here  you find all information at one climpse. However, it is a fact, that Albert Lee belongs to the worldwide best guitarists according to several trivia and media. In musicianscircles the name Alber Lee is already holy.  

But... the nice thing is, that Albert never lifted up, if you know what I mean, no matter he shared the stage of the Royal Albert Hall in London together with Eric Clapton, or he does his wonderful little showcases here at the Rattlesnake Saloon. Despite the fact, that he played with so many big stars around the world, his heart goes most with Hogan's Heroes, with whom he tours every year throughout Europe. Because there he truly puts his whole potential in his own music. Not that every track is written by him- There are songs from the Everly Brothers as well as Carl Perkins and other's. But it is this very individual way, he and Hogan's Heroes perform it. And so it got this special little something, including those brilliant guitar solos, where even a Jet plane becomes a snail. How he does it? Yeah well, according to himself, he always thinks a few notes ahead. And by the way, don't forget, this man does his job already for almost half of a century. That's why he doesn't need any rehearsels at home. The stage is the place to keep fit.
Albert Lee does not go with the time what's up to the music. But he doesn't need to. He plays "his" music - Oldtime Rock'n'Roll and Countryrock with a whole lot of passion. Though mind me, it's rather the quiet and laid back passion reflecting his character. And although he is definately the centerpoint up there on stage, he takes care, that this is a band and not a one man show. There is Gerry Hogan playing the steelguitar and also normal guitar. Also Keyboardist Elio Pace does a brilliant job, when he tortures his instrument, at one point even from below. Inbetween he exchanges  to an accordian. 

To complete the line up, there is bassist Brian Hodgson and Peter Baron on drums. No, here is definately nobody disprivileged, and you get a very good band impression. But in the end it is of course Albert Lee, who receives most of the applause. And some coyboy hats are flying through the air because of so much enthusiasm. And that's not only for the guitar miracle but also for Albert's wonderful piano playing. 

Like I mentioned before, the program consists mainly of Country Rock'n'Roll  oldies. And there is of course one song, which is never missing within a Albert Lee concert - 'Country Boy'. It's the ultimative hymn. With this song Albert always gets associated. This is like the Rolling Stones and Satisfaction. And 'Country Boy' is very variable. Today for instance, the keyboard does a lot imput, and the track is extended to almost 10 minutes with lots of great guitar playing. It's like Speedy Gonzales dancing on coals. 

There is only one thing left to say, please go and see this first class musician an his band out, next time, they are playing close to your place. Even you are not so much into Countryrock. But it's the huge talent, which is worth to check out. So watch out... By the way, Bill Wyman's Rhythmkings are supposed to tour as well this year. And I'm sure, Albert will do a few solos there as well. Apart from that.... see you again, next year - same time (hopefully) at the Rattlesnake... or where so ever.....


'Countryboy'

http://www.albertleeandhogansheroes.com/  

Some Aftershow Snapshots you find in the
Diary

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