“The ultimate virtuoso. [Albert Lee's] skill is extraordinary, his ear is extraordinary and he’s gifted on just about every level.” Eric Clapton
Albert Lee is one of the most respected and renowned guitarists in music history, having worked with The Everly Brothers, Eric Clapton, Emmylou Harris and The Cricketts over his long and illustrious career. The British-born country-rock artist started his career during the emerging rock 'n' roll scene of sixties London, when he swapped bands with the likes of Jimmy Page and Chris Farlowe.
"The greatest guitarist in the world."- Eric Clapton
“Albert is in every sense of the word, a genuine guitar wizard".- Earl Scruggs
“When Saint Peter asks me to chronicle my time down here on earth, I'll be able to say - with pride if that's allowed - that for a while I played rhythm guitar in a band with Albert Lee."- Emmylou Harris
Guitar legend ALBERT LEE first came to prominence during a 1964-68 stint in British Blues and R & B stalwarts Chris Farlowe’s Thunderbirds. After working in the UK bands for touring country acts such as Bobby Bare and Skeeter Davis, Lee’s next full-time berth was two years with the UK answer to the Flying Burrito Brothers and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band-Head, Hands, and Feet. His reputation grew and session work blossomed, including appearances on “The London Bo Diddley Sessions” for Chess and Jerry Lee Lewis’ “The London Sessions”. This and other work with U.S. based greats led to a permanent position in the Crickets, and by the time that ended Albert had long since made Southern California his home. There he became friendly with Don Everly, who had also settled in Southern California; they played regularly on a formal and informal basis, with Albert contributing to Don’s 1974 solo effort “Sunset Towers”. The move to California also led to work on sessions for the debut album of Jackson Browne.
Lee joined Joe Cocker’s band in the mid-70s, a time that included recordings for the April 1976 release “Stingray”. From there A & M Records signed Albert as an artist in his own right. The solo album’s completion was delayed by constant studio and touring work, primarily in Emmylou Harris’ Hot Band; in 1976 Albert replaced James Burton when Burton left to continue work with Elvis Presley’s TCB band. The Emmylou Harris albums “Luxury Liner” (Jan. 1977), “Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town” (Jan. 1978) “Blue Kentucky Girl” (April 1979), “Roses in the Snow” (May 1980, recorded July 1979), and “Evangeline” (Jan 1981, recorded 1978-80) all include Albert. He ended his touring tenure with the Hot Band to complete his solo album, and “Hiding” was finally released in 1979.
An invitation around the Christmas season in 1978 led to a five-year adventure for Albert in Eric Clapton’s band. The live album “Just One Night”, recorded at Budokan in December 1979, was the first release (April 1980) to feature Albert. “Another Ticket” (Feb. 1981), “Time Pieces Vol 2-Live in the 70s” (1983), and “Money and Cigarettes” (Feb. 1983) all were part of Albert’s tenure with Eric.
His studio work in this period continued, including contributions to three albums by Rosanne Cash: 1979’s “Right or Wrong”, 1981’s “Seven Year Ache”, and 1982’s “Somewhere in the Stars”. Other sessions included work with Dave Edmunds, Rodney Crowell, Nanci Griffith, Carlene Carter, and countless others. His solo efforts continued as well, with the self-titled “Albert Lee” in 1982, and instrumental releases on MCA- the acclaimed “Speechless” (1986) and “Gagged But Not Bound” (1987).
When the Everly Brothers reunited on September 23, 1983 at London’s Royal Albert Hall, Albert was on hand as guitarist and Musical Director. He continued in that role for over 20 years until the Brothers retired.
