When Albert Lee first started playing guitar in the late fifties, he could scarcely have imagined that not too long after that he would be recording with the likes of Eric Clapton, Bo Diddley and Jerry Lee Lewis. It would have seemed even less likely that, nearing his 70th birthday, he would be regarded as on of the most influential country guitarists of all time – and still releasing records.
The latest album, ‘Frettening Behaviour’, brings together a band with plenty of experience to once more bring Lee’s country music vision to a new audience. By mixing cover versions of well known songs (if you’ve ever wondered what Greenday would sound like as a country band, you need wonder no longer) with their own material, the band might be looking to cross over slightly in terms of audience. Then again, perhaps they are just relishing the opportunity to play whatever the hell they want. After all, they’ve earned it.
Lee, recognised as one of the foremost technical country players, shows he still has it here with a host of stellar solos sprinkled liberally throughout. But others are given the chance to shine too.
Highlights include the kitsch slide guitar of ‘Showdown’, the balladesque country ditty ‘Dreaming as One’ and closer ‘A Better Place’, written by Glen Campbell.
If this kind of rough hewn, country/kitsch style sounds like your idea of a nightmare, then let’s be honest – this isn’t for you. But for those who love a good harmony and a pumping country chugger, this is great stuff
