Iconic Guitar Maestro Albert Lee at Basement Discs

A very special treat at lunchtime today, was not of the culinary kind, but food for the soul, which was delivered with panache by the sensational Albert Lee who performed an in store at Basement Discs.

For those unfamiliar with Albert Lee’s claim to fame, he is one of the great rock n roll guitarists of the world. He has played with artists as diverse as Emmylou Harris (he was a member of her Hot Band back in the ‘70s), the Everly Brothers, Eric Clapton and Joe Cocker. For a man of 67 years he can still rock out and looked pretty fit.

There was a large crowd at Basement Discs today to see the maestro, so I’m glad I got there early to grab my usual position in front of the stage.

It was an excellent mini show, one of the liveliest I’ve been fortunate enough to witness – goodtime old style Rock n Roll, which as I’ve said before is good for both body and soul. Albert Lee is a consummate entertainer, and he sure can play guitar. He’s also got an excellent singing voice.

He was accompanied today by a small band that comprised Michael Vidale on bass, Peter Baron on drums and Richard Tankard on keyboard. Together with Albert, they made a huge sound.

Over the half hour performance the band played about five or six songs, including Albert’s famous tune Country Boy and former Hot Band mate, Rodney Crowell’s Til I Gain Control Again.

It’s not very often that one can take time out at lunchtime to see quality rock music. Melbourne is fortunate to have the Basement Discs on hand to provide such rare treats as was effectively demonstrated today.

I’ve been raving about the Basement in stores for years and every one of them is special in one way or another.