Albert Lee

The venue was changed to Sportsmen s Tavern, a compact, but fabulous place, ideal for watching the master at work. He played a nonstop 90 minute set, with 2 songs on the keyboards. His band was top notch. See him while you can.

Very few guitar players share Albert Lee's stature. He is a magician of the guitar with technical abilities that few can touch. As happens often, the front row was populated with eager guitar players wanting to study Lee's fingers. His performance did not disappoint. Fiery, lyrical and meticulously articulated. Albert plays with a crystal clear tone without gratuitous effects or distortion. Sadly, the sound at the Canyon Club often was muddy. It often was difficult to hear Albert clearly. At times he was overwhelmed by the loud drums and bass and the band lacked dynamics. The lighting was haphazard and distracting with motorize lights making irrelevant and random patterns not tied to the music of musicians. The seats in the Canyon Club are comfortable and the drinks just fine. Based on past experience, we dined elsewhere beforehand. The seating locations, however, were entirely different from the published seating chart, even though we had selected specific seats.

Albert Lee was fantastic as usual. His band was excellent.

Albert Lee turned 70 recently. For the uninitiated, he's a British guitar dynamo whose credits range from time spent in Emmylou Harris' and Eric Clapton's bands. He's also been with The Everly Brothers, has performed alongside David Gilmour, Ron Wood and many others and is great fun live. This concert was special because of his birthday--and in celebration of that, the night was rife with some of Albert's friends, including Emmylou, former Paul McCartney & Wings guitarists Denny Laine & Laurence Juber, Blondie drummer Clem Burke, folk legend Ramblin' Jack Elliott, famed talent scout, record producer & former British Invasion pop star Peter Asher, singer/songwriter Rodney Crowell, the Desert Rose Band featuring Chris Hillman (a founder of The Byrds), Little Feat guitarist Fred Tackett and several more. The evening was capped off with the presentation of a cake to Albert onstage at this intimate club, with everyone singing 'Happy Birthday'. It was a special night for everyone.

4 hours, non stop, legend after legend just ten feet away truly giving it their all and having fun for Albert Lee's birthday bash. Maybe one of the most important musical events of my long life. Most of the musicians that are really important to me at One Time! Indescribable... really

I bought a couple of tickets for my son for Christmas (okay...one was for me, too!)...what a night. We live a little over 100 miles from the Club, but I would have driven twice as far to see this group of legendary musicians. It was our first time to the Club...everyone was very nice and accommodating...food was even good. Opener was strong, second band didn't do anything for me, but when Albert and Hot Roux took the stage, nothing else mattered. It's hard to imagine a stronger lineup, and it was obvious that ALL of the musicians were truly thrilled and honored to be playing. Crowd was very appreciative (as it should be), sound balanced, and we were fortunate to share the table with other nice folks as well. I've seen a lot of shows (only a little younger than Albert), but this one quickly broke into the top ten...maybe higher...for me. Well done, everyone!

I've seen Albert three times in the last couple years but this event was a special celebration of his 70th birthday. A long list of special guests included guitar virtuosos Jerry Donahue, John Jorgenson and Laurence Juber, singers Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell, Peter Asher, Ramblin Jack Elliot and The full Desert Rose Band. This event lasted a nonstop three hours. Forgive me if I don't mention every performer and set list but it was a combination of sublime guitar playing and great singing of important songs of our time.

What a great show! Not the slickest of productions, but certainly one of the best! The love and appreciation exhibited by Albert's friends by "merely" showing up to perform for and with him made the evening. What a parade of talent! This is not an all inclusive list, but to see and hear on one night on one stage at the Canyon Club: Peter Asher, Denny Laine, Chris Hillman & Desert Rose, Emmylou Harris, & Rodney Crowell ... was FANTASTIC! Again, this is not the complete list of performers, & my apologies to those I did not mention because ALL were superb! The most interesting act was a group by the name of Jack Shit :-). Those guys were ENTERTAINING .... funny, they no doubt enjoy performing, & what a GREAT sound from a little three piece band from somewhere north of Bakersfield.

Wow, wow, wow. A terrific, well though-out set: collaborative tunes, followed by solo efforts, then culminating in more collaborative tunes. And, so many notes! Good grief, these 2 artists are so accomplished and proficient. John Jorgenson is obviously a well-rehearsed, technical guitar genius. And, Albert Lee! What can I say? He is the epitome of raw, organic, talent. The music just effortlessly flows from him. And, he's a pretty cool, down-to-earth guy as well. Both artists spent time after the show signing CD's and shooting the $hit with fans. I was especially appreciative of the diversity of tunes, ranging from country, rockabilly, folk, pop, blues...the list goes on. Only thing missing: jazz ala Django. Oh well, next time maybe! Leonard Cohen, Beatles, Everley Brothers, and Buddy Holly covers were terrific! So sad that the Aladdin was barely half-full for this outstanding concert. I almost didn't go, because the theater (although a great venue for up-close, intimate concerts) is disgustingly filthy and the seats are uncomfortable and decrepit.