This was my second time to see the great Albert Lee in concert, both times at McCabe's. Musically speaking, the two concerts were nearly identical, yet I enjoyed the second show a whole lot more, thanks to the relocation of Albert's keyboards from the front of the stage to the side. The folks at McCabe's deserve kudos for having made the change and Albert himself deserves some credit, I'm sure.
Just like in January, Albert Lee came out with Will McGregor (bass), JT Thomas (keys) and Jason Smith (drums) and just like in January, they sounded great together. Unlike in January, Albert's daughter Alexandra did not make an appearance.
Compared to the January show, there was only one minor set list change, the result of Alexandra's absence. Albert's selection and sequencing of songs was exceptionally good, with up-tempo numbers dominating the evening. With two exceptions, we heard nothing but American songs, many of them from the 1950s and 60s. The two exceptions were Paul Kennerley's "Spellbound" and Albert's own "Country Boy". By the way, Paul Kennerley was Emmylou Harris' third husband, they were married from 1985 to 1993.
Compared to the January show, there was only one minor set list change, the result of Alexandra's absence. Albert's selection and sequencing of songs was exceptionally good, with up-tempo numbers dominating the evening. With two exceptions, we heard nothing but American songs, many of them from the 1950s and 60s. The two exceptions were Paul Kennerley's "Spellbound" and Albert's own "Country Boy". By the way, Paul Kennerley was Emmylou Harris' third husband, they were married from 1985 to 1993.
SET LIST
1. I'm Ready (Fats Domino)
2. Two Steps Too (Delbert McClinton)
3. Wheels (Gram Parsons)
4. Evangelina (Hoyt Axton)
5. Restless (Carl Perkins)
6. Dreaming As One (Richie Havens)
7. Runaway Train (John Stewart)
8. Luxury Liner (Gram Parsons/Emmylou Harris)
9. Spellbound (Paul Kennerley)
10. No One Can Make My Sunshine Smile (Everly Brothers)
11. Leave My Woman Alone (Ray Charles)
12. Highwayman (Johnny Cash)
13. 'Til I Gain Control Again (Rodney Crowell)
14. Rad Gumbo (Little Feat)
15. Country Boy (co-written by Albert Lee)
ENCORE
16. Julie's House (Leo Kottke)
17. Tear It Up (Johnny Burnette)
Albert Lee playing at McCabe's |
Albert Lee singing |
Albert Lee giving the McCabe's crowd a hand |
Albert Lee saying goodbye |
The stage |
Albert Lee gear |
Albert Lee signing autographs after the show |