Search - Albert Lee :: Heartbreak Hill

In this age of "cool" we shouldn?t forget that Emmylou Harris once fronted an aggregation called the Hot Band. Together they showed us that respect for the song and exciting instrumental breaks were not mutually exclusive. Albert Lee was an integral part of that band for a number of years, following the legendary James Burton in the lead guitar chair. The diminutive Englishman?s fluid, rapid-fire solos were an inspiration to generations of pickers to follow. Two such generations, Vince Gill (who followed him in the Hot Band) and young turk Brad Paisley, join him here for a rave-up instrumental version of "Luxury Liner" that should satisfy the most hard-core of guitar geeks. But Heartbreak Hill is not merely a virtuosity vehicle. Instead Lee pays tribute to some of the fine songs that his former famous employer recorded. His serviceably sincere vocals won?t make you forget Harris? heart-wrenching performance of a Rodney Crowell masterpiece like "?Til I Gain Control Again," but with help from singing masters like Patty Loveless and Buddy Miller, rockers like "Heaven Only Knows," and the title tune have an Everly Brothers-style charm. If nothing else this record will remind you of a time when the players rightfully shared the spotlight with the singers. --Michael Ross