Preview

Albert Lee needs no introduction to country music & rock fans. His impeccable pedigree stretches over many years both touring and recording with, among many others, Emmylou Harris, Eric Clapton, Glen Campbell, Chris Farlowe, Dave Edmunds, Dolly Parton, Bobby Bare, Joan Armatrading, The Crickets, Ricky Skaggs, Joe Cocker, Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt and Rodney Crowell . He is currently touring with the Everly Brothers and Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, as well as playing on countless recording sessions all over the world.

Herefordshire born, but resident in California since the early 70's, Albert has been voted Guitar Player Magazine’s ‘Best Country Guitar Picker in the World’ on five consecutive occasions and has twice been Grammy Nominated. In 1995 he received a coveted Gold Badge Award from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors, for his long-term service to the music industry. He has earned the world-wide respect of artists, musicians and fans bridging many styles and tastes. As one of the undisputed all-time greats, the title of musical legend has never been more deserved.

Tonight, on lead vocals, guitar and piano, he fronts his own band comprising some of Britain’s finest musicians, Hogan’s Heroes. With a pedigree almost as impressive as their leader the band features:

Gerry Hogan :

Was a member of both Country Fever and 1980’s rock’n’roll band Matchbox . A regular performer at the International Steel Guitar Convention in St. Louis, he is constantly in demand to tour and record with artists as diverse as Ricky Skaggs, Jimmy Nail, Wet Wet Wet, The Proclaimers, The Everly Brothers and Pulp.

Pete Wingfield :

One of the most sought after musicians on the international recording scene, Peter had a solo hit in 1975 with Eighteen With A Bullet. He has toured and recorded with the Everly Brothers since the early 1980’s and recorded with artists such as Level 42, Steven Bishop, Elkie Brooks, Chris Rea, Cliff Richard, Little Richard, B.B. King, Hot Chocolate and Gerry Rafferty . As a record producer he has many hits to his name, including recordings by Alison Moyet, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, The Proclaimers and Five Star, among many others.

Brian Hodgson :

Has applied his talents as both writer and producer to many great artists over the years, including Shakin’ Stevens, Denis Waterman, Johnny Halliday, Billy J Kramer, Sonny Curtis, Kenny Rodgers, Lonnie Donegan and Kirsty McColl. He produced the 40th anniversary album ‘The Rock Island Line’ with Lonnie Donegan, and recently produced a great new album from Peter Sarstedt.

Peter Baron :

Has been playing drums since the age of eleven, and since the 1970’s has worked with many bands, orchestras and artists in all musical styles. He has been behind the kit for Charles Aznavour, Lulu, The Three Degrees, Cleo Laine and Leo Sayer. He was a member of the Elkie Brooks Band in the late 70’s and in the 80’s joined American based Night, which featured the late Nicky Hopkins, Chris Thompson and Robbie McIntosh.

Review

The word "legendary" seems pretty inadequate to describe Albert Lee and Hogan's Heroes. Advance ticket sales broke all records, and on the night a capacity audience of 300 crammed into the Talbot for an evening that very few will ever forget. The sheer lyricism and high-speed wizardry of Albert's guitar work is so overwhelming that it threatens to overshadow what a fine piano player and singer he is. The irrepressible Pete Wingfield played keyboards like a man possessed, Gerry Hogan's pedal-steel transported us to country heaven, while Brian Hodgson and Pete Baron make up the best rhythm section in the land. This was a long-overdue return for Albert to previous home turf - he and his band of the time, Heads Hands & Feet, lived in a remote cottage near Cilcennin in the early 1970s, and Albert met up with many old friends at the Talbot.