Though he's far from a household name, Albert Lee has quietly earned a reputation among musicians and discerning aficionados as a guitar hero of the first order. His twangy, country-influenced licks and dazzling dexterity place him in the Mark Knopfler/Eric Clapton/Richard Thompson camp of guitarists, and, as HEARTBREAK HILL makes abundantly clear, Lee is every inch their equal. He first became known for his work with British country-rockers Head, Hands & Feet, and subsequently worked with everyone from Emmylou Harris to the Everly Brothers. Over the years, Lee's sporadic solo records have delighted those with a penchant for lightning licks that never seem flashy or overdone. HEARTBREAK HILL is something of a tribute to Lee's former employer Harris, as the songs are mostly associated with her own versions. Nevertheless, Lee--an effective singer in addition to his guitar wizardry--makes the tunes his own, from the poignant Rodney Crowell ballad "'Til I Gain Control Again" to the rocking riff-fest "Born to Run" (not the Springsteen song).
Recorded at The Lair, Los Angeles, California; Sound Emporium and Scruggs Sound Studios, Nashville, Tennessee.
Personnel: Albert Lee (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin, piano); Maura O'Connell (vocals); Vince Gill (guitar, electric guitar, mandolin); Brad Paisley (guitar, electric guitar); Buddy Emmons (steel guitar); J.D. Souther, Patty Loveless, Rodney Crowell, Billy Thomas, Buddy Miller (gut-string guitar); Jerry Douglas (dobro); Earl Scruggs (banjo); Mickey Raphael (harmonica); Glen D. Hardin (piano); "J.T." Thomas (electric piano); John Molo (drums, shaker); Tony Newman (drums).
Audio Mixer: Dave Sinko.
Recording information: Scruggs Sound Studios, Nashville, TN; Sound Emporium Studios, Nashville, TN; The Cave #2, Dallas, GA; The Lair, Los Angeles, CA.
Photographers: Dave Sinko; David McClister; Steve Fishell.
Personnel includes: Albert Lee (vocals, acoustic guitar, guitar, mandolin, electric mandolin); Maura O'Connell (vocals); Buddy Emmons (steel guitar); Earl Scruggs (banjo); Vince Gill (mandolin); Brad Paisley (electric madolin); Glen D Hardin (piano); J.T. Thomas (electric piano); Spencer Campbell, Jennifer Condos (bass); John Molo (drums, shaker); Tony Newman (drums); Patty Loveless, Buddy Miller, Rodney Crowell, John David Souther (background vocals).
Award Winner
Uncut (1/04, p.112) - 3 stars out of 5 - "He's accompanied by Nashville's finest, yet the focus always remains the brilliant guitar work..."
Dirty Linen (2/04, pp.71-2) - "Lee's fretwork is exemplary here, particularly his breathtaking acoustic and electric solos..."
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