An unmissable hero (From Stourbridge News)

An unmissable hero

10:47am Wednesday 23rd May 2007 in Music

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes, Saturday May 19, Benjamins, Halesowen Albert Lee needs no real introduction to Country & Rock fans.

A much respected guitarist having played with such diverse names as The Everly Brothers through to Emmylou Harris' Hot Band and the Eric Clapton Band, along with being a much sought after Nashville sessions man - he has played with them all.

Lee and Hogan's Heroes, appeared at Benjamins last Saturday night and entertained the audience to a fine evening's performance with numbers ranging from out and out Country, Blues and Rock.

He kicked off with the classic Holland/ Dozier/Holland penned Road Runner, the title track of his last solo album, through to the last encores Tear It Up.

An Albert Lee gig would not be complete without his classic Country Boy and the audience were not disappointed as he launched into it in his inimitable style.

Although renowned for his guitar work he proved his worth as an all rounder with some accomplished piano work on numbers such as Only With You and Dimming of the Day, as well as picking up a mandolin for a number.

His band are no journeyman slouches either, with renowned composer, producer and former Ruttle Brian Hodgson on bass guitar and Gerry Hogan, one of the worlds most rated pedal steel guitarists filling in with some tasty licks.

Even drummer Pete Baron gets the spotlight with his self penned Wake Up Screaming.

All in all a good performance and if promoter John Marshall should give Hogan's Heroes a repeat booking they should not be missed.

Al Rayner