Albert Lee at Joe’s Bar and Grill in Burbank - 28 June 2009

From Albert's Blog, published on (his?) myspace: "I’ve done no gigs since being home but have played at a couple of parties. One was at Warwick Rose’s lovely house and the other was at Joe’s Bar and Grill in Burbank, it was for Carmine Sardo’s birthday. Carmine is a really fine guitarist and has played in the Los Angeles area for over 40 years. I had the great pleasure of playing with JD Maness, a wonderful steel guitar player and longtime friend. Also very surprised to be playing with the son of jazz great Barney Kessel, he’s a fine drummer."

Here's a video - Albert singing "Just because" for Carmine's Birthday Jam on 28 June 2009:

Albert Lee & Hogan’s Heroes, Square and Compass, Ilminster near Ashill - 18 June 2009

Left: Flyer for Albert & HHs last gig before their summer break.

The Westcountry.co.uk. advert says:
"Albert Lee storms the Square and Compass.
By Kirsty Maclagan »
GUITAR legend Albert Lee will be performing with his band Hogan’s Heroes at the Square and Compass, near Ashill, on Thursday, June 18. The celebrated musician has excited audiences for many years and has played with the likes of Eric Clapton, Emmylou Harris, Joe Cocker, Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt and Joan Armatrading. He was a member of the Everly Brothers band and has toured extensively with them since their 1983 reunion tour. Lee also appeared at the prestigious 2005 George Harrison memorial concert alongside superstars Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and Eric Clapton. Completing the concert line-up is Gerry Hogan, a former member of eighties rock band Matchbox, Brian Hodgson, who has produced for Shakin’ Stevens and Kirsty McColl, and charismatic piano player Elio Pace."

Band:
Albert Lee, git, voc, key
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Elio Pace, key, accordion, voc 
plus some special guests.

My brief review:
Great gig at the Square and Compass which is in fact an old barn. My second visit there and again the place was difficult to find being in the middle of nowhere. There were some special guests making the gig a bit different, the first one was Keith, a banjo player and an old friend of Albert's who joined for some songs and later even did "Country Boy" with them playing an amazing solo. An interesting change to the well-know song. I remembered Keith from an earlier gig in 2006 at that very venue. He brought a mandolin then which Albert used on "Man of constant sorrow".

Another surprise should follow. Elio introduced a friend of his who played the sax on "Breathless" - and the barn rocked - and the small stage was crowded ! Towards the end, Albert said a special THANK YOU to Jim and Adam, the busy crew who did such a great job during the tour.

Later all of us had fun and chats, some champagne and then it was time to say bye-bye as the band went into their well-deserved summer break. It was the last time also for Adam Farnsworth who left the band's crew and went for pastures new. Thanks to the nice landlord giving me the right direction which led me straight to my hotel without getting lost. Next day I had a long drive ahead returing home all the way by car ...


Setlist (maybe not always in the right order)
Set 1
Your Boys
Two Step Too
Runaway Train
Wheels
Tiger Rag 
Travellin' Prayer
You're only lonely
Breathless
Set 2
Barnyard Boogie
Rad Gumbo
Wake up screaming
Can your grandpa rock'n roll like this
On the verge
You maybe right
Oh Darling
Crying in the rain
Leave my woman alone
Till I gain control again
Country Boy

Encore:
Don't
Tear it up

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes, The Champions Bournemouth - 17 June 2009

The Champions, Bournemouth
and the Bourne Beat Hotel

Band:
Albert Lee, git, voc, key
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Elio Pace, key, acc, voc

A new venue in Bournemouth, glad to see that it was in walking distance. It was nice to meet Jilly's friend Matt and family, we shared a table and had a great time together. They fell immediately for Albert and the boys and enjoyed the great music. Matt's wife danced away and had great fun. Elio's parents and sister came to see the show. As Elio's mum had her birthday, he dedicated one song especially to her! Later we enjoyed nice chats with all of them, lovely people and a great night.
The only turn-off in Bournemouth: I scratched my car on the very narrow hotel's car park.

The Bourne Beat Hotel, Bournemouth next door:
A place which belongs to the owner of the Champions where Albert & HHs played that night. The Bourne Beat was next to my hotel, and Sue was staying there and showed me around to see the very interesting music memorabilia.
As it was a lovely day, I enjoyed a stroll along the beach later, some photos are included in the photo album.




Setlist (bits and pieces only and probably not always in the right order)
Set 1
Your Boys
Runaway Train
Wheels
Tiger Rag 
Travellin' Prayer
You're only lonely
Breathless
Set 2
Barnyard Boogie
Rad Gumbo
Wake up screaming
Can your grandpa rock'n roll like this
On the verge
You may be right
Oh Darling
Crying in the rain
Leave my woman alone
Till I gain control again
Country Boy

Encore:
Don't
Tear it up

LIMS - London International Music Show, Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes and Ernie Ball Booth, Excel London - 14 June 2009

11 - 14 June 2009, ExCel London.

Established last year as a showcase for the UK music-making industry, this year's show promises to be the biggest to date. Stunning entertainment by some of the world's finest musicians performing in the live hall arena, plus a full schedule of seminars with guest speakers, exhibitions and a retail village, gear and accessories - all under one roof.

Band:
Albert Lee, git, voc, key
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Elio Pace, key, accordion, voc

Albert held a guitar clinic on Saturday which I missed due to another event. But Sarah and I had a great time on Sunday, checking out the many stalls,

visiting the Ernie Ball Booth where Sue had her merchandise table and the boys had their "headquarters" - and last but not least - seeing Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes perform on the Main Stage, Live Hall on Sunday afternoon.There were lots of giveaways e.g. guitar picks and Patrick James Eggle T-Shirts, I kept mine to the day. A long way back to Jilly's place by trains and underground - quite some changes required until I reached my destination.

To the photo album pls click on one of the pictures.

_______________________________________

Jamming at the London International Music Show - 14 June 2009.
The musicians are:
Dario Cortese - guitar
Dave Marks - bass
Darren Ashford - drums
David Cash - keys
Special guest: Albert Lee


________________________________________


Uploaded by Lick Library for YouTube:
Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes performance from LIMS 2009.

ABCD of Boogie Woogie, The 100Club London, feat. Charlie Watts & Special Guests - 13 June 2009

HOT PIANOS - LONDON - 100CLUB Boogie Woogie mit Starbesetzung !
ABC&D of Boogie Woogie feat. Charlie Watts and very special guests

with BEN WATERS, AXEL ZWINGENBERGER & CHARLIE WATTS !!!
... and very special guests
(Willie Garnett and Julian Webster Greaves on Sax, Chris Jagger and Hamish Maxwell on vocals, Jeremy (Jez) Rowe on guitar)

Fantastic time at the legendary 100Club, ! Queuing at the door for almost 2 hrs (or longer?). We were number 3 or 4 in the row, and this secured us fantastic seats at the very front. Although there was a great line-up, most of the people were waiting for Charlie Watts! When he finally entered the club, there was pure excitement in the air. Ben Waters kicked off with a solo of "Down the Road Apiece". Axel Zwingenberger introduced himself, said a few words of his collaboration with Ben Waters and Charlie and started his set with "Boogie in the barrelhouse" and the "Suitcase Blues". The band consisted of Dave Green on bass, Willie Garnett and Julian Webster Greaves on Sax. First guest musician was Bridport based blues singer Hamish Maxwell being introduced as someone who'd sung at Ian Stewart's wedding. Then Chris Jagger was on bringing his "own" special guest ... Atcha band member Charlie Hart who played the accordion.
Needless to say that this was one hell of a gig. Someone said about Charlie: "His smiles and range of other amazing facial expressions were hilarious" and I can only confirm this. 

The icing on the cake was that I shook Charlie's hand and thanked him after the show. Thanks also to Axel Zwingenberger for his kind words and the personalized autograph for me.

The ABCD of Boogie Woogie are:
Axel Zwingenberger
Ben Waters
Charlie Watts
Dave Green


The Finale of the 100Club gig on Saturday June 13th 2009 starring Ben Waters and Axel Zwingenberger with a band consisting of Dave Green on bass, Willie Garnett and Julian Webster Greaves on Sax, Chris Jagger and Hamish Maxwell on vocals, and Charlie Watts on drums.

About Dave Green (source NME):
Born 5 March 1942, London, England. Surprisingly for a bass player of such skill and prestige, Green is self-taught. His first important engagement as a professional musician was with the Don Rendell-Ian Carr band which he joined in the early 60s. By the end of the decade he had established himself as a major figure, having worked with musicians as diverse as Stan Tracey and Humphrey Lyttelton. He also played and recorded with many front-rank visiting Americans who counted themselves fortunate in having his solidity and flair behind them. For a while in the early 80s he led his own group, Fingers, which featured Lol Coxhill, Bruce Turner and Michael Garrick. Throughout the 80s and into the following decades, Green remained at the forefront of British jazz, working with Peter King, Didier Lockwood, Spike Robinson and a host of other British and visiting jazzmen. A superb timekeeper and exceptional soloist, Green is the essence of the international jazz musician.

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes, Woolmer Hill Tech - 12 June 2009

Band:
Albert Lee, git, voc, key
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Elio Pace, key, acc, voc

After the Bath gig I drove down to Jilly's place in Horsham. We went to see the band play Woolmer Hill Tech at Haslemere which can be seen as the successor of the legendary Chiddingfold Club which had unfortunately been closed down some years back. Stand up gig, we managed to get quite close to the front and enjoyed another first class performance. Albert didn't play his red guitar but another Ernie Ball Music Man which belonged to somebody else, it was later signed. Jilly and I had fun chatting with the boys after show. The lovely host Howard Williams said HELLO and was pleased to see us "regular customers" at Woolmer Hill. Albert still was not 100 % ok after his appendicitis, and he seemed to need a break. Sue had put a huge poster together with lovely band photos which the boys personalized for her. After hanging out with the band, joking with Elio and Peter it was time to say good-night . For me it wasn't quite over as I spent another week in the UK with more gigs ahead !



Setlist  (not always in the right order)
Set 1
Your Boys
Two Step Too
Runaway Train
Wheels
Tiger Rag 
Travellin' Prayer
You're only lonely
Breathless
 
Set 2
Barnyard Boogie
Rad Gumbo
What am I gonna do with you  Wake up screaming
Can your grandpa rock'n roll like this
On the verge
You maybe right
Oh Darling
Crying in the rain
Leave my woman alone
Till I gain control again
Country Boy

Encore:
Don't
Tear it up

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes, Komedia Bath - 11 June 2009

Komedia Bath & some Sightseeing - 11/12 June 2009
The advert said: "Guaranteed to tear it up like no-one else, Albert Lee is widely considered to be one of the world's finest guitar players. With his band Hogan's Heroes, consisting of some of the UK's leading rock 'n' roll and country musicians, expect a night of musical fireworks."

Band:
Albert Lee, git, voc, key
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Elio Pace, key, acc, voc


My review:
The Komedia is a beautiful venue. Great hospitality and lovely people all over the place. I shared a table with some locals, mostly musicians who came to see Albert & the band for the first time. Some were from Chippenham where I had been earlier, and we enjoyed sharing memories from the Eddie Cochran Festivals and bands we had seen there.

The two ladies at my table were huge Billy Joel fans and when "Travellin' Prayer" was on and later "You may be right" they were in heaven! Elio won many hearts that night and was later surrounded by his new fans. Albert and the band were incredible and the audience just fantastic. This time all encores were given - and it was over too soon ! Photos with flash were not allowed, my old camera was unable to take proper pictures so only some very poor shots.

Downside: My hotel was a desaster and their car park was a sick joke, and to top it all - the staff were extremely unfriendly - never again!


However, the gig at night made up for everything. Also, I did some sightseeing around Bath, and next morning I passed a Ronnie Wood truck on my way to the next destination and did a quick snapshot by mobile !


Setlist (maybe not always in the right order)
Set 1
Your Boys
Two Step Too
Runaway Train
Wheels
Tiger Rag 
Travellin' Prayer
You're only lonely
Breathless
Set 2
Barnyard Boogie
Rad Gumbo
Wake up screaming
Can your grandpa rock'n roll like this
On the verge
You may be right
Oh Darling
Crying in the rain
Leave my woman alone
Till I gain control again
Country Boy

Encore:
Don't
Tear it up

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes, Cox's Yard Stratford-upon-Avon - 10 June 2009

Cox's Yard Stratford
Band:
Albert Lee, git, voc, key
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Elio Pace, key, accordion, voc 

My very brief review of the 10 June gig: 
Last string of Albert & HHs gig for a while, starting with Stratford. The place was packed and being a bit tired from the long drive I decided to move to the back where I could sit down from time to time (my burning feet said thank you). Unfortunately no photos possible as it was a stand-up gig and I had lots of tall people in front of me. Also, this venue has no good lighting but there are huge screens everywhere which guaranteed a good sight. Support act was Dean Johnson as already on some earlier Albert & HHs gigs. Again, the band delivered a brill performance although Albert still wasn't 100 % ok (thumbs up for him) and it got really hot in there. Jim did a great job to get a good sound together. Only one encore this time (Tear it up) - the Elvis song was skipped as they were running out of time.

The boys were much in demand after the show and had lots of stuff to sign. I met someone who turned out to be Roger Chapman's drummer and had played in my hometown Berlin a week earlier. However, I wasn't in town but somewhere on the road in the UK. Last not least, I bought the single ON THE VERGE (limited edition) which was only available on gigs.





Setlist (maybe not complete and not always in the right order)
Set 1

Your Boys
Two Step Too
Runaway Train
Wheels Tiger Rag 
Travellin' Prayer
You're only lonely
Breathless
Set 2
Barnyard Boogie
Rad Gumbo
Wake up screaming
Can your grandpa rock'n roll like this
On the verge
You may be right
Oh Darling
Crying in the rain
Leave my woman alone
Till I gain control again
Country Boy

Encore:
Don't 
Tear it up

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes at Rosehill Theatre Moresby - 06 June 2009

Mein erster Besuch in diesem schönen, etwas altmodischen Theater ..... es sollte nicht der letzte sein. Jedoch war es nicht mein erster Besuch in der schönen Landschaft Cumbria. 

Band:
Albert Lee, git, voc, key
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Elio Pace, key, accordion, voc


The Rosehill Theatre in Moresby/Whitehaven was a place in the middle of nowhere. Nevertheless we were surprised by the great response and the many dedicated guitar freaks who found their way to the gig. The boys opened with YOUR BOYS and went through their set like a well-oiled machine. My favourite that night was YOU'RE ONLY LONELY by J.D. Souther featuring both Albert and Gerry on identical acoustic guitars.

Sarah and I enjoyed a fantastic gig at this old-fashioned theatre which is a real little gem with nice people and a great sound - thanks to sound engineer Jim Williams. Elio kept the audience entertained doing his usual jokes which include creeping under the piano!

Just one thing should be mentioned, the stage was so high that we got a stiff neck at the end - so it's not recommended to book front row at this venue!  Shame that I couldn't see anything of Gerry who was completely hidden behind Albert's piano, blame it on the limited space onstage.

Nice chats and fun with the boys and some locals after the show. For me it was time to say bye-bye as this was my last gig for a little while. Next day back home from Liverpool airport.


Setlist (not quite complete and not always in the right order)
Set 1

Your Boys
Two Step Too
Runaway Train
Wheels Tiger Rag 
Travellin' Prayer
You're only lonely
Breathless
Set 2
Barnyard Boogie
Rad Gumbo
Wake up screaming
Can your grandpa rock'n roll like this
On the verge
You may be right
Oh Darling
Crying in the rain
Leave my woman alone
Till I gain control again
Country Boy

Encore:
Don't
Tear it up

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes, The Maltings, Berwick-upon-Tweed - 05 June 2009

Band:
Albert Lee, git, voc, key
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Elio Pace, key, acc, voc

05 June 2009.
Despite some sound problems and a not too busy

venue, the band delivered a great performance. I enjoyed the picturesque old city of Berwick. Nice to meet up with Mo, Sarah and Sue's son and also the lovely Jim Tait from Durham as well as Mary and husband from Newcastle!
Unfortunately, photos were not allowed, I managed to take only 2 quick shots at the end of the show.




Setlist (not quite complete and not always in the right order)
Set 1

Your Boys
Two Step Too
Runaway Train
Wheels
Tiger Rag 
Travellin' prayer
You're only lonely
Breathless

Set 2
Barnyard Boogie
Rad Gumbo
Wake up screaming
Can your grandpa rock'n roll like this
On the verge
You may be right
Oh Darling
Crying in the rain
Leave my woman alone
Till I gain control again
Country Boy

Encore:
Don't
Tear it up

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes, The Renfrew Ferry Glasgow - 04 June 2009

Glasgow, Renfrew Ferry - 04 June 2009

I enjoyed 2 sunny days in Glasgow, shopping and strolling along the river Clyde. Highlights were 2 Hogan's Heroes gigs, one of them at the Renfrew Ferry in Glasgow.


Band:
Albert Lee, git, voc, key
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Elio Pace, key, acc, voc


My brief review:
The Renfrew Ferry, 04 June 2009

My first visit to this unique venue. Great hospitality and a lovely audience. Albert & Hogan's Heroes delivered an outstanding performance, people enjoyed dancing and had a great time. It was nice to meet up with the twins Win and Margaret and little Vicky. We kept dancing to the great music on the upper floor from where we had a fantastic view down to the stage. Also nice to chat with the boys later. My hotel was in walking distance so I enjoyed walking back in the warm summer night along the River Clyde with illuminated bridges which looked fantastic !


Setlist (not quite complete and not always in the right order)
Set 1
Your Boys
Two Step Too
Runaway Train
Wheels
Tiger Rag 
Travellin' Prayer
You're only lonely
Breathless
Set 2
Barnyard Boogie
Rad Gumbo
Wake up screaming
Can your grandpa rock'n roll like this
On the verge
You may be right
Oh Darling
Crying in the rain
Leave my woman alone
Till I gain control again
Country Boy

Encore:
Don't
Tear it up


The History of the Ferry
The known history of Renfrew Ferries dates back to the 17th century. This vessel was the last major passenger/vehicle transporter to ply its trade between Yoker and Renfrew, carrying thousands of passengers daily across the River Clyde. Commissioned in 1952 the ferry operated as a carrier for 32 years until the run down of industry and the building of new routes e.g. The Clyde Tunnel and the M8 Kingston Bridge.

In 1989 The Ferry found a new home at Windmillcroft Quay in Glasgow city centre. Still on the banks of The River Clyde but now permanently moored and enhanced with the construction of a glass and steel atrium, it was soon to make it's mark as a multi purpose entertainment venue. Much of the vessel remained unchanged, therefore retaining an historical reminder of the past. The alterations had created kitchens, toilets and bars and the upper passenger decks were joined at either end forming a mezzanine floor with an all round over view of the lower deck. By day the glass construction would filter natural light creating a fresh outdoor feel yet protected from the elements. By night the combination of subtle lighting and spectacular views of The Clyde created a magical atmosphere.

From 1989 to 2004 The Ferry played host to a wide variety of events. It's dual level construction provided the perfect intimacy for large or small groups.

In 2005 The Ferry, now established as a major leisure venue, has undergone a complete refurbishment and has moved closer to the city centre at it's new berth on Anderston Quay. With the assistance of Glasgow City Council, as part off their river regeneration programme, The Ferry has new bars, toilets, a Top Deck restaurant and a superb sun deck. With it's ' All New ' facilities, The Ferry is ideally placed to meet the challenge of the 21st century.

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes at Coatbridge, Centre Point - 3rd June 09

Coatbridge, Centre Point

June 2009 - in Scotland again !

Fine weather and good gigs ahead, so I arrived in good spirits. First Scottish gig was in Coatbridge, Centre Point, which is located in the Glasgow area. Most of the audience was male, guitar freaks who stared at Albert's flying fingers having the time of their lives.

Hogan's Heroes delivered a brill performance although Albert was not 100 % ok after his surgery.

After the gig lots of photos were taken. I was glad to see that their new single "On the verge" was out as a limited edition. Of course I treated myself with a copy and had it signed by the boys later. Nice to meet Jean and husband from Hull, who were "newcomers" but fell immediately for the band. We swapped email addresses and I will certainly see them again on future gigs. For me, there was another gig in Scotland ahead next day.


Band:
Albert Lee, git, voc, key
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Elio Pace, key, accordion, voc


Setlist (not quite complete and not always in the right order)
Set 1
Your Boys
Two Step Too
Runaway Train
Wheels
Tiger Rag 
Travellin' Prayer
You're only lonely
Breathless
Set 2
Barnyard Boogie
Rad Gumbo
Wake up screaming
Can your grandpa rock'n roll like this
On the verge
You may be right
Oh Darling
Crying in the rain
Leave my woman alone
Till I gain control again
Country Boy

Encore:
Don't
Tear it up