Albert Lee - Sweet Little Lisa overdub

[matsoberg1]

Albert tickles the most. And it´s NOT about the speed...Albert Lee is just so groovy!

[brianw793]

Sorry Slim, I must have upset you. You talk a lot of sense, and I agree that I mixed up my vowels regarding Dave EdmUnds. The great thing is that we both love good guitar playing and have different preferences. No hard feelings - BigBrian. ps: what do you think of Brian Setzer - I love him!!

[slimturnpike]

@brianw793 Cool, yeah I love Setzer's playing too, really interesting note choice, very tasteful.

[bbar1ish]

I feel that Albert is better even James Burton

[braddavis2]

In 1979 ... no doubt .... Albert Lee was King

[DaddysLittleFatty]

I love when Nick Lowe says " You've obviously read my pamphlet on this guitar playing thing " ..and yes , that's Huey Lewis ..

[brianw793]

I'm going to watch Albert tomorrow night in Aberdeen. Jealous? Big Brian

[daindo91]

Did I spot Huey Lewis in this?

[DaddysLittleFatty]

@daindo91  Yes , it's Huey Lewis ..

[slimturnpike]

hmmm edmunds remarks are a bit hyped if you asked me ... based on this clip at least. albert lee isn't the only country guitarist doing steel licks, nor is he the best at it (the late danny gatton, and brad paisley do it better, IMO, to name two). albert is a great guitarist, no question about it. but let's not get carried away.

[gmailvsl]

@slimturnpike You wanna take a vote? LOL

[slimturnpike]

@gmailvsl :) nah. if art and cuisine were a democracy it would be nothing but lady gaga and pizza :)

[gmailvsl]

@slimturnpike Ha Ha - very true.

[ReubenAdkins]

@slimturnpike

If it wasn't for Albert Lee, there wouldn't BE a Brad Paisley. The Tele Master list goes like this............

1) James Burton

2) Albert Lee

3) Roy Buchanan

3) Danny Gatton

If you haven't noticed, Paisley isn't on the list..........he isn't THAT good.

[slimturnpike]

@ReubenAdkins O great keeper of the list: Lee doesn't even play a tele; Paisley smokes Lee, in my opinion. And Gatton smokes the entire list;

[ReubenAdkins]

@slimturnpike But you ask ANY guitarist worth a damn, and Mr. Lee ranks VERY high in Tele circles, his nickname is even "Mr.Telecaster". And by the way, I'm no "great keeper of the list" as you call it, but this is a the chronological order of "Telemasters", ask any guitarist that knows.

And FYI, Danny Gatton is my favorite guitarist as well, but I stole every damn lick Albert Lee did before I got into Gatton.

[hotbeard23]

@slimturnpike Take the comments in the context of the time.

[SteveSbc406]

@slimturnpike As good as Brad Paisley is, you're absolutely out of your mind if you think he's better than Albert Lee, lol. That's laughable... Even Paisley himself would laugh at that comment. Brad is not even close to being on Albert's level. By your statement it's obvious that you haven't heard much of Albert's work. Your comparison with Gatton isn't as far off, as he's closer to Albert, but even he isn't as good. You had better go thoroghly check out Alberts work. Your view WILL change.

[slimturnpike]

@SteveSbc406 I take it you do not play guitar yourself. I do. Brad can play anything Albert can. Vice versa? No. Sorry about that. ;)

[bbar1ish]

@slimturnpike Paisley is really good.... but he's no albert lee... sorry

[slimturnpike]

@bbar1ish No apologies necessary ... you are wrong.

[bbar1ish]

@slimturnpike I'm a lot of things.. but in this case "wrong" isn't one of them. As good as Brad is, and I really like him, Albert is on another level, from most everybody else not just Brad Paisley.

[brianw793]

Have you watched Albert live? I doubt it. I have been guitar playing for over 50 years (same as Albert) and he is a genius. I went to school with Bruce Welch and Hank Marvin but they could not hold a candle to him as they would admit. Don't forget that Dave Edmonds is a great player (Sabre Dance) but I don't suppose you will have heard of that. Long live Albert. Big Brian

[slimturnpike]

@brianw793 I've been playing since 1959. Not only heard of Dave Edmunds, but also know how to spell his name. And have met him, while he was producing a friend's album in London. Very good player (great feel - not a technical player), but his opinion of Lee's playing is no more valid than mine or yours. It's just an opinion, if you don't agree, fine.

[slimturnpike]

@slimturnpike I don't even like Paisley's music very much but technically -- to *my* ears (and I have seen all of these guys play live) -- Lee is good at what he does but is more limited in his technique than BP His steel-style licks don't even come close, in my opinion. Lee's greatest strength is fast bluegrass-style flatpicking but there's more to country guitar than that. These guys are all good, I enjoy listening to all of them. And if had to listen to only one, I'd be bored.

[bashfulbrother]

@slimturnpike Don't mean to take issue with you but Albert Lee and James Burton were the only two guitar players on the planet in the 60's who were doing this kind of playing. He IS the originator and if you listen to paisley, or gatton on tape, these guys will admit that they stole their chops from Albert Lee. He was the first country shredder.

[slimturnpike]

@bashfulbrother I'm not talking in terms of country guitar history - Burton was before Lee anyway - just where the players are at *now*. I have heard them all, and I stand by my comments, please take the time to read them as I've gone over my reasons before.Lee might have the edge if speedpicking, but Paisley does the steel thing better IMHO and has a wider range in general. Feel free to differ in opinion. I respect yours, please respect mine.

[bashfulbrother]

@slimturnpike I don't know what I wrote that was disrespectful. If I was I am sorry. Not intended. I was simply trying to make the point that these guys are the originators of tele shredders like Paisley, Gill, Mason. I have records of Albert Lee from the early 50's playing rock-a-billy. Paisley does a lot of playing outside which is cool and I am a fan.

Go and listen to him talk about his guitar work on the 60th anniversary telecaster video.

Again, no disrespect meant at all.

[jakehadlee]

@slimturnpike There was no BP (or Vince, or Brent) in 1979, so in the context of the video Edmond's comments weren't overhyped. To be honest, there's no better or best, but for my money Lee is the more accomplished musician than Paisley, just less of a showman. BP has some pretty fancy tricks that can be fun. I like both. And there'd be no Paisley without Albert.

[nipperooney]

Speed

[kentishtowncowboy]

I just wish i could have seen his hands on the fretboard when he actually got into the recorded solo!!!! Great LP, Repeat When Necessary.

[dafsaer]

So... any comments on the b-bender, folks?

[tang126]

I love these older clips from Albert Lee where he's playing a Telecaster. In recent years, he's playing those Ernie Ball/Music Man guitars in that second or fourth position with that Strat "quack". Don't get me wrong...it's the same great playing, either way. I simply prefer to hear his style via a biting Tele.

So, yes...it's "bite" vs. "quack". I'll take bite every time. :)

I know he must like his EB/MM guitars, but I wish he'd at least put the switch in the #1/bridge only position.

[slimturnpike]

@tang126 Have to agree there.

[thenivensuk]

saw this docu in the 80's - is it available in full anywhere on the net?

[orkneymiss]

Great video.

[ffxvilin]

What a wonderful video. Superb editing job: a wonderful story and it's so nice to see the crew enjoy albert's play. And the music is incredible. Wow!

[alangriff1]

Albert Lee I feel is very underated. I was introduced to his music in the early 80's by a friend and was impressed by his ability immediately. He's a brilliant guitarist for sure.

[anitadavideduo]

Great video!!

[Baci302]

I think that's the best piece of rock and roll guitar playing I've ever seen/heard. LOL @ 3:53 and 4:06. Those riffs blew me away too!

[sockerconny2008]

Than'k you, than'k you, than'k you!!! One of my favorite guitar sessions ever! Never knew this whas on film!

[emithband]

...Huey Lewis there too!!!...probably around the time Clover was in England and when they backed Elvis Costello...

[pat976]

Just amazing... are there move videos of that session ?

[Skraboing649]

Every now and again if I'm feeling a bit low or tired or whatever, I return to this clip and it always puts a smile on my face. As Dave said in the clip, "to hear that man play the way he does is a joy." Pure and simple :o)

[SirTrueheart]

Witch year was this from?

[kevland1]

Early, early B bender!

The guy at 3:04 sure looks like Huey Lewis.

[ohblimey21]

Albert's a great guitarist and the only reason I said I disliked this video was because of Edmunds fawning over him a bit naively. All that stuff about 'he's truly original and never borrowed any stuff off others', yeah right. Get out a bit more Dave and go to Nashville etc where there are a ruck of guys who play like this AND probably taught Albert a fair bit. Danny Gatton? By the way, the only guy who I always thought was 'his own man' electrically is Richard Thompson.

[LesPaulKLO]

Is that Phil Lynott at 2:46 ? If it is thats really really cool :)

[MrCercami]

who is the man with ths funny mimic ?????

[skynutt]

Also look easy to see Huey Lewis of HL & The News in this video.

[skynutt]

Great licks, listen to the final version on Dave Edmunds album it is fantastic. Also if you like other videos of Alert try Carlene Carter “I Fell in Love” Albert plays lead and you will see him playing a very different guitar.

[nicolaas81]

Heeft iemand misschien de karaoke versie van albert Lee's songs...

I'm Ready en Little Lisa.

Thanks

[robertg56a]

I've seen Albert Lee many times with the Everly Bros. He's an amazing guitarist. He's just so understated. Him and Richard Thompson are my faves.

[nirvgardengod]

really great,,an original

[KingHopeMusic]

This is why I love Dave Edmunds!!! He championed Albert Lee and pretty much introduced him to the world!! Jeeeez... just listen to Albert warmin' up.... all those killer pedal steel type bends and such! So many of "todays" Nashville guitarists owe their style to Albert!! Great post. ~KK

[alewales]

Don't know if anyone's suggested this? I think this was an edition of The South Bank Show?

I remember it being screened because, at the time, I was working a night-shift at BSC and managed to sneak off and watch the first half of the show, only to be found and 'invited' to a union meeting. Haha.

Billy Bremner, the guitarist with Rockpile was no slouch, very under-rated!

[lollipop17280]

RE. JHDrunk's comment. I can't remember the name of the documentary but it covered Nick LOwe and DE recording their respective albums etc. It was ATV, I once wrote to them but they seemed to know nothing about it. It would be great if the whole doc could be unearthed.

[waygonedaddy]

Love this video.

Dave Edmunds and Nigel Tufnel: Separated at Birth?

[iselliot]

From "Born Fighter" an amazing documentary about the recording of Sweet Little Lisa and other tracks that would go on both Edmunds and Lowe solo records. I think Edmunds- a guy who's used to being the hot shot- is completely freaked out by Albert's prowess. His expressions at 3:37 will show. And yes- Huey Lewis and Phil Lynott hanging out in the control room.

Lowe- "Listen, you've obviously read my pamphlet on these tracks...."

[Gustav028]

He is using a B-Bender Tele , right???

[gwf3]

@Gustav028 Yes, thats a Dave Evans built guitar with an Evans b-bender.

[JHDrunk]

I remember seeing the late-night TV documentary - late 70s/early 80s - which featured this wonderful clip and I've been an Albert Lee fan ever since - pity I didn't record it - I'm glad someone did. I recall there was a lot of Nick Lowe in it - swearing a bit! I've seen both Albert and Dave Edmunds in recent times and they both still do the Biz just great

[canadianroot]

Coming from DE, that's high praise (and no small amount of modesty on Dave's part....a hugely talented guitarist in his own right.....check out his rendition of Lady Madonna).

Watching DE's reaction alone is worth the price of admission. See Nick's face when it's done....he can't speak because he can't breathe!

DAMN.....6 stars!

[DougAdams1]

Huey Lewis plays harp for Dave, covered "Bad is Bad?

[jpipoto]

Hi, where can I find the original? DVD? Like that very much.

[alroto2003]

Check the guy sat on the right at the back at 2m 46s - Phil Lynott?

[BucksStudent]

Weird seeing Huey Lewis in there.

[Laverdadduele1]

Dave looks mesmerized hearing Albert's delicious licks...

[psychkoala]

Love that version of SWEET LITTLE LISA.

Always thought that Albert's playing here was incredible.

Dave is such a great player himself -- It speaks volumes that he asked Albert do to play on it.

Kind of like a legendary sheriff deputizing a gunslinger to help keep order in a dangerous town. You know he's got to be a badass.

[Imbleedinmodrophenic]

met him last night after a bill wyman and the rhythm kings gig - lovely man and very talented!!! xxxx

[derwillider]

Albert Lee is one of the worlds best guitarists, the best for those, who enjoy his way to play!

[creelump]

Is Dave drinking a tall glass of scotch? Great video thanks for posting this.

[GeneVRocks]

Great job!

[ironmonger100]

Dave, Nick and the others just looked completely awestruck as that was happening. Nuff said. Prefer Albert with a Tele. Great video, captured somethin special here

[theleftymonster]

Albert is a great guy, I saw him once on a guitar clinic. what a gentleman.

[rocknrollcyberboy]

I had the pleasure to record with albert lee in 2004...we did my album "in the hills" at mill hill studios...it was so fun as we sat and recorded the tracks first take and live..unforgetable,i also had the pleasure that boz boorer was there to produce.Love dave too...nearest ive been is recording with John david...hes ex love sculpture/dave edmunds...rock n roll lives;))

[Frontierex]

Saw Albert a few weeks ago and he is just as good and that is 30 years after this clip! Albert you Rock

[Frontierex]

Dave is so funny on this he looks like he is having a fit. And Nick is hilarious! They all cant believe it!

[EdzoMan]

What the hell is Huey Lewis doing there?

[stuka52]

Huey has connections to Nick Lowe (produced his solo album.) He also plays harmonica on others recordings including Thin Lizzie etc.

[perry4venus]

As I recall Huey's Clover were on Costello's Lowe produced My Aim is True?

[Telemichu]

Just unforgetable....

[bartobar]

... yeah, what a wonderful find is this vid.

This is one of my all-time best examples of Albert's country-rock playing and the very best on the B-bender ever on the planet.

Another fine example might be on the song 'music to the man', third and last album of Heads, Hands & Feet.

[mickeymoose76]

dave sounds geordie doesnt he?

[Nachtovision]

I didn't know this existed! Legendary session!!!

[JHDrunk]

see my comment just posted - it's a pity the TV companies don't release this stuff commercially - ther's a great niche market out there and a re-run would be great and much better than the crap they put out now.

[gillan5]

Phil Lynott in the background i guess.

[mcloginguitar]

Never endless ideas on a standard basic rock chord progressions!He's a master!

[Alabamaexpress]

Wow and he even has time to tune astring while playing

Sean

[FGARVIN8]

Albert Lee is a true giant among guitarists of all genres. His playing at 2:33 - 2:40 and 3:33 - 3:35 is absolutely poetic.

[uffanonok]

Great! I'm going to see Albert tomorrow in concert, some years later ... but still great.

Thanks for post this very interesting stuff.

[gmailvsl]

I'll be seeing him again on 23 April 2009 with Hogan's Heroes.

Fantastic show

[krelbar]

@gmailvsl I'm seeing him tonight in Foxboro...first time!

[easyTaff]

Albert said to me at gig when talking about Tommy Emmanuel he said now "HE is a great guitarist". Your not so bad yourself Albert!! Bloody brilliant with the Rythym Kings.

[Fitzliputzli23]

Great to have this little insight in Albert's studio routine. He just walks in and before he even takes out his jacket he has already mount a flawless guitar track and drinks his closing-time-beer.

[philippaps44]

does anyone know which are his best albums?

[blood5150]

Young Huey Lewis on the right at 1:56

[Schmoedipus]

This was 1978 or 79, I think. It's from a British TV documentary called "Born Fighter" which you may be able to find some BitTorrent sites.

[emilernebro]

What year was this? Thanks for posting

[syncopater999]

I saw this when it was made. Great to see it again.

[syncopater999]

Now I am not so sure if it was the right clip. The one I saw years ago was similar with Dave Edmunds and I recall the guitar player with Dave looking at Albert playing and realising that Albert had a god given talent which he wished he had.

[bobgure]

What the ?!

FAntastic! Where did you get this?

Is there more?

Thanks a heap.

[DAVARIAMAN]

Phil lynott in the corner @ 2.53?

[VSLive]

It is indeed.

[Elvisp67]

I love this rare video! Been a fan of Albert since the end 70-ties when I heard/saw him play on a tv-show. Been to many concerts of him with Hogans Heroes. He's just amazing! A 100% musician. Keep on rockin' Albert! You're the best!

Thanx for posting this vid!

5 stars!

[epicmeade]

this has always been one of my favorite guitars solo's ever. i never dreamed i would be able to see it being recorded.thanks gmailvsi. and to see Huey Lewis, Phil Lynott, Nick Lowe & Dave Edmunds all watching from the control room is just priceless.i love when nick holds his head in his hands,blown away, but then say's "You've obviously read my pamphlet on how to play guitar".

[canadianroot]

love dave's expression at around 4:08. just says it all. and nick's line, "have you read my pamphlet on guitar playing techniques?"

brilliant!

[Tycho114]

Yup. Brilliant. Thanks for posting.

Albert talked about this session at one of his clinics. He said that when he heard the record, he was surprised how high Dave put him in the mix, and added: "He must have liked it."

[fiddlefolk]

albert gave all of us the tele bug. thanks albert for all the cool stuff you come up with!

[Schmoedipus]

Brilliant. I was just going to upload this but I saw you beat me to it.

[gmailvsl]

Caught his show with Hogan's Heroes last Wed.

He was incredible despite his recent accident.

[VintageReverb]

Is it Phil lynnot sitting in the backround there?

[gmailvsl]

Yep - Certainly looks like him

[jarirusi]

@gmailvsl Lynott was there and Huey lewis is standing.

[BillyBobYT]

@gmailvsl Huey Lewis in the jacket and tie?

[GeneVRocks]

@BillyBobYT Yes,Huey is there and Phil Lynott sitting in the sofa.

[KENBURNS47]

@VintageReverb Yea.....at about 2:50 right?

[VintageReverb]

@KENBURNS47 Yep! ..has to be him. Didn't expect to see him there..hehe

[LoneLambert]

This is a cut from a one hour long documentary filmed when Edmunds and Rocpile recorded "Repeat when necessary" in Eden Studios in West London appx 1978. Think the documentary was called "Born Fighter" which is also the title of a song on the Nick Lowe album "Labour of Lust", recorded at the same time.

[Jules6120]

This is one of my all time favourite songs - Dave Edmunds and Albert Lee together. The second time I saw Albert Lee solo he opened with this song a few years back. Honestly I have listened to this song thousands of times. I can't believe I have seen this footage!

[dunskie]

Is that Huey Lewis in the control room?

[326cir]

I believe it is - along with Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy tugging his forelock.

This damned video's like a drug. Can't seem to get enough of it.

[mysterysurf]

What a find! This is amazing -- always loved this song and Albert's playing on it, but to see and hear this is just damned remarkable.

[326cir]

I can't stop watching and listening to this. I can remember hearing it on Roger Scott show on Capitol Radio (afternoon housewife's and factory worker's slot) when it was first released in '78 or '79. He must have risked the wrath of God for playing it so many times.

Albert's guitar work blew my socks into orbit - still does. So rewarding to see how it was put together and to see Edmunds, Fairweather-Lowe, Phil Lynott and others watch in awe.

Thanks gmailvsl (whoever you may be).

[326cir]

Sweet joy - having been taken off the Tube for a while, I can't tell you how great it is to see this back.

For all those doubting johnnies who think Albert's just a country picker this should ram it firmly, but politely up your nostrils!

[ddoggface]

Awesome!