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Rating:
Due to an improbable space-mathematical-temporal phenomenon (Gödel's first theorem), I was presented with the incredible opportunity to travel to the edges of our galaxy aboard the spaceship C57D. Unfortunately, time still passes inexorably here, but fortunately, there is a vast 'music library' on the ship, which also includes a section dedicated to the music of planet Earth. It is right here that I found these two excellent albums by Albert Lee.
Originally, "Hiding" was released in '79 (A&M) and "Albert Lee" in '82 (Polydor). The version I am about to review is the one proposed by Raven in '04, containing both albums (plus a bonus track) on a single CD for a total of over 76 minutes. The albums are of the same high compositional and creative level, are excellently produced, and do not present the slightest flaw, so I find it difficult to determine which is the better, although perhaps I might slightly lean towards the first. "Hiding" features an enviable cast of musicians including Emmylou Harris (Harmony vocals) and Mickey Raphael (Harmonica), while in "Albert Lee" the number of instrumentalists is significantly reduced, although there are three saxophonists. Albert brilliantly tackles a series of varied and never predictable tracks signed by notable musicians such as Mark Knopfler, John Hiatt, and Hank Devito.
Besides being a virtuoso of Rock Blues guitar, Lee employs a unique guitar technique through an intriguing combination of pick and fingers. Additionally, he is also an elegant singer and keyboardist. His multiple musical skills have allowed him to accompany various artists both in the studio and on stage, including Eric Clapton, Joan Armatrading, Guy Clark, and Emmylou Harris. Just to avoid writing only about 'hot air' or better yet 'fried void' (since I am currently in space), I want to highlight the tracks that impressed me the most, even though it wasn't easy. Tracks 1-10 "Hiding". Particularly sparkling and incisive "Country Boy" with a guitar engaged in a series of rather rapid and dizzying solos. Warm and enveloping "Billy Tyler" and "Are You Wasting My Time", the first for the magnificent harmonica and the second for the irresistible mandolin. More rhythmic and insinuating "Now And Then It's Gonna Rain" while "On A Real Good Night" and the title track "Hiding" are memorable ballads. Tracks 11-20 "Albert Lee". "Radio Girl" and "Your Boys" are carefree and enjoyable, while "So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad)" is indisputably a small masterpiece of melancholic emotions, thanks to Albert's sincere performance with voice and piano. "On The Boulevard" once again demonstrates the class and refinement of his vocal abilities. The atmosphere and sensations transmitted by these tracks make me fondly remember dear 'old' Earth, where one can take a peaceful car trip through mountain towns breathing fresh and clean air, at least for now... apologies for the digression, probably the first 'ill-fated' effects of space.
The booklet is adequate, containing a brief biographical note and some photographs, while the metaphysical covers are rather successful. I would also like to point out that if there are errors in the writing, the main reason is essentially due to the interference of the immense magnetic fields emitted by stars and planets on the tachyonic transmission (slow tachyons) that was used to 'send' this 'review'. Both the evaluation of the two albums and the subsequent mathematical average were obtained with the support of the 'amazing' Analytical Engine. Album rating 4.5 out of 5 (guitars). Guitar greetings from space (brv).
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