Albert Lee – Tearing It Up, Blu-Ray (2012)

Albert Lee – Tearing It Up, Blu-Ray (2012)
Performers: Albert Lee – guitar, piano, vocals; Alexandra Lee – vocals; Randle Currie – pedal steel guitar; JT Thomas – piano; Bob Glaub – bass; Don Heffington – drums (TrackList follows)
Studio: AIX Entertainment AIX 85054 (Distr. by Naxos) [6/26/2012]
Producer/Director: Mark Waldrep
Video: 1.77:1 for 16:9 1080p HD Color
Audio: PCM Stereo 2.0 (96 kHZ/24-bit)/ 5.1 Dolby Digital; 5.1 Dolby HD
Length: 100 minutes
Rating: Audio *****     Video ***1/2
If guitarist Albert Lee is unknown in music circles consider this, Earl Scruggs referred to him as a “guitar wizard”. Despite the lack of commercial viability, this respected English guitarist is the premier country artist in his native land. Heavily influenced by country-tinged rock and roll stars like Buddy Holly and The Everly Brothers, his music drew on many genres including r&b. As a young “guitar hero” in the sixties, his blazing speed was legendary. His individual albums and session work (Herbie Mann, Emmylou Harris, Jackson Browne, Joe Cocker, John Prine, Jerry lee Lewis and Bo Diddley) speaks to the renown he has earned in the industry.
Tearing It Up is a testament to Lee’s instrumental prowess. A 14-song set features some of the memorable songwriters of the modern era. The opening cut (“I’m Ready”) gets things off to a blistering start. Lee has an immense talent for tasty guitar licks. His high-pitched voice seems to have the right twang for electric country. The band is excellent as JT Thomas contributes a rocking solo on piano. A Buddy Holly vibe comes alive on the Sonny Curtis rockabilly number “Rock Around With Ollie Vee”. Swing tempo permeates Carl Perkins “Restless” and there is an engaging solo by Randle Currie (pedal steel).
Lee and his band mates are comfortable with many styles. “Brand New Heartache” feels like authentic Western Swing. There is a great homage to 50s heartbreak on “Sleepless Nights”. Two crossover songwriters get covered in different arrangements. Gram Parson’s “Luxury Liner” cooks with a harder rock edge and tempo brakes. Veteran composer Hoyt Axton (“The Pusher”, “Joy to The World”) gets a discreet reading on “Evangelina”. Whether it’s old time rock and roll (Lieber & Stoller’s “Don’t”) or introspective toughness (John Hiatt’s “Rock Of Your Love”), Lee is perfectly on cue. The closest thing to a “hit”, (the self-penned “Country Boy”) is a rollicking good time party jam. Included in the bonus material is “Albert’s Guitars” which details his amazing collection.
The quality and clarity of the sound mix (PCM Stereo and 5.1) is luxurious and reflects the emerging impact of Blu-ray technology as used by AIX. Whether it’s the nuanced touch of pedal steel or the percussive shading of the piano, the audio is top notch. The tones of the guitar are rich and fluid. The video footage is straightforward with limited gimmickry, and that suits this artist.
TrackList: I’m Ready; Rock Around With Ollie Vee; Hanging On; Restless; Brand new Heartache; ‘Till I Gain Control Again; Sleepless Nights; Luxury Liner; Evangelina; Rock Of Your Love; Country Boy; Don’t; Dimming Of The Day; Tear It Up; Bonus Material: Interviews; “Learning To Play”; “Albert’s Guitars”
—Robbie Gerson