Jan 25th. – I had the pleasure of going to Hugh’s Room Live once more to experience rock and pop music history in person. This time, it was for a performance by English guitarist Albert Lee, an accomplished performer with a resume of some big names across a wide range of styles and genres.

I knew this was gonna be a major performance for the venue when I arrived shortly after doors opened to a packed house. Later, with still more than 20 minutes before the show, the seats were already full. I’d been to a few shows here (though I’m hardly a regular like Jojo) and had never seen it this packed.

Clearly, Albert Lee’s reputation had drawn a crowd eager to see a master at work.

Starting the Show

The evening kicked off with a warm welcome from Michael Booth, the venue’s director, who briefly thanked everyone for helping renovate the space with some cheeky jokes about taxpayer dollars and the audience’s “involuntary contributions.” After a bit of introducing the act, it was time for the main event, played straight through with no intermission.

From the first note, it was clear why Albert Lee has been a go-to guitarist for icons like Eric Clapton (1978-1983), Emmylou Harris (joining her band in ’76), and The Everly Brothers. His playing was a masterclass in precision, jazz-style improvising, and passion, blending bluesy rock riffs with a folksy, country-tinged yet English sensibility.

Whether he was tearing through lightning-fast solos or gently weaving melodies, Lee’s guitar work was nothing short of mesmerizing.

Throughout the night, Lee’s stage presence was as warm and inviting as his playing. He chatted easily with the audience, sharing stories from his decades-long career and cracking the occasional joke. It was clear that this wasn’t just another gig for him—it was a chance to connect with fans and share his love of music.

The setlist was a delightful mix of originals and covers, with a particular focus on songs by legendary songwriters of the ’60s and ’70s. One standout moment for me was the band’s rendition of “Highwayman,” a Jimmy Webb tune made famous by the country music supergroup named after it, The Highwaymen.

Lee’s band, which included the talented J.T. Thomas on keyboards and vocals, provided the perfect backdrop for his guitar heroics. Midway through the set, Lee even hopped on an additional piano himself, showcasing his versatility as a musician.

A standing ovation

The crowd was on its feet by the end of the night, giving Lee and his band a well-deserved standing ovation. Of course, they returned for an encore, treating us to three more songs, including the band’s take on Chuck Berry’s “Back in the U.S.A.” that had everyone tapping their feet.

The band was Albert Lee on lead vocals, piano, and of course, guitar; J.T. Thomas on keyboards and vocals; David Chamberlain on bass; and Charlie Faragher on drums and vocals.

If you missed this show, don’t worry. Albert Lee’s performance was a reminder that true talent never fades, and if he ever comes back to town, you’ll want to be there. Until then, keep an eye on Hugh’s Room Live’s calendar—they’ve got a knack for bringing in artists who make history feel alive.

To keep up with Albert Lee, check out his website at albertleeofficial.com.