THE only Albert Lee I ever knew was a tall, quiet, dignified Wearsider chief engineer on ocean-going vessels.

He was a virtuoso on spanners and is no longer with us. This Albert Lee was born in Hertfordshire 60 years ago and is a great technician on anything with strings. Albert has played alongside most of the greats - Eric Clapton, Jerry Lee Lewis, Joe Cocker, Emmylou Harris, The Everly Brothers, Lonnie Donegan and... Chas And Dave. He is up there among the finest guitar pickers, living or dead. Emmylou Harris said she will tell St Peter with pride: I played rhythm guitar with Albert Lee. That's All Right Mama offers a 27-track R&B, rock, country and hillbilly testimonial to Lee's breathtaking guitar skills including ten numbers with legendary Black Claw. He even manages a passable version of Dylan's Lay Lady Lay and Donegan's Midnight Special. Heartbreak Hill is more countryish with highlights including the title track and Two More Bottles Of Wine. Both Albert Lees served their time and both have given something special to the world.

Updated: 09:00 Thursday, November 13, 2003