It was a quiet night at City Winery last week. Slowly and sporadically, the crowd shuffled into the small, dimly lit loft located on the top floor of the winery. As patrons ordered dinner and drinks they became friendly with their neighboring attendees, sharing banter, chit-chat, and a table while everyone waited for country legend Albert Lee to take the stage. Vaccinations were checked at the door. Some guests donned masks as they awaited their food, others opted not to.

Annapolis guitar player Ben McNulty opened the show, appearing first with nothing but a Telecaster and some backing tracks. He warmed the crowd up with a short set consisting of country covers and a couple of original tunes. McNulty was a decent guitar player, but it was tough getting past the backing tracks. The guitarist could certainly benefit from having an actual band behind him. 

Opening act Ben McNulty

Right after McNulty’s set, the small crowd, filled with anticipation and red wine-stained lips, welcomed Albert Lee to the stage with enthusiastic applause. Lee, holding his signature Ernie Ball guitar and backed by bassist David Chamberlain, keyboard player John Thomas, and drummer John D. Thomas, who is the keyboardist’s son, ripped through the 17-song set with ease. The setlist consisted of covers and included a number of songs made famous by Lee’s frequent collaborators including The Everly Brothers, Emmylou Harris, and the Crickets, as well as classics by Ray Charles, Glen Campbell and Chuck Berry. 

This was Lee’s first solo appearance in New York City since 2017. He has been named Guitar World’s “Best Country Guitar Player” five times, and won two Grammys for “Best Country Performance” in 2004 and 2008. 

Albert Lee plays the piano!

Lee and his band showcased the diversity of their talents, playing fast bluegrass-inspired jams and slow ballads alike. Lee, who is known for his virtuosic approach at country guitar playing, put down the guitar at various points to exhibit his piano talents and sang lead the entire night. Lee’s vocal talents are often overshadowed by his lightning-fast guitar playing, but he has a superb singing voice. 

After the show, Lee took to the floor with a glass of white wine to greet fans. “You’re an incredible player,” I told him. “I’m a little rusty,” Lee said with a smile.

Catch Albert Lee on tour, get tickets here!