Alvin Lee - Saguitar Album Review

Alvin Lee
Saguitar
Rare
Album Review

Alvin Lee is one of the most famous British blues guitarists, catapulted to prominence when his band Ten Years After was captured on film in the Woodstock documentary. Alongside guitar heroes like Clapton, Page, and Peter Green, there was a belief that Alvin Lee relied a lot on flash and speed, however his grit and bluesy feel have continued to become more sophisticated over time. With over 20 albums on the shelves, Lee's output has diminished in his 50s and 60s, and it is over 10 years since his last original studio recording.

Saguitar is a collection of odds and ends of ideas, largely recorded in his home studio, with few guests. Like many such albums, there is a feeling that the words are simply there to put some room between the solos. With Lee's voice sounding like a growly Mark Knopfler, and his guitar sounding sharp, this is pretty accessible British blues rock. There are missteps - it's hard to hear Rapper, where Lee does actually attempt to rap - but the variety of styles keeps the album interesting: there is some rockabilly, some jazz, some Dire Straits rock and a lot of great (and unpretentious) guitar playing. It's clear that stepping beyond Ten Years After allows welcome room for movement.

3.5/5

Mike Rea