Alvin Lee wasn't a RockBottom, of course, not in the normal sense, he was one of the best guitarists on the planet and had enjoyed huge success with Ten Years After and beyond. I just wanted to say a few words about a man whose music had brought me so much pleasure.
Ever since I first heard "I'm Going Home" on the Woodstock album and saw the film I was spellbound by Alvin's guitar playing. I wanted to be able to play like that. I practiced my arse off but, of course, I never reached those heights. The riff to "Love Like a Man" was about as far as I got but it didn't matter because I could always listen to the real thing on the Ten Years After albums.
I was disappointed when Alvin left Ten Years After, somehow it wasn't the same afterwards although the others carried on and are still performing to this day - good on them.
The RockBottom here seems to be in the manner of his demise, apparently as a result of complications following a surgical procedure. The family haven't released the full details and their privacy is to be respected but whatever the cause of Alvin's death they have my commiserations and heartfelt sympathy.
He was a fine musician and I for one am very glad that he shared his craftsmanship with the world. Alvin Lee died on March 6th in Spain, aged 68.
As my regular readers know, I like to recommend things that I have myself enjoyed and think they might too. With Alvin this is a very long list so I'm going to limit it to the very best. If you want to experience Alvin's guitar work then one of the live albums would be a good choice, see my special TYA selection in the "Celebrated RockBottoms Store." For now, however, this is the one I have on my MP3 player and as a CD, it has all the best studio and live stuff, yes - including "I'm Going Home," and is available as a CD, (the picture link below), or as an MP3.
Ten Years After - The Best Of (Audio CD)
14 tracks to introduce you to the band and, in particular, Alvin Lee's superior guitar work. If you prefer an MP3, it's here The Best Of Ten Years After
.The current situation on eBay, is shown below:
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