Alvin Lee: We Lost Another Great

I can not tell you how many hours I have spent listening to Alvin Lee in my life.  Whether it was when he was with Ten Years After or solo, whether it was balls out rock and roll or one of the sweetest blues guitars ever.  Sadly, Alvin passed away Wednesday morning. According to his website, he died do to complications during a routine surgery.  I am to the age where lots of my heroes have died or are dying, but I must admit, this one really made me sad.

I was with Jimmy Nace one time listening to a band and I heard him tell the guitar player, "Man, you can play fast and loud, but I don't know what you are trying to say."  That comment has stuck with me for years and it's how I judge all music I guess.  Do I know what you are trying to say?  I always knew what Alvin Lee was trying to say, to me he was one of the greats. I think tonight I'll crack open a cold one and let Alvin tell me a story.