In Tennessee

A true labor of love, Alvin Lee’s In Tennessee(2004) pairs the renowned British guitar hero with original Elvis Presley sidemen Scott Moore and D.J. Fontana to rousing effect. Recorded at Moore’s home studio in Nashville, it features a brace of Lee originals rooted in ‘50s rockabilly modes. Though he only contributes his signature guitar licks to two tracks, Moore’s influence is unmistakable here. Fontana’s driving drumwork meshes nicely with Pete Pritchard’s thumping double bass lines and Willie Rainsford’s tasty piano fills. Lee taps into the swagger and zest of Sam Phillips’ Sun Records sessions with his genial vocals and masterful lead guitar work. From the jazz-seasoned bop of “Let’s Boogie” to the Chuck Berry–style rock of “How Do You Do It” and the blazing boogie of “Tell Me Why,” the upbeat tunes capture an infectious sense of fun. The slow simmer of “Something’s Gonna Get You” (featuring Tim Hinkley on organ) and the acoustic/electric guitar interplay of “Getting Nowhere Fast” add some textural variety. A rootsy take on Lee’s Ten Years After classic “I’m Going Home” rocks this spirited musical summit meeting to a joyful conclusion.