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the lee boys at blackwater sol revue
interview with Alvin Lee of the Lee Boys
by rick grant    rickgrant01@comcast.net

WHAT: Blackwater Sol Revue

WHEN: Sunday, September 2nd

WHERE: St. Augustine Ampitheater


      The Lee Boys are a group of gospel-influenced blues players who incorporate a pedal steel into their sound. Featuring three brothers: Alvin Lee on guitar, Derrick Lee and Keith Lee on vocals; along with their three nephews: Roosevelt Collier on pedal steel, Alvin Cordy, Jr. on seven-string bass, and Earl Walker on drums, the Lee Boys are a family of musicians.

      This extended family grew up in church where the family patriarch was the pastor. The Lee brothers started playing when they were just 8-years old. Then, in 2000, Lee Sr. died followed by a Lee sibling. This family tragedy was the inspiration for the band. Alvin Lee and his brothers taught their nephews to play and the group was officially born as a viable entity in 2001.

      They call their sound “sacred steel,” which is inspired by gospel and blues with a spiritual message that also appeals to general audiences. The group has three self-produced live albums out, The Lee Boys Live on Stage, It’s No Secret, and Say Yes. The pedal steel, which cuts through the mix like a Ginzu knife, and Alvin’s guitar comping creates a distinctive sound that heals the beast within.

      To get the skinny on Alvin and the steel boys, I called him at his home.



EU: You guys make a joyful noise for the Lord. Is that an apt description of your group?

Alvin Lee: (laughing) Absolutely, we are a spiritual group but we play many secular concerts and let the music speak for itself. The pedal steel is like a slide guitar but more penetrating, which gives our music its special sound.



EU: So how did this family group get together?

AL: In 2000, our father died and shortly after that my brother died. So, we felt that we wanted to honor them by forming a group that could play both churches and secular concerts. We taught our nephews to play and cranked up the band in 2001. Since then, we have been playing festivals, clubs, and special events.



EU: Your link with blues is interesting, how did that come about?

AL: As you know, gospel is a close cousin of blues, especially in the rhythm. So we use blues rhythms and gospel arrangements and it comes out as The Lee Boys’ sound. We try to touch people with our music but we re not preaching. We just want the people to enjoy our show and music. Some people have said we’ re too blues to be gospel and too gospel to be blues. So somewhere in between, we have created an original sound.



EU: I’ve noticed that your albums are recorded live. Is this your credo? And, have you approached Bruce Iglaur of Alligator Records about signing you since you are playing gigs with JJ Grey and Mofro that is now in the Alligator stable.

AL: Yes, we would much rather record live. And to answer your next question, we know Bruce very well and he likes us but he’s waiting for us to write more original music. We feel confident that he will make us an offer somewhere down the line.


The Lee Boys inspire audiences through their music which connects them to spiritual forces that may or may not be in a traditional religious context.

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