Album Notes

The Lee Boys are a dynamic African-American family gospel group from the Miami, Florida area. They play and sing in the House of God tradition, where the moaning, screaming and crying sound of the electric steel guitar reins supreme. Popularly known today as Sacred Steel Style of Music, the House of God tradition dates back to the 1930s when brothers Willie and Troman Eason introduced the instrument to the church's music-driven, celebratory worship services. The Lee family boasts three generations of compelling steel guitarists. The band members have all been making music in church since they were seven or eight years of age.

Group leader Alvin Lee lays down infectious rhythms on the guitar while his brothers sing straight from the heart. Keith belts out some of the most powerful gospel vocals to be heard anywhere. Smooth and soulful singing by Derrick, the youngest brother, further extends the groups range of expression.

Roosevelt Collier was taught how to coax the Holy Sprit from his 12-string pedal-steel guitar by his late uncle Glenn Lee, who was co founder of the group and helped established the band's sound. Roosevelt learned his lessons well. He ably carries on the family tradition by delivering passionate, rapid-fire licks and poignant solos that imitate the African-American singing voice.

Two more cousins power the rhythm section engine. Drummer Earl Walker beats out grooves that will have you up and dancing in nothing flat while "Little Alvin" Cordy provides funky bass on his seven-string instrument.

These engaging performers work well in a variety of venues ranging from intimate club settings to large festival stages. Most recently, they created a sensation during their summer 2002 Canadian tour, which included the Winnipeg Folk Festival, and wrecked the house at the Blues to Bop Festival in Lugano, Switzerland.

The Lee Boys deliver powerful gospel music with an exciting new sacred steel twist that never fails to thrill an audience; the swooping, soaring, moaning and rocking strains of the sacred steel guitar.