Review: Peter Asher and Albert Lee at Sellersville Theater

When veteran Brit music makers Peter Asher and Albert Lee played Sellersville Theater Sunday, they did two truly rare things. The first was making visit a matinee, a delightful afternoon for which even Asher was unprepared. "I normally have one of these after 10 p.m. when we usually finish," he said, signaling a cold martini while wondering if perhaps a spot of tea might be more appropriate.

The second rarity was that the pair spoke at length - even more than they sang and played - winsomely, and in depth about their illustrious pasts. They should; both have arm-long pedigrees.

Lee is a Chet Atkins-esque guitarist who made his reputation playing R&B, country and rockabilly as part of legendary back-up bands for the Everly Brothers and Emmylou Harris. He's also played with fellow six-string maestro Eric Clapton and his heroes, Buddy Holly's Crickets.

Asher was half of '60s hit-makers Peter & Gordon (their first hit was the Paul McCartney-penned "World Without Love"). He also managed Carole King and James Taylor, the latter whom he produced - as he did other mellow California types like Linda Ronstadt and Bonnie Raitt.

Lee was the more soulful, sharing soft, bluesy country licks on hits such as Taylor's "Handy Man," and sitting behind an electric piano for an emotive "Highwayman" from composer Jimmy Webb. Lee's harmony vocals were the blue glue behind Everlys' covers such as the gentle "Let It Be Me" and jumpy "Bye Bye Love." That left Asher to lead the chipper way, vocally (his highs were intact on his 1965 hit "I Go to Pieces") and conversationally.

These gentlemen had between-song stories to spare, the sort no one bothers to use in concert, which is a shame. How interesting would gigs by Elton or Rod be if they gossiped about who worked what knob? Asher and Lee name-dropped (with Brit pop elders such as Del Shannon and Cliff Richard) with a raconteur's aplomb.

The cutest tale found McCartney dating Peter Asher's sister Jane, a model, living in the Asher household (mom taught Beatles producer George Martin the oboe), and rooming next to Peter.

When McCartney penned "World Without Love" - deemed too cute by John Lennon - Peter asked for the song, which "Paul maddeningly finished in eight minutes . . . nd yes I have the original just in case the music business goes down and I have to run like the wind to Sotheby's."

Charming.