Albert Gene Drewery - Master of the Telecaster

Albert Collins Humboldt State University, Arcata CA Friday November 29th, 1991

I saw Albert Collins a lot, as much as I possibly could have seen him. I saw him at Jonathan Swifts in Harvard Square with that long guitar cable; I saw him at the Channel; I saw him at Humboldt State University when I was driving across the US of A in 1991. Things were different in CA as opposed to Boston. At home, when they announced a Collins show all the guitar freaks would hustle for the best seats. The show was general admission so we got there early, only to find that there was only another five or six people ahead of us. Totally unexpected, but cool! Doors opened and I got an isle seat, row two. I made a handful of images and fully enjoyed the close proximity to Albert and the band. The show was in early November and I departed northern California and headed south soon there after. A month or so later I was in Las Vegas, camped out in my little truck, enjoying the city on my limited budget. Gambling isn't typically my thing, and going through a roll of quarters in about a minute on the slots was not my idea of fun. However I had heard from someone that I could find generous video games over at Circus-Circus, so I went there. A few hours of game playing (with less that 1/2 a roll of quarters wasted) and who do I see at the slot machines than Albert Collins! At least it looked like Albert. I looked again, yep, that's him. He saw me looking at him and he smiled so I said "Hi, Mr Collins" He seemed surprised and in fact he asked: "Do you know me?" I said "You're Albert Collins aren't you?". What ensued was a full hour of talk about life, driving and trucks, Boston and his home in Las Vegas. Eventually his wife tired of my conversation (ever speak to someone who has been on the road, alone for a while? They go on and on....) Anyway as I was leaving Albert told me "Next time that I'm in Boston and you're around, come see me." 

In November of 1993 Albert and the band came into town on a double bill with Lonnie Mack, doing a gig at Nightstage. Because I knew the lay of the venue I made my way downstairs to the green room. Both bands were there hanging out and I waited until Albert noticed me. When I reminded him of our conversation in Las Vegas he turned to his band and said "This is the guy I was telling you about!". He sure made me feel good that day.