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Atkins is one of the masters of the guitar. What else is there to say.
I am not a big fan of country music as such, but dont get turned away by the country connotations - This is absolutely stunning music - the music takes precedence over technical genius.you are just left speechless at the sheer beauty of the guitar tone - if you still need a reason, just listen to 'yesterday'. Its very rare to come across musicians of this caliber, who make it look so easy. Chet Atkins is Mr.Guitar for a reason, the guitar just an extension of himself. This version seems to take the original song and paint it more beautiful with guitar notes, than can ever be done by mere words. As has often been said, Chet Atkins will make you respect the guitar in all its majesty more than ever, sans pick.
(Way too uncool). A couple of years ago I became fascinated by George Benson's 60s jazz guitar playing and visited his website where I found an unexplained picture of Chet Atkins (not still there). Having grown up in the 60s I saw Chet on tv and had read that he was an important influence on George Harrison, but never sat down and listened to him. So I got this album and now I want to play it over and over. Chet's style may strike some as corny, but his crystal clear tone, his precise touch, his unshowoffy virtuosity are lovely and the purity, the directness and unaffectedness of his approach are quite touching.
You do not deserve any credit as a musician or guitarist if you don't pay homage to Chet Atkins, the overall greatest guitarist in the history of the universe. Now go back and do your homework, smart ass. This cover is probably the only one that does the original justice, and I seriously doubt McCartney has any complaints.
Chet could outpick and outplay anybody and his interpretations of hundreds of cover tunes were beyond reproach and simply couldn't be improved upon. Sandman" into instrumental masterpieces, showing that Chet knew a great hook when he heard one and also knew how to improve upon it. "The Essential Chet Atkins" is a good starting point, and shows what mastery and taste can do to any tune when in the hands of a genius.
It takes somebody special to turn corny tunes like "Snowbird" and "Mr. Rockers must pay attention to "Boo Boo Stick Beat", a precursor to punk, funk and surf all in one tune. Atkins' reading of "Yesterday" not only pays tribute to one of music's greatest songs, but ends up bearing his indelible stamp.
If anybody out there who fancies themselves a hot guitarist wants to put their money where their mouth is, try learning "Jerry's Breakdown", with highly underrated guitarist Jerry Reed as a guest soloist on this track, note for note. It's only a glimpse into genius, but it's a great place to start.
I'm sure Les Paul and Chet Atkins did more for the guitar than anyone of their generation. This great album scans most of his career and includes everything from 'Yakety Axe' and spin-off of Boots Randolphs' 'Yakety Sax' to a Beatle tune. I always found the trio of Floyd Cramer, Boots Randolph and Chet Atkins entertaining.
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