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Chet Atkins - The Essential Chet Atkins Audio CD

A fair review of the Chet Atkins "The Essential Chet Atkins" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Chet Atkins reviews here, or go back to the Chet Atkins tabs.

Chet Atkins Band: Chet Atkins
Title: The Essential Chet Atkins
Rating:
Release Date: 1996-06-18
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Mr. Sandman 2: Poor People of Paris (Jean's Song) 3: Boo Boo Stick Beat 4: Alley Cat 5: Travelin' 6: Yakety Axe 7: Yesterday 8: Blue Angel 9: Theme from Zorba the Greek 10: Snowbird 11: Steeplechase Lane 12: Jerry's Breakdown - Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed 13: Black Mountain Rag 14: Fiddlin' Around 15: Somewhere, My Love [Lara's Theme: From Dr. Zhivago] 16: Entertainer (Theme from "The Sting") 17: Londonderry Air 18: On My Way to Canaan's Land 19: Tennesse Ray/Beaumont Rag 20: Chet's Medley: Four Walls/I Can't Stop Loving You/Send Me the Pillow

Mr.Guitar
Chet Atkins is Mr. Its very rare to come across musicians of this caliber, who make it look so easy. Guitar for a reason, the guitar just an extension of himself. 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'. 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.


essential in more ways than one
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. 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). (Way too uncool!) 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.


Pay your dues to the lord high master of guitar

"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. 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.
Chet could outpick and outplay anybody and his interpretations of hundreds of cover tunes were beyond reproach and simply couldn't be improved upon.
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. This cover is probably the only one that does the original justice, and I seriously doubt McCartney has any complaints.
It takes somebody special to turn corny tunes like "Snowbird" and "Mr. Sandman" into instrumental masterpieces, showing that Chet knew a great hook when he heard one and also knew how to improve upon it.
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. Now go back and do your homework, smart ass.
It's only a glimpse into genius, but it's a great place to start.


Country Guitar Player
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'm sure Les Paul and Chet Atkins did more for the guitar than anyone of their generation. I always found the trio of Floyd Cramer, Boots Randolph and Chet Atkins entertaining.


Essential to listen to
I listened to it over and over, and am still listening to it. All I can say is that from the moment I hit the play button, I was mesmerized by this CD. The Essential Chet Atkins is just that, essential listening, not only if you're a Chet Atkins fan, but also if you appreciate distinctive guitar picking. From background music to front-line listening, this is a CD worth hearing--over and over and over. Also check out Chet Atkins with Mark Knopfler, a thoroughly pleasurable collaboration.


You can see a complete list of all Chet Atkins discography, or go back to the Chet Atkins tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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