Chet+atkins,+les+paul

It seems that Les Paul had a relaxing effect on Atkins in the studio, because this disc, which compiles their two studio efforts, is charming. The production is modest and both pickers are in sharp form. The country twang added to standards like "It's Been a Long, Long Time" is irresistible.

Here, we skim off the cream from one of the most remarkable series of duets in the history of recording. The list of partners Chet Atkins has recorded with is astonishing in its breadth, and this LP only covers the list up to 1976, with not a single weak or even middling selection. Without batting an eye, he can engage in a remarkable country-jazz flavored duet with Lenny Breau on "Sweet Georgia Brown." Another highlight is the extended fun and games with Les Paul on "Avalon" (from Chester and Lester), with the hilarious studio chatter left in – and not to be missed is a sample of Atkins' successful collaboration with the massive forces of Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops on "The Battle of New Orleans/Sugarfoot Rag."

This CD showcases some of Chet Atkins' best work. How can one man have all that talent? His playing is astounding and the collaborations with Dolly Parton, Les Paul and others are real bonuses, with plenty of humour in the singing. Some of the tracks sound a bit dated and effects-heavy, but the best are brilliant. A fantastic collection from one of the world's best guitarists.

This budget-priced three-disc Australian import – on RCA, so it's official – compiles Chet Atkins' work from the early '50s to about 1980. Basically, from the time he became "Mr. Guitar" to the end of his prime – though Atkins remained a monster guitarist until his death in 2001. You would have to know Atkins' music to get any of this because, besides a track listing and a cursory essay on how great he was, there is literally no discographical information provided here. Still, there's enough of his well-known material here for any fan to sit up and take notice, such as "Mr. Sandman," "Barbershop Rag," "Hot Toddy" and "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)," both with Les Paul, "Teensville," "Sleepwalk," "Terry on the Turnpike" with Boots Randolph, "Make the World Go Away," "Rocky Top," "Tennessee Stud" and "Mystery Train," both with Jerry Reed, and of course, the amazing "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind" with Dolly Parton. The vast majority, of course, are instrumentals by Atkins.