| Chet Atkins Picks on the Grammys - Chet Atkins | |
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Reviewed by Jolene Downs
There is an excellent, new instrumental album out on the Columbia label that would be an asset to any Country collection. It is called Chet Picks on the Grammys," and is a collection of tunes from legendary guitar player Chet Atkins. This was the last project Chet worked on before he passed away in the summer of 2001. He didn't feel he was able to produce any new material that would live up to his high standards, but agreed to a compilation album. It was also an opportunity for Chet to work with his grandson, Jonathan Russell. Jonathan handled the re-mastering of the tracks involved. Unfortunately, Chet did not live to see this project through to completion.
Because this is a totally instrumental project, with the exception of one song, I'm going to review it in a little different style than I normally use. It is hard to delve too deep into something with no words, so I will just say that I thoroughly enjoyed this album. Chet could do things with a guitar that one would not think possible. He had the ability to turn his guitar into a "band," making it sound as though there was much more than one guitar. Now, there are other instruments in the background here, but even the person that may not go for the instrumental only music can't help but enjoy this album and respect the great talents of Chet Atkins.
"Tears" won the 1967 Grammy for Best Instrumental Performance. This is a little slow and sad feeling. "Nut Sundae" has a fun feel to it. It almost seems whimsical. It won the Grammy in 1970 for Best Country Instrumental Performance. A song that I particularly enjoyed was "Snowbird." This is a favorite song of mine by Anne Murray. Chet performs it beautifully and it won the 1971 Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance. "I'll See You In My Dreams" won the Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance in 1974. In 1975, Chet took home the award with "The Entertainer." I think this is another highly recognizable tune from many different things. "Caravan" won the Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance in 1976. I enjoyed this one a lot too. It has some neat musical effects throughout the song. In 1981 the song "Ready For The Times To Get Better" brought home the Grammy for Chet. "Cosmic Square Dance" won in 1985. It has a fun to listen to ending. "So Soft Your Goodbye" was a Grammy winner in 1990 for Chet. It is a poignant song, and almost brings tears to your eyes. It is beautifully done. "Poor Boy Blues" is the only song on this album that has vocals. Chet rarely sang, but every so often he shows us that he could. While there are vocals for this, it is still the instrumental portion of the song that is highlighted. It is an upbeat tempo song and won the 1990 Grammy for Best Country Vocal Collaboration with Vince Gill and Mark Knopfler. "Sneakin' Around" won the Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance in 1992. This was a Jerry Reed tune. "Young Thing" took home the Grammy in 1994 and in 1996 Chet did it again with "Jam Man."
Chet's name is often seen with the title C.G.P. after it. That stands for Certified Guitar Player. This Certification comes from all areas of the music world. He influenced a whole generation of guitar players in a wide range of musical areas. His awards include 14 Grammys, 9 CMA Awards, 18 consecutive Cashbox Awards and 4 Playboy Jazz Poll Honors. The list is seemingly endless of other recognitions he has received. This is just a great overall album to listen to.
Song List:
Sound clips courtesy of Barnes & Noble
Album cover, used with permission of Sony Nashville.
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