Various Artists (from the album We Still Can’t Say Good Bye - A Musicians’ Tribute to Chet Atkins

Various Artists (from the album We Still Can’t Say Good Bye - A Musicians’ Tribute to Chet Atkins

Various Artists (from the album We Still Can’t Say Good Bye - A Musicians’ Tribute to Chet Atkins available on Morningstar Music) (by Lee Zimmerman)

The opening words of the liner notes say it all: ‘Few guitarists in any genre were as influential and  reached across styles as snootily as the charming [Chet] Atkins’. Indeed, as an artist, innovator, record company exec, and winner of more prestigious awards than practically any other musician in history, Chet Atkins left a profound legacy that resonates with practically every guitarist that followed. And while he had hit songs, he accomplished far more than the sound he shared. He helped change the course of modern music in ways that are still being shared.
 
It’s fitting then that this particular tribute features a diverse array of his fans and followers from across the musical spectrum, all offering their interpretations of songs that reflect Atkins’ influence. And while each is an accomplished artist in his or her own right, none of the participants try to tamper with the template, even on a well-known standard, such as The Everly Brothers’ “So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad)”. Featuring a veritable super summit consisting of Eric Clapton, Vince Gill, Carl Jackson, and Bradley Walker, the music still retains the sweetness and fitness inherent in Atkins’ musical motif . So too, the timeless treasures that paid heed to Atkins’ approach — “Mr. Guitar”, “The Entertainer”, “Freight Train”, “Caravan”, “Alley Cat”, “Yakety Yak”, “Sleepwalk”, et.al, — still retain the supple sway so inherent in his style.
 
That certainly says something, given the multitude of superstars taking part — Clapton, Gill, Tommy Emmanuel, Michael Cleveland, Jerry Douglas, Sierra Hull, Charlie McCoy, Bryan Sutton, Brad Paisley, James Taylor, Allison Krauss, Sierra Hull, among them — none of them attempt to impose their own presence on the proceedings. Taylor and Krauss’ lilting rendition of “How’s the World Treating You”, Vince Gill’s reflective read of “I Still Can’t Say Good Bye”, and Sierra Hull’s tender take on “All I Ever Need Is You” come close to being the exceptions since vocals rarely find a fit in these instrumental offerings. Yet even in those particular cases, the lithe arrangements ensure a certain serendipity. The nimble nuances and sublime suggestion reflect Atkins’ insistence that skill and subtlety can work well in tandem.

Given that premise, We Still Can’t Say Good Bye pays heed to its title in the form of a welcome return. (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Listen and buy the music of Chet Atkins from AMAZON
 
For more information, please visit the Chet Atkins website