Chet Atkin’s Workshop – CHET ATKINS****

Lambeth Walk/Theme From A Summer Place/Whispering/In A Little Spanish Town/Sleep/Marie/Hot Mockingbird/Lullaby Of Birdland/Tammy/Goofus/Bonita/Que Sera Sera

A wide range of songs, including a couple of recent pop hits, are given the Chet Atkins guitar treatment. Workshop became his highest placed album in the States. (US:7 UK:19)

“Listening to these old Chet Atkins albums is the equivalent of ending the day in your favourite chair with a piece of fresh apple pie. How could it possibly be more warm and cosy? His playing is second to none, of course. Sure it is a little showy, but in a controlled way. Never brash.”

“On Workshop there is more accompaniment than on some older Chet albums that I have. A drummer on brushes, a bass player, even some subdued piano. It all sounds good. I tended to like side one the best, especially the last two songs, Sleep and Marie are fantastic. Plenty of jazzy touches make this anything but a 'boring' country album.”

“An all time favourite album which I have listened to it until it is almost worn.”

“The performances by Chet are quite excellent; the selection of tunes is a bit on the 'pop' side, but his playing on this album is as good as any he ever made. If you're a Chet Atkins fan go for it.”

“The album Workshop is to me a foundation for more guitar based rock sounds to come in the future. It is not the typical Chet Atkins music one might expect. It is the most 'rockin' album I have ever heard from him and the tone itself is bright and hot. I consider it a must have for Chet Atkins collectors or serious guitar fans. Chet was such a master of the guitar and in so many styles. His range was incredible.”

“Chet is the grand master of finger-picking and this album is the proof. Several of the tunes display his gift for speed. On all of the songs, the backup is mostly bass and light drumming so Chet's guitar is what you hear.”

“This LP is the essence of the artist. If anyone does not understand what virtuoso of the thumb-and-finger guitar means, just listen and be educated.”