Powerful Music from Chet Atkins
595503
One of my favorite things about Chet Atkins' guitar playing is how he performs hymns and gospel music. He digs deep down into his soul and pulls out powerful arrangements of this music. This book contains complete transcriptions of the music he played on his album "Back Home Hymns." Amazon has this CD on sale, as well as a digital download of the album (if preferred). There is no recorded versions of the song included in this volume itself. This is powerful stuff!!
3672562
Chet Atkins has never disappointed.  And this album is no exception.  Every song here is played as if written just for Chet.  Truly
masterful handling of each song. Chet fans will wrap up in a warm fuzzy of familiar yet unexpected treatments.  Those new to Chet's musical world, will be amazed.
968568
Now this is some powerful blues that is as gritty as it is real. Ms. Landolt enlisted a who's who of artists on this release and the final product is one that you will play till your CD player burns out.

Right out of the box we get posed the musical question, `What Would A Good Woman Do' strutting, fun and featuring Roomful of Blues vocalist Phil Pemberton on vocals we are put on notice that this is going to be a straight ahead force of nature release that is strong and long on talent (as in Deb).

Changing it up from funky stepping to country rail riding we hear `Train To Tucson'. A musical story of the travels out to Arizona complete with stinging guitar by Colin John, accentuated by the thump-a-thump drumming of Jan Roll creates a aural travelogue that Amtrak would be good to adapt.

`The Last Time' showcases Ms. Landolt's ability to express the deep soul-fullness contained within her vocal prowess. Presenting a stark and dark reality that exists for many folks in their work-a-day desperate lives, we hear the stated resolve to make that change and break the cycle of longing and uselessness only to hear the alarm clock go off and resume the gerbil like life style on the ever familiar tread mill of a life unfulfilled.

The choice of covers is ever important when pairing them with such strong originals as we have here. The selection of Ian Moore's `Muddy Jesus' is a well thought out addition. Featuring such luminaries as Chris Peet, Damon Fowler, Chuck Riley, JP Soars and Victor Wainwright - otherwise known as Southern Hospitality - this is as good of a cover of this tune as you will get. With a solid strut to it, and the excellent work by the band creates a wonderful backdrop for Ms. Deb's vocals.

`Finally Forgot Your Name' features the amazing horn section from Roomful of Blues. Mark Earley, Rich Lataille & Doug Woolverton provide syncopated rhythms and fills to elevate this track to another level. The epiphany of finally forgetting the name of an unfaithful lover is treated with a soul gospel view that we can all testify to. The moment of clarity and release is both satisfying and still painful, but once it is realized the healing begins. I love the ending trumpet work by Mr. Woolverton, as it bring to musical recognition the whole emotional enchilada in just a few notes.

Once again I must cite the amazing list of other artists who contributed their time on this release. If I left ya out it is only cause my editor says it ran too long, but Jimmy Thackery, Bart Walker. Matt O'Ree, Reese Wynans, Shaun Booker, Big Llou Sean Carney and more have added their exemplar talents to creating this fine collection of music.

Like your blues powerful, with a soul and gospel feel check out Long Tall Deb.

Raise your hands and click on blues411.com
3681123
I'm a musician and I've always been entranced by Chet's dead on pitch, but both his voice and trumpet are off by a cent...something you'd never see in his younger years.

Heroin addiction cheated us of this great talent.

His teeth had been smashed out by street thugs, he had dentures, and rebuilt his embouchure.

Chet came back as far as he could.

It's a must have 2 CD set to any Chet Baker afficionado's collection, and while not the high point of his technical skill, it's very very compelling and mature in an odd way.

He's not at the top of his game on these CDs, but there is a pathos and a moment to enjoy...before he's gone.

goodbye Chet, we will remember you and love your music always
3184149
I'm sure Les Paul and Chet Atkins did more for the guitar than anyone of their generation. 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 always found the trio of Floyd Cramer, Boots Randolph and Chet Atkins entertaining.
4839301
I was bored with some of Chet's 50' & 60's albums and gave up on him. Only until i heard some of his 70's & 80's Albums, i realized Chet still had alot to offer, this Album in particular. Any lover of Chet Baker or Jazz should own this!
1920108
I enjoy all types of music.  I think that this CD would appeal to anyone, not just classical fans. The musical selections are high energy and powerful.
2978209
Chet Baker was a troubled but talented artist.  This recording reflects some of the best that he had to offer.
4615319
There will never be another Chet Atkins.  No one has ever earned the respect of guitar players from every field from all over the world the way Chet has.  "Stringing Along With Chet Atkins" was the first Chet album I bought as a young boy.  Chet put his personal touch on every tune starting with "O' By Jingo."  The almost inhuman dexterity of Chet's right hand along with his unique ability to move down the neck of the guitar from one chord position to another, using open strings to tie it all together as only he could do it, will keep the most critical spellbound.  From there it only got better with the 3/4 and 4/4 mixture on "Alice Blue Gown," and the silky smooth, very tastefully done "Hello Ma Baby," to the lightning fingered duel with Jethro Burns on the mandolin in "Gallopin' Guitar," and also "Main Street Breakdown."  Chet along with Homer and Jethro was an unbeatable combination.  The musical comedy team of Homer and Jethro were surprisingly good musicians in their own right.  Of course Jethro was Chet's brother-in-law.  All of the rest of this two-disc combination set is fingerstyle guitar at its best.  It just doesn't get any better than this.  If you ask real Chet afficianados which is their favorite Chet album, most will say either "Finger Style Guitar" or "Stringing Along With Chet Atkins."  This is an unbeatable deal to be able to get these two classics in one set.  Long live the legacy of this remarkable gentleman from east Tennessee known the world over as "Mr. Guitar."
3504300
Taylor Hicks creates beautiful music with great lyrics that are catchy; every song on this CD will hold your attention as well. Taylor's voice is strong, full of energy and self-confident. This CD proves that he will go far in his career.

The CD opens up with the song entitled "The Runaround." This song is not merely pop; it pushes forward as a rock song would with an aggressive, rousing and passionate beat to it. Taylor sings this number with all his might and just one listen will prove it to you. The musical arrangement is flawless and the chorus is beautifully written.

The CD takes a turn for the somewhat more pensive, slower paced ballad entitled "Dream Myself Awake" written by Rob Thomas. Another song that honors another great artist is "Heaven Knows." Taylor admires the late great Ray Charles so much that "Heaven Knows" even includes a portion of "What'd I Say" by Ray Charles. This is a great song about a love going wrong and the tribute to Ray Charles is equally touching. Impressive!

Another song worth special mention is Taylor's cover of a song written partly by Marvin Gaye called "Wherever I Lay My Hat." Taylor tells a lady who has feelings for him that he's not the kind of man who's ready to settle down. The musical arrangement includes Taylor on harmonica, too! Very good!

Other great songs on this CD include "Give Me Tonight" which starts off with a brief hip-hop arrangement and then switches to more of a rock and roll beat. This song deals with the strong physical attraction between two people. In addition, "Just To Feel That Way" is a beautiful love ballad; and "The Maze" captures the thoughts of a man whose relationship with his woman is far from perfect anymore. "Places I've Been" expresses the pure love of a man for his woman--this is another love ballad delivered flawlessly by Taylor and the musicians.

The CD ends with a tender, pensive ballad entitled "The Right Place." Taylor assures the special woman in his life that he will always be there for her no matter what may happen--even if she initially needs time to think it over. This song about unconditional love brings a strong ending to the album!

People complain about the fact that "Do I Make You Proud" is not on this CD. I was surprised, too. Oh sure, the song is available but it would have been better to have it already on this CD.

Taylor possesses another incredible strength: Taylor appears equally comfortable whether he sings his own songs including "Soul Thing" and "The Deal" or whether he performs covers of songs including "Places I've Been" written by Diane Warren and "The Right Place" written by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. Excellent!

The liner notes display excellent color photos of Taylor Hicks, the Silver Fox. With looks like Taylor has I know that the girls must be going crazy for him! The song credits are there. There are no lyrics in the liner notes; but Taylor sings so well and so clearly that you almost certainly won't need them. The quality of the sound is excellent.

Taylor Hicks clearly deserves a bright future because of his talent and his passion for music. When Taylor Hicks sings he throws himself into the song and even thought you can't see him on this CD you can tell he's acting out each song as a story. Each song becomes a little story with a beginning, a middle and an end. I highly recommend this for Taylor's fans and for fans of rock and blues/soul popular music.
1308972
This cd is excellent! All the tracks are remarkable, however, "Redemption" "John the Baptist" and "Cowboys and Indians" have to be some of the finest arrangements and overall  musicianship ever recorded by a horn band or any band for that matter!  Simply an exciting and inspiring achievement. One of my top twenty cds.
3982413
This is a powerful story CD of interesting songs, very fine arrangements, and -- best of all -- an outstanding supporting cast put together by Marty Stuart.  Quibbles:  treading the same ground of love triangle and murderous violence, it does not match the stunning (still after a quarter century) narrative and ultimately thrilling peace of 'The Red Headed Stranger,' but then what work could?  Second, The Pilgrim of the title is in fact the least interesting of the three tangled hearts and humans.  I'd much rather have spent more time with the other two, but I suppose Pilgrim, young, upstanding, good looking, innocent, just happened to be the one Marty identified with.  Hmmm, wonder why.  Finally, the cut Hobo's Prayer sketches for about the millionth time in country music the itinerant philosopher, beloved by all who ride the rails with him.  Frankly, he sounds like a self-pitying know it all.  But all those are minor annoyances.  Strengths come early here, in the four songs of the jealous husband, including Sometimes the Pleasure's Worth the Pain, a splendid appearance by Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys on Harlan County and Reasons.  Later on we get to hear old George, Emmylou as a truckstop waitress named, what else?, Shirley and Johnny Cash quoting Alfred Lord Tennyson.  The Observations of a Crow is a bluesy jazz sound rarely heard in this genre and sometimes I think it works and other times not.  Stuart includes three versions of The Pilgrim and, unlike many CDs where a cut is repeated, each stands effectively on its own and adds to the narrative.  Finally, Redemption beautifully captures the moment of realization that it is no longer possible to run from what has to be.  Recommended.
3514508
I saw the Fred Hersch trio at the Vanguard and he was one of the best, most emotionally powerful and subtle players I had ever seen. Then a friend of mine gave me this album. All I can say is wow. He is a profoundly talented player but in a very deep, quiet and intensely emotional way - in the manner of Bill Evans but his voice is totally unique. Because of his style, this would definitely work as background music for a dinner party, but it really needs to be listened to closely and on a good stereo to appreciate the artistry. And if you ever get the chance, try and see him live and enjoy the intimate experience of sharing this exquisite beauty with others.
1260177
I can't say enough about this musician. The music will sooth your soul. A must have for your car CD player, it will help you through the traffic :}
4564232
Great music from a greatly skilled musical artist.
3854311
This is one of those rare musical masterpieces that transends genra. Country, Blues, Rock, Folk you name it. There are elements of it all done so well that the result is one of the most powerful  musical experiances to ever be recorded. The music on this disc creates an amazing atmosphere that has the ability to transport you to a hazy barroom, where the smell of stale beer and broken dreams hover in the air as thick as the cigarette smoke that stings your eyes. Its in this place that Waylon sings what I can only descibe as an emotionaly charged tecnocolor tapestry of songs that weaves a spell and gives us all a glimpse of the raw outlaw spirit shining bright.
2982032
Best Western ever made! Great soundtack. Very powerful and memory provoking music. Sad and melancholy, but powerful and beautiful.