"A tour de force tribute to the man he calls his boss, producer, musical mentor, and friend ... This fabulous collection of mostly original songs spotlights the amazing fingerstyle talent that Wariner possesses, as well as... more » his deep knowledge of Atkins' signature guitar style." -- Guitar Player "He probably comes as close to Chet's spirit--that ability to be laid-back and energetic at the same time, making daunting passages appear effortless--as anyone ever has." -- Dan Forte, Vintage Guitar "For the tribute album, Wariner blends [original songs written with a nod to Atkins' style] with a few Atkins originals and creates a concept album that serves to illuminate rather than replicate Atkins' musical personality." -- The Tennessean "This is such a wonderful CD. No one has ever captured my father's touch like Steve. I think every lick that Daddy ever did is on this recording. Thank you, Steve, for keeping his playing alive. Only someone so close and someone who actually learned from him could do this so faithfully." -- Merel Atkins, Chet's daughter * An established artist who has influenced many (including Brad Paisley, Bryan White, and Blake Shelton) honors the man who influenced his music above all others. On this disc, Steve Wariner pays tribute rather than attempting to mimic Atkins. * Features amazing musicianship, original compositions, lush arrangements, and heartfelt vocals. * Extensive liner notes include photos, detailed notes on each song, and more.« less
"A tour de force tribute to the man he calls his boss, producer, musical mentor, and friend ... This fabulous collection of mostly original songs spotlights the amazing fingerstyle talent that Wariner possesses, as well as his deep knowledge of Atkins' signature guitar style." -- Guitar Player "He probably comes as close to Chet's spirit--that ability to be laid-back and energetic at the same time, making daunting passages appear effortless--as anyone ever has." -- Dan Forte, Vintage Guitar "For the tribute album, Wariner blends [original songs written with a nod to Atkins' style] with a few Atkins originals and creates a concept album that serves to illuminate rather than replicate Atkins' musical personality." -- The Tennessean "This is such a wonderful CD. No one has ever captured my father's touch like Steve. I think every lick that Daddy ever did is on this recording. Thank you, Steve, for keeping his playing alive. Only someone so close and someone who actually learned from him could do this so faithfully." -- Merel Atkins, Chet's daughter * An established artist who has influenced many (including Brad Paisley, Bryan White, and Blake Shelton) honors the man who influenced his music above all others. On this disc, Steve Wariner pays tribute rather than attempting to mimic Atkins. * Features amazing musicianship, original compositions, lush arrangements, and heartfelt vocals. * Extensive liner notes include photos, detailed notes on each song, and more.
"I was very happy Steve Wariner had done a tribute to Chet. When I got my copy of this wonderful CD and listened to all the tracks, the words, "very happy" seem inaquate. I go back many years loving anything done by Chet. I'm 70yrs old and remember Chet from the early 50's. The first record I bought for my new single play "record player" circa 1953 was a 78rpm of Chet's "I've Got Rhythm" on one side and "Hybrid Corn" on the other. My second was another 78rpm of Chet's "Wildwood Flower" backed with "The Bells of St Mary". I wore out many needles playing those two platers. If you get this CD and you're a fan, you'll be very happy with it. If you're more than a "fan" and you're heart has always been in tune with Chet's, as so many of our hearts have been and always will be, you'll probably tear up some and say, "Thanks Steve, you gave us a treasure". Ray - Newnan, Georgia"
A must for fingerstyle guitar lovers!
Bill, Chesapeake, VA | 12/21/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you like Chet, Steve or finger/thumb style, you'll want this one for your collection. Not just a reproduction of traditional Chet. Steve has his own touch. You can't help but appreciate the rich tones Steve has perfected and a flawless/pure recording quality that only comes from decades of experience and influence."
Brilliant!
Timothy Agnew | Sarasota, FL | 11/30/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had heard of Steve Wariner but had never really listened to his music. When I heard him recently on Prairie Home Companion I was taken aback. I immediately made a note of his new record and purchased it. I cannot believe the skill this guy has in finger-style guitar! What is admirable about this tribute record is that he does not try to be Chet- he has arranged all the music on this record and it shines through as a heart-wrenching piece of work. I was particularity impressed with Blue Angel and his use of matching chords with violin on 6120. A sheer pleasure to listen to!"
Atkins tribute falls short
Donald H. Deane | Boulder, CO | 01/11/2010
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this CD, by Atkins disciple guitarist Steve Warriner, through Amazon after hearing Warriner on the Prairie Home Commpanion radio show play impeccably in Atkins' patented finger picking style, which I've always loved. I'm somewhat disappointed in it, however, for reasons paralleling Woody Allen's review of the food at a Borscht Belt hotel: it wasn't so good and there wasn't enough of it.
First, the quality of the material is spotty relative to my expectation that it all would reflect Atkins' finger picking style. While several cuts do so nicely, others -- though well played -- are in more conventional country genres that I don't associate uniquely with Atkins. Maybe much of Atkins work is in styles other than I associate with him, but even if so, I'm interested mainly in that style (whether by Atkins himself or disciples) rather than in more conventional styles that any good country guitarist could play.
Equally disappointing is that this CD clocks in at only about 36 minutes -- incredibly short for newly recorded material. More material (say, 60 minutes) would have given time for more tunes fitting why I bought it."
Chet Atkins Tribute
Cindy Dennis | Prairie City, Ia USA | 01/09/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I listened to this CD before buying it for my husband. I loved it and I am not a guitar player. My husband is and loves this CD also. He did not know that Steve Wariner was so talented. Ok I should say so good with a guitar. He has always loved Chet Atkins and is amazed with the music on this CD."