Amazon.com Two generations of guitarists merge on this cleverly-titled album, with former Dire Straits virtuoso Mark Knopfler taking time off from scoring movies to join Chet Atkins, one of the fathers of electric guitar pickin'. And there's some mighty fine country pickin' on display here, with the duo joined by some of Nashville's all-time finest players, including the late, great Floyd Cramer, Mark O'Connor, Larry Londin, Vince Gill, and Steve Wariner. The material ranges from choice country covers (Doc Watson's "Poor Boy Blues," Patsy Cline's "Sweet Dreams") to rock 'n' roll ("Yakety Ax," a take on Boots Randolph's "Yakety Sax"), jazz (Django Reinhardt's "Tears"), a Knopfler original, and even the old standard "I'll See You in My Dreams." It sounds like they had fun, too! --Bill Holdship
understatedJuly 5, 2010 Pir(Pakistan) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Different from most of MK's other album but love the guitar playing!!! A must for any collection, especially if you have never heard Chet Atkins.
Neck and NeckMay 12, 2010 J. Boekhout(Australia) I bought This Cd Two Years ago and the only problem i have with it
is that its not long enough , i wish there were another half dozen songs
i hate it when it comes to the end ,i was hoping for number two , but with the sad passing of Chet thats not going to happen
Glorious Music MakingMarch 21, 2010 An Englishman Abroad(Florida, U.S.A) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I first bought this album back in the 90's and had to replace it recently such was the amount of wear it got. This is more than just suprememly talented musicians having fun with what they do best; it is a celebration of friendship and the power of music to affect our mood and demeanor. I defy anyone to listen to this album and not feel (in turn)happiness, joy, melancholy and admiration.
Mark Knopfler is a giant of a guitarist. His musical range and ability seems without limit. I swear the guy acould drag a chair across a wood floor and make the ensuing squeak sound musical. He is head and shoulders above the overwhelming majority of one trick pony rock guitarists. He's the real deal. Am I the only one who hears the occasional Django punctuations in his acoustic playing?
As for the late great Chet, it has all been said before and I have no idea where to start save to use a much over used word in it's proper context: Genius. Check out his biography if you don't believe me. A lovely guy too, and not the least conceited. I saw him on an award show in Nashville many years ago. Someone gave him a big compliment onstage and he brushed it aside. The person he was talking to said "Chet, don't be so modest". Chet said. "Well... I've got a lot to be modest about".
Beat that for charm.
I think Mark should invite another great country player to make "Neck and Neck II". A guy who is as good as any and hails from the UK also. Mark, get on the phone and call Albert Lee right away!
If you love music, and love it so much you don't need gimmicks, fashion or wacky hair cuts, buy this wonderful and historic recording.
Over and over and over...November 20, 2009 Jacqueline Greenleaf 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
...that's how often I listen to this.
I've got lots of music on my iPod, and I return to this album frequently.
There's just no pro like an old pro, and here are two of them riffing off each other in the most delightful ways. Warm and rich, this is like great dark chocolate. It goes with everything, and always makes me feel good.
Great stuff.September 20, 2009 Man of La Mancha(Tasmania Australia) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Two of my favourite guitarists - - together they make for top listening. AAA
