Wonderful. A good mix of styles.June 23, 2009 Jonathan Scott(Japan) Chet, to me, is kind of a symbol of America and the American culture. He's what we used to be like...and how I wish we still were. Tommy's a great guitarist and together they provided an interesting mix. Tommy is a good pick as Chet's successor as Mr. Guitar. Not only is his playing over-the-top and more than first-rate, but he's a nice guy to boot. It's nice to hear music that is not only talented, but also happy. We need more of this.
Chet's Last AlbumApril 7, 2009 J. Gretzinger(Los Angeles, CA USA) First let me say "WOW!"
I was expecting something along the lines of the Jerry Reed/Chet Atkins or the Chester and Lester collaborations as these two players (Chet and Tommy) are absolutely amazing. What I got instead was a wonderful series of duets where it is sometimes difficult to tell where Tommy leaves off and Chet begins. They pay tribute to Mel Bay in a cute little ditty (always wanted to use that word) that anyone who has ever used a Mel Bay book to learn from can relate to.
I recently has a chance to sit down with Tommy and talk to him about this album and his relationship with Chet. They purposely mixed this album such that the separation is not as dramatic as in previous duet albums. Tommy wanted the two guitars to almost be an extension of each other, and that is what he got. The album was recorded in a small window between the end of Chet's treatment for one bout of cancer and the beginning of treatment for the cancer that finally took him from us.
Chet was the greatest influence on Tommy and his respect for Chet shows in his playing and mixing on this album.
If you are looking for a "dueling guitars" kind of album, this is not it. Go get the ones with Chet and Jerry. But if you are a Chet fan, a Tommy fan or just enjoy listening to great guitar playing, this album is a must have.
The Torch is Handed Off Before Our Very EarsFebruary 24, 2009 Mark J. Fowler(Okinawa, Japan) If you're reading this I'm going to assume you already know that Chet Atkins was known as "Mr. Guitar" for a reason. If you didn't know I'll go ahead and spot you the knowledge that Tommy Emmanuel is an Aussie who first heard Chet forty years ago and thought "hold EVERYTHING", then began working his way towards emulating his hero.
The Day Finger Pickers Took Over The World, from 1997, was Chet's last recording. It does not showcase the best playing of either gentleman, but it is important nonetheless.
A little technical background: so what IS this "Finger Picking"? Probably the first well-known player in this style was Merle Travis. The technique involves using a thumb-pick (like a banjo player), but no other picks. The other four fingers can be used, but predominantly the index and middle fingers are used. In Travis-style (Atkins and Emmanuel are both superlative disciples) the thumb alternates on the lower strings, playing a base line, while the other fingers are allotted to melody on the higher strings. Chords are worked out and shared between the fingers, but when done with exceptional proficiency, the effect is as if two or more guitars are playing at the same time.
The tunes here vary between beautiful and humorous rather than concentrating on "hot". (Chet was 73 at the time.) The funny cuts include the title track and "Ode to Mel Bay", a tongue-in-cheek homage to the prolific author of millions of guitar instruction books. The hottest cut is Tiptoe Through The Bluegrass, with several jaw-dropping runs and hot licks. Most of the rest of the material falls into the category of "beautiful music", and one of the characteristics of both Chet and Tommy is that aside from their technical virtuosity, they have a wonderful touch and feel for the music. Classical players might call it "dynamics", but I'd say it has more to do with being emotionally in touch with the material they're performing.
"Smokey Mountain Lullaby" ends the record and was nominated for a grammy that year. It is a beautiful, fitting coda to the career of Mr. Guitar. If you have not yet - I urge you to get yourself to a Tommy Emmanuel live performance. In the meantime, we have these recordings.
Outstanding CD!February 16, 2009 Jazwyn(Yreka, California) First, if you ever - and I mean EVER - get the chance to see Tommy Emmanuel in concert live, absolutely see him! It will be well-worth your money and you will be seeing one of the finest guitar players. Chet Atkins was Tommy's mentor and the two of them playing together in this CD is awesome. We bought this CD after seeing Tommy live in concert and listened to it in it's entirety all the way home (a six hour drive for us! Well-worth the drive to see Tommy). We fell in love with this CD. We also bought Tommy's "Endless Road" - another CD worth the money. And, watch Tommy's DVD: "Center Stage" but don't be surprised when you want to either buy the DVD or CD afterwards! A year ago we had never heard of Tommy Emmanuel and, now, we are huge fans of his. If you've never heard him, listen to the samples. You'll become as hooked on him as we did.
Tommy Emmanuel becomes a Certified Guitar PlayerJanuary 16, 2009 R. Long(Austin, TX USA) When two of the greatest guitar players ever to caress a fret board get together, sparks should fly! And they do! This is a fun album, filled with virtuosity and good humor... 5 scintillating stars!
