One of the undisputed masters of American guitar Chet Atkins never failed to astound with his unique sense of melody, his uncannily precise rhythms or his ability to elevate otherwise mundane melodies to new heights with the flick of the pick. Comprised of forty tracks, this newly released collection follows Atkins from his days with the All-Star Hillbillies (circa 1946) to a few short years before his seemingly premature death at age 77.

Whether solo (“The Jitterbug Waltz,” “Black Mountain Rag”) or in cahoots with other greats (“Should We Tell Him” with the Everly Brothers, “It’s Been A Long, Long Time” with Les Paul, “Polka Dots and Moonbeams” with Lenny Breau, “Poor Boy Blues” with Mark Knopfler) Atkins proved capable of delivering licks that were both fresh and hot time and again. And while his talent was always superior and his playing clearly the result of years of wood shedding, he never quite took himself too seriously as evidenced by “Yakety Axe” (a take on the old Boots Randolph classic) and “Slinky” as well as “Snakin’ Round” and “Boo Boo Stick Beat.”

It’s impossible to estimate the exact impact that Atkins had on American music or guitar playing around the world just as it’s impossible to explain exactly what made him such an understated visionary and timeless character. But he was and is and the forty pieces collected may provide some clues but, more importantly, they provide over two hours of fine and fun listening. - Jedd Beaudoin (2007, The Daily Copper)