Walk Don't Run: the Early Albums 1953-58 [2CD]

It's an entertaining and absorbing showcase for his unique skills as a guitarist. Guitarist, songwriter, session man, record producer and record company A&R man Chet Atkins was a ubiquitous and highly influential figure in Nashville through the 1950s and '60s, helping to shape the industry's output of country music as the genre's styles and sounds evolved into the country/pop styles of the modern era. His prowess as a guitarist was legendary, and this collection focuses on that aspect of his work. Acrobat already has on catalogue a 2-CD set devoted to his singles, which includes his early hits ('The Chet Atkins Singles Collection 1946-61' Acrobat ADDCD3254), but this 59-track 2-CD collection focuses on his early album output during the 1950s as the LP format became established, and features most the titles from his albums 'Gallopin. Guitar', 'Stringin' Along With Chet Atkins', 'A Session With Chet Atkins', 'Chet Atkins In Three Dimensions', and 'Finger Style Guitar' and selected titles from 'At Home' and 'Hi-Fi In Focus'. It showcases the many sides of his instrumental artistry, as he interprets material from across the spectrum of the genres in his inimitable style. It's an entertaining and absorbing showcase for his unique skills as a guitarist.