•
Rating: In 1997, Chet Atkins is 73 years old and is universally recognized as the greatest fingerpicking guitarist in the world, while Tommy Emmanuel has already been considered for several years as the best Australian guitarist, as well as one of the most promising artistic descendants of the great Chet.
From this collaboration comes "The Day Finger Pickers Took Over The World," a delightful album for all guitar lovers and beyond...
The eleven tracks contained in this album are not, in fact, mere sterile demonstrations of instrumental prowess by the two, but little gems of country music in the style of the great Chet, which can be enjoyed even by those not seeking particular virtuosity on the six strings.
Of course, the two do engage in several solos, but they never go overboard and have no competitive spirit; everything is wonderfully measured and born from a sincere love for the music being played, music played with a smile on their faces.
Chet's smooth and refined style perfectly marries Tommy's more vibrant and eclectic one, giving life to pieces like "Borsalino", "The Day Finger Pickers Took Over The World", "Dixie McGuire", to name a few, which glide by leaving the listener with the very delightful sensation of holding a truly special album in their hands.
A special album also because it marks what we can define as the passing of the torch between the two: Chet Atkins will indeed die four years later, and Tommy Emmanuel will inherit his legacy, not forgetting to pay homage to him at every one of his concerts by performing "I Still Can't Say Goodbye", a song that Chet himself recommended he play in front of his audience shortly before dying.
"In a few years, when I'm gone, someone will listen to what I've done and know that I was here. They might not know or care who I am, but they will hear my guitar speak for me", Chet used to say, and every time Tommy Emmanuel remembers him in a concert with "I Still Can't Say Goodbye" he comes alive again in those notes.
Tracklist
Loading comments slowly
