Chet Atkins – Stay Tuned

Chet Atkins – Stay Tuned

Chet Atkins – Stay Tuned is a superb late-career showcase from one of the most influential guitarists in American music, blending Atkins' trademark country fingerstyle guitar with jazz, pop and sophisticated instrumental arrangements. Originally released in 1985 on Columbia Records, the album finds Atkins working with an extraordinary line-up of guest musicians including George Benson, Mark Knopfler, Steve Lukather, Larry Carlton and Earl Klugh.

The album opens with "Sunrise", featuring George Benson, before moving into the gentle "Please Stay Tuned", with Steve Lukather. "Quiet Eyes" and "A Mouse In The House" showcase Atkins' effortless melodic playing, while "Some Leather And Lace" features Mark Knopfler, creating a particularly appealing meeting of two generations of distinctive guitarists.

Side two begins with "The Cricket Ballet", followed by "Cosmic Square Dance", the album's Grammy-winning country instrumental. The track features Mark Knopfler and combines Atkins' country roots with a more contemporary, jazz-influenced approach.

"The Boot And The Stone", "Tap Room" and the beautiful closing interpretation of "If I Should Lose You" complete a varied and highly accomplished collection. Across the album, Atkins is joined by an impressive supporting cast that also includes Larry Carlton, Earl Klugh, Dean Parks, Boots Randolph and Mark O'Connor, making Stay Tuned particularly appealing to guitar enthusiasts.

A major figure in the development of fingerstyle guitar and the Nashville sound, Atkins had already enjoyed a hugely influential career by the time Stay Tuned appeared. Rather than simply revisiting his established style, however, this album demonstrates his willingness to embrace contemporary production and collaborate with younger guitarists from across the musical spectrum.

For collectors of Chet Atkins, country guitar, instrumental music, jazz fusion, Nashville music and guitar-led albums, Stay Tuned is an excellent example of Atkins' versatility and musicianship, with the added attraction of hearing him alongside some of the era's finest guitar players.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Sunrise – 4:06
2. Please Stay Tuned – 4:01
3. Quiet Eyes – 3:33
4. A Mouse In The House – 3:52
5. Some Leather And Lace – 3:56

Side B

1. The Cricket Ballet – 3:30
2. Cosmic Square Dance – 4:16
3. The Boot And The Stone – 3:57
4. Tap Room – 4:08
5. If I Should Lose You – 1:26