Chester & Lester/Guitar Monsters

&, Les Paul, Chet Atkins

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 27, 1998)
• Original Release Date: December 8, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: One Way Records Inc
• ASIN: B00000FXV1
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #138,176 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
They weren't joined at the hip, yet Chet Atkins and Les Paul were far closer than many realize. Chet's half-brother Jimmy Atkins played rhythm guitar in the Les Paul Trio in the '40s. Both Chet and Les's playing reflected Belgian Gypsy jazz virtuoso Django Reinhardt's influence. They not only created records of monumental importance to guitarists in all genres, but their signature model electric instruments advanced guitar technology. In other words, ample common ground existed for these 1970s collaborations. The first, Chester & Lester, won the pair a Grammy in 1976; Guitar Monsters was the 1978 follow-up. Recorded in a loose, lighthearted atmosphere that bypassed country (except for the tongue-in-cheek "Give My Love to Nell"), these albums explored their roots in the big band era. In some cases, such as "It's Been A Long, Long Time" for Les and "Hot Toddy" for Chet, they revisited songs they recorded years earlier. Les, downplaying his electronic wizardry, proved that he didn't need it to dazzle. Chet, who'd come to favor sterile perfection over passion, unleashed his old intensity in the presence of a fellow virtuoso. --Rich Kienzle

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not guitar monsters...guitar Gods, June 4, 2000

By	Jeff Delfield (Florida) - See all my reviews

First of all, officially, I've only heard half of this particular cd (which is two records rereleased onto one cd). I own "Chester & Lester." With that out of the way, I now have to say that if you are AT ALL interested in this recording, buy it. "Chester & Lester" alone is worth the price of this disc. Technical precision, subtlety and lots of fun prevail as these two guitar giants, no wait, Gods (Clapton is the disciple) tackle mostly jazz standards. Though there are no vocals here, the guitarists are mic'd and we get a chance to hear their banter in between, and sometimes during, songs. Though this is all great fun, the real reason to buy this cd is to hear pickin' that you will hear nowhere else.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars old guys that shine, February 17, 2003

By	Steven H. Dymond "sdymondpc" (Englewood, CO USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This double album (Chester and Lester AND Guitar Giants) is a particularly fun CD-it was my first sojourn. As a guitarist who now appreciates what I used to think of as kitsch or corn pone, this album not only showcases each player's virtuoso style from Chet's extraordinary clean Gretsch guitar fingerpicking and great arrangments to Les' Les Paul and his incomparable trills, fills, speed runs and his Paulveriser (the echo unit and /or chorus). These are the guys who pioneered electric pop guitar excellence and electronic innovations. I cannot recommend a better album for those who would like a taste of each player. Some cool tunes, some fun chatter included in the studio giving insights into these two old pros.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding guitar, January 12, 2001

By	Edmund (Oceanside, CA United States) - See all my reviews

Chet Atkins and Les Paul are both guitar geniuses, each with their own unique style, which blend perfectly on this CD. The sound on this CD is amazing. I would recommend this for anyone who enjoys perfect high fidelity sound and outstanding musicians. Ed Quasebarth