Chet Atkins in 3 Dimensions

WHAT NYMITH SAYS

Oh dear, this is disappointing. Jettisoning the tasty ensemble of the previous year, Chet Atkins went solo in 1955. Chet Atkins in Three Dimensions is just him and his guitar and unfortunately Atkins did not get the guitar god memo. Obviously, it hadn't been invented yet so we can't blame him for recording an entire album of parlour guitar music but as it stands it is way too close to easy listening for my taste. All that's missing is 'O Danny Boy.'

The thing is, Atkins is a really humble sort and flashy playing is not his style. For this reason he works well with a band supporting him. The steel guitar, violin, piano and celesta that so enlivened and enriched the Session also polished his guitar. It's just not the same when he's playing entire songs by himself. It sounds, sad to say, like the sort of album you'd hear faintly in the background of any highbrow restaurant. This is not a good thing. Yes, he plays nicely, but that's not enough.

Great song selection would surely help, but it's rather iffy. Three Dimensions refers to the three types of music he covers: four each of folk songs, popular songs and classical pieces. This was a very open-minded move for a country artist at the time and the folk section is the most successful part of the record, particularly 'Ochi Chornya (Dark Eyes)' which is of Russian origin and has a great gypsy-romance melody. It's the sole highlight for me.

Meanwhile, the set of popular songs are totally pleasant but lightweight. 'Little Rock Getaway,' 'Tenderly,' the titles speak for themselves. There is also a good but kind of pointless rendition of 'Blues in the Night' (which obviously can't begin to compete with Peggy Lee and Benny Goodman). It's an ENTIRE record of filler. The classical pieces are pretty (how could they be otherwise?) but again inessential. This is a record to play dimly in the background when you have a wide variety of guests coming over and don't want to risk offending/irritating any of them. I will stick to the zesty and adventurous Session with Chet Atkins and forget about this one.

WHAT TICHARU SAYS

Might be great background music at a social event of mixed company. If you listen very close you might lose interest fairly quickly. The classical interpretations are the weakest link. Classical music wasn't the right fit for Chet, nor were popular standards for that matter. Atkins was at his best doing lively folk and country roots music with a band that could play at his level. Chet Atkins as a salon guitarist at least on this record doesn't hit the mark. Not enough here to recommend.