Chet Atkins, C.G.P. (1988)

I first noticed the "C.G.P." following Atkins's name on his 1985 album, Stay Tuned. I initially believed those initials stood for "Country Guitar Player" which I thought had a sort of folksy charm to it. I've since discovered that the initials represent "Certified Guitar Player." According to the following article, Atkins created this title and bestowed it upon himself and four other guitarists: Tommy Emmanuel, John Knowles, Steve Wariner, and Jerry Reed. Chet Atkins’ Certified Guitar Players.

In the late 1980s, Atkins 80s had a sort of makeover into a smooth jazzer and this album fits into that era. I thoroughly enjoy the aforementioned 1985 crossover album, Stay Tuned, but was somewhat disappointed in a subsequent release, Sails. I had never heard of this 1988 album prior to seeing it in the used CD bin, but I thought I'd take a chance because I had gift cards to burn and a CD addiction to feed. It should go without saying that the guitar playing here is impeccable. But it turns out C.G.P. is more like Sails than Stay Tuned, that is to say it's an innocuous mix of instrumental adult contemporary, smooth jazz, and crossover lite country with questionable mid-'80s production tricks/synth drums.

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart

Tracks: Of the ten tracks here, I enjoy Put Your Clothes On, Which Way Del Vecchio, and a cover of The Lovin' Spoonful's Daydream. On the other end of the continuum, there's an uninteresting cover of John Lennon's Imagine (featuring Mark Knopfler) and the final track includes a rare vocal track from Adkins in a tribute to his late father. I find that track, I Still Can't Say Goodbye, hard to listen to, but I hope it was cathartic for Atkins.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None

Previously revisited for the blog:
Sails (1987)
Stay Tuned (1985)

Chet Atkins - Sails (1987)

Chet Atkins' guitar playing is consistently top-notch, so I can't call this album a disappointment. However, since I bought it solely on the strength of his excellent 1985 crossover album Stay Tuned, I will say that this didn't meet my expectations. Where the earlier album was a combination of smooth jazz & pop, this release is more a combination of slow to mid-tempo easy listening and new age noodling. Since the songwriting and production is so bland, I have to focus on Atkins' incredible technique and tone to get any enjoyment from this one. It's not terrible, it's just not what I was hoping for.

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart

Tracks:  They're all innocuous. Waltz For The Lonely is very nice. The only track that would have fit on the Stay Tuned album would be Laffin' At Life.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None

Previously revisited for the blog:
Stay Tuned (1985)

Chet Atkins - Stay Tuned (1985)

Note: this release was originally purchased as an LP, later replaced by a CD.

I'm not sure what led me to buy this LP in 1985 (it was probably a review in a magazine or newpaper), but I've enjoyed the music a great deal over the last 25+ years. I always considered Atkins to be a country music guitarist, but this release is more smooth jazz, almost easy listening. For this release, Atkins got together with some fantastic session musicians, including many members of the band Toto. He also invited Larry Carlton, George Benson, Mark Knopfler, Steve Lukather, and Earl Klugh, to come play guitar with him. It's a mixed bag, but Atkins guitar work is, as always, tasteful and restrained.

This was the first time I noticed Atkins using the "C.G.P." following his name. I initially believed those initials stood for "Country Guitar Player" which I thought had a sort of folksy charm to it. I've since discovered that the initials represent "Certified Guitar Player." According to the following online article, Atkins bestowed this title upon himself and four other guitarists: http://musicrow.com/2011/11/guitarist-paul-yandell-passes/

Album chart Peaks:

• US Billboard Top 200: #145
• Billboard Jazz: #12
• CashBox: #130
• CashBox Jazz: #17
• Radio & Records Jazz Radio National Airplay: #11

Tracks: I've listened to this so many times, I don't skip any tracks. All 10 are good. If there's any complaint, it would be the 37 minute playing time. Track 7, Cosmic Square Dance, won a Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance for Atkins and Mark Knopfler.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: Music from this album provided a portion of my soundtrack for the summer of 1985, one of the best summers of my life.