Hi-Fi was one of the biggest buzz words of the 1950s before stereo supplanted it (the term made a comeback in the mid-'80s when the VCR reached a refined stage), and Chet Atkins was the recipient of its name value on this LP. There is nothing more inherently "hi-fi" in the sound of this album than its immediate companions in Atkins' catalog; suffice is it to say that this is another lovingly played collection of a dozen tunes from what is now considered the great guitarist's most prized period on recordings. This time, the unaccompanied pieces are mixed in with those containing a smartly recessed rhythm section, and the song selection ranges widely between pop standards, a couple of crypto-Latin arrangements ("Anna" is a particularly lovely display of strumming and staccato playing), and a Bach encore. "Portuguese Washerwoman" gets the most varied rhythmic treatment, from sophisticated jazz to two-beat country fingerpicking. Almost every line of the liner notes dwell on a now-forgotten photo contest for the abstract, high-tech art on the album cover, whereas it is the music that will be more remembered. ~ Richard Ginell, All Music Guide
TRACKS
1. El Cumbanchero 2. Ain't Misbehavin' 3. Shadow Waltz 4. Anna 5. Yesterdays 6. Portugese Washerwoman 7. Tiger Rag 8. Walk, Don't Run 9. Tara's Theme 10. Johnson Rag 11. Lullaby of the Leaves 12. Bourree 13. Avorada
Released 1957
© 2006 All Music Guide, LLC