Description

Chester & Lester

Overview:

Chester & Lester is a beautiful and fun album by two masters. It was recorded in the mid-’70s when Chet Atkins was in his fifties and Les Paul was in his sixties. The latter had been in retirement for a decade before the recording of this album. Nashville studio musicians, including Randy Goodrum on piano and Larrie Londin on drums, back up the master guitarists, but this is by no means a country album. In fact, this album swings on classics such as “Birth of the Blues,” “Avalon,” and “Caravan.” Other classic songs, including “It’s Been a Long Time” and “It Had to Be You,” are beautifully rendered, featuring Les Paul’s instantly recognizable ringing bell tone and Chet Atkins’ fluid, slightly twangy sound. The recording has an informal feel, with between-song banter (and even some joking in the middle of songs) included on the record, which adds to the enjoyment and warmth of this album. The listener knows that the musicians are having a great time. According to the liner notes, only two songs have any overdubs, so, “You hear the music just as it came down.” And it all “came down” beautifully. [The 2007 edition included bonus tracks.] ~ Tim Griggs

Editorial Reviews:
CHESTER & LESTER was probably the only jam session record to win a Grammy. Today, such an album would merely seem like clever marketing: two virtuosos from different genres, country and pop, joining forces. Not so in 1976. Truth was, Chet Atkins and Les Paul had way more in common than many realized. Each made groundbreaking records that put electric guitars on the map and influenced the sound of rock. Both experimented with electronics. The electric guitar models named for both men over half a century ago are considered classics, still produced today by the same companies. Three decades can’t diminish CHESTER & LESTER’S wonderfully free musical and personal interplay. On record, their divergent personalities were reflected in their verbal bantering, Chet’s taciturn personality and dry humor a terrific foil for Les’s ornery schoolkid exuberance. It was something both admired about the record. It is now re-releasesed here and includes 4 bonus tracks.

$12.00 plus tax, shipping and handling