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8375 - 22 - CHET ATKINS & LES PAUL - CHESTER & LESTER (1976)

CHET ATKINS & LES PAUL
''CHESTER & LESTER''
1976
44:05

1 It's Been A Long, Long Time 03:27
2 Medley MoonglowPicnic (Theme from 'Picnic') 04:39
3 Caravan 03:14
4 It Had To Be You 03:28
5 Out Of Nowhere 03:09
6 Avalon 06:27
7 Birth Of The Blues 03:01
8 Someday Sweetheart 03:17
9 Deed I Do 02:26
10 Lover Come Back To Me 02:39
11 The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise 02:15
12 You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me 02:44
13 Caravan (alternate version) 03:11

Chet Atkins/Guitar
Ray Edenton/Guitar (Rhythm)
Randy Goodrum/Piano
Larrie Londin/Drums
Bob Moore & His Orchestra
Les Paul/Guitar
Henry Strzelecki/Bass
Paul Yandell/Guitar (Rhythm)

REVIEW
by Tim Griggs (AMG)
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.