Classic early 60's Chet Atkins.
DEROCKER@webtv.net | Trumbull, Ct. U.S.A. | 08/08/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Teensville" blends the inimitable style of Chet Atkins with both popular hits of the early 60's and some unknown gems. "Take A Message To Mary", "Oh Lonesome Me", and "Come Softly To Me" bear the essence of the light, sweet sounds of the original versions with the a touch of Chet's intepretation, as do "White Silver Sands", "Night Train", and "Sleep Walk". "Boo Boo Stick" and the albums title track "Teensville" capitalize on the rhythmical ifluence of Bo Didley. "D'jango's Castle" is a tribute to the great jazz/ragtime guitar master D'jango Rinehart. "Hot Toddy" ( "not Hot Today" as the title lists here ) is a sweet melding of a Chet chordal melody with some fine , breathy sax work. And my personal favorite "One Mint Julep" captures Chet's wry country jaunt with some innovative volume pedal work on the last verse. To anyone who loves and values the style that is singularly Chet Atkins, this album and any others of his from the 1960's such as "Hi-Fi in Focus" or "Chet Atkins at Home", I highly recommend "Teensville" ."
Essential Chet Atkins. Classic.
W. R. Isaacs | San Francisco | 05/16/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is rather common for a masterpiece to be overlooked because it fails to satisfy a narrow popular preference. The cover of Teensville depicts a '50s sock hop, evoking a rock and roll dance album. You can not do aerobics to this music.
Unfortunately for RCA in 1960, instead of a rock and roll dance album, "Teensville" is a lush sonic exploration, alternately meditative and seductive. It is a work of artistic genius.
There are big-band standards, 1930s jazz, broadway songs, '40s blues, covers of great rock and roll like Santo and Johnny's "Sleepwalk" and the Fleetwoods' "Come Softly To Me", and several strong originals.
Beyond genre, it is played with spice, restraint, love of harmony, inspired musicianship. Atkins' gentle optimistic spirit subtly conceals oceanic depth and deadly commitment.
Bob Moore plays bass, Bud Harman drums, Boots Randolph sax, Anita Kerr's group vocal harmony, and on piano the incredible Floyd Cramer."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1