Steve Wariner has long stated that his idol was Chet Atkins and not only was Wariner lucky enough to get to work with Atkins as a band member but also was signed to RCA Records by him.  “Chester,” as Steve and those close to the guitar icon called him, produced Steve’s first single and then handed the reigns over to another producer and once Wariner had scored a big hit, Atkins fired him from his own road band.  Steve has made a loving tribute to Chet Akins with his latest album which is called My Tribute to Chet Akins.  The album works as a sort of chronological story-telling of Chet’s life, from the barn-stormin’ “Leavin’ Luttrell,” the classic song “John Henry” and the wonderful “Producer’s Medley,” which showcases many of the classic songs that Atkins produced over the years.

Most of the album is an instrumental affair and it will truly be appreciated by people who love guitar albums like Chet made for so many years or are guitarists themselves.  “6120” is a song where Steve Wariner showcases the guitar that Chet played.  It’s a Gretsch guitar that the producer turned into an iconic piece of musical equipment, much like Les Paul did with his own guitar for Gibson.   The song also features some great fiddle notes from Wariner’s long-time friend and former Grascal Jimmy Mattingly (who now tours with Dolly and has toured with Steve and Garth Brooks).   There are a couple of songs with vocals at the end of the album and they are “Chet’s Guitar” and “Silent Strings.”  Both showcase the love that Steve had and continues to have for the greatest country guitarist of all time. 

Lovingly made, My Tribute to Chet Akins is one of the best instrumental albums (particularly from a country artist) you are likely to hear in 2009.