Sure, he’s associated with country music, but I dare you to find me a guy that knew his way around the guitar better than Merle Travis. Ok, maybe Chet Atkins, but you get the idea. This four disc collection includes his classic years with Capitol Records, and I don’t care what genre of guitar you prefer, you need to hear this guy and steal some of his licks.
His 1963 Guitar album includes a dozen gorgeous solo pieces that sound deceptively relaxed but just try doing “Blue Smoke” or “Saturday Night Shuffle” on your own, my friend. Meanwhile, pieces like “Sixteen Tons”, “Dark As A Dungeon” and “I Am A Pilgrim” became standards in both country and pop fields. Next comes a collection of his material from the mid 40s, with traditional pieces like “John Henry” and originals such as “Over By Number Nine”. The followup included Travis on the tear in bear bar buster “Divorce Me C.O.D” and the good ol’ boy “Lawdy What A Gal”. And Baptists though rock and roll was sinful!
Travis then did a concept album about life in the coal mines, and hitting the folk blues better than anyone on “Pay Day Comes Too Slow” . Travis Walks the strings in 1960 singing on “Little David P lay Your Harp” and doing some gospel with “Take My Hand, Precious Lord”. A real treat is a summit meeting with fellow guitarist Joe Maphis, and the two pick and grin through “Corrina Corrina”, “Guitar Rag” and Big Midnight Special. Music that transcends genres and inspires all.