Early Years 1946-1957

There are several reasons that you should get this.
1. Atkins is on the top ten list of greatest guitar players EVER.
2. The arpegio attacks in some of the songs will make your jaw drop.
3. Even though he's listed as country, he was respected by his peers IN ALL GENRES.
4. Many of the recordings are from the Joe (Down In The Basement) Broussard collection.
5. If you consider yourself a guitarist, this is a must have.
6. 95% of all his greatest hits is on these discs (Freight Train was recorded after 1957).
7. Each disc is no less than 70 minutes.
8. The sound remastering is great.
9. You wont find a collection this great at a lower price.
10. SO WHY ARE YOU STILL READING THIS? BUY IT!!!

This is a wonderful, affordable way to explore early Atkins. The sound is fantastic, as is typical of JSP. The packaging (individual jewel cases in a sleeve) is fine, but nothing special. There really aren't any substantial essays about the music, just some nice anecdotes and commentary. The sessionography is very thorough and makes up lack of more liner notes. I much prefer the instrumental tracks later, but Chet's vocals have a certain charm, despite not being a terribly accomplished singer. This set is a much more affordable way to get the music than the Bear Family set. If you love Chet Atkins, this should be in your collection.

This is an inexpensive and excellent way to hear the famous Chet Atkins sound evolve. The digital conversion is excellent and what an array of sidemen recorded with him. I love the jazz mandolin style of the late Jethro Burns and there's lots of his material here. And who knew that Chet originally signed as a vocalist? A must for any fan of electric guitar and one of it's most popular players.