When Chet Atkins was
appointed A&R coordinator for Nashville's RCA division in
1957, he took over as producer for Jim Reeves, among other artists.
Jim later reflected that this was his "big break, although
I didn't know it at the time." He said Chet pretty much
let him do what he wanted, and "has never set me wrong yet."
Reeves respected the fact that Atkins did not have an axe to
grind, he was open to experimentation, and for the most part
he let Jim choose his own material to record. Atkins also allowed
Jim to get in close to the mike -- as when they recorded "Four
Walls" -- and thus took advanage of the singer's incomparably
rich baritone. The only disagreements the two men had, Chet later
recalled, is that sometimes Jim would pitch a song "a little
too high", and he would have to get him to sing in a lower
key. Aside from respecting Chet Atkins' production abilities,
Jim was in awe of his guitar virtuosity, describing him as every
bit the equal of Segovia. Chet even tutored Jim a bit, teaching
him to play "Wildwood Flower."
In tribute to these
two great artists, The Jim Reeves Way proudly presents TWO versions
of this classic country song. The first is by Chet himself, introducing
the song and playing it live on electric guitar during the last
European tour the two made together in the Spring of 1964. Click
HERE to listen.
Then listen as the
student shows how much he has learned. Jim picks the song on
his acoustic guitar during a live concert with the Blue Boys
providing backup. Click HERE to listen.
Finally, enjoy a soothing
collaboration between one of the world's greatest guitarists,
and one of its finest vocalists. In this rare instance, just
Chet and Jim are alone in Studio B and performing a poignant
song together. Click HERE to listen.
The two men were very
close in age, as well as in temperament. Both were quiet and
well mannered, but could be hot-tempered. The two became golfing
buddies, and in fact played with a professional golfer just the
weekend before Jim was killed.
In later years, with
few exceptions, "Mr. Guitar" declined to talk very
much about "Gentleman Jim." The memories were just
too difficult, he'd explain, and then he'd often fall silent
with a pained expression on his face. But on at least one occasion
Chet acknowledged, "I still think about Jim every day...and
miss him very much."
Now the two old pals
are together again...
TO CHET
(a poem by Elmer Alley)
The strings
where nimble fingers danced
are silent.
The heart
that echoed magic melodies
is still.
The notes
strewn lightly on the winds
fall gently
onto aching hearts.
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©All contents copyright 2001 by Julie Campbell. All
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