Capitol initially released Roy Clark's first album in 1963 to little fanfare. Razor & Tie's reissue of this fully instrumental LP, recorded before Clark signed with the label, is valuable in that it showcases his remar... more »kable six-string gifts on a "groovy" blend of traditional country-swing and the modern twist sound that was so popular with the kids at the time. Just when you think he can't pluck 'em any faster, he'll double-time at blazing speed with continued precision accuracy. The one drawback is that the total running time is relatively brief, at about 30 minutes. Twelve tracks in all, this record allows country fans to get in touch with some of the genre's roots, albeit in a "hip" setting, and confirms that "the guy from Hee Haw" can really play. --Jason Pascal« less
Capitol initially released Roy Clark's first album in 1963 to little fanfare. Razor & Tie's reissue of this fully instrumental LP, recorded before Clark signed with the label, is valuable in that it showcases his remarkable six-string gifts on a "groovy" blend of traditional country-swing and the modern twist sound that was so popular with the kids at the time. Just when you think he can't pluck 'em any faster, he'll double-time at blazing speed with continued precision accuracy. The one drawback is that the total running time is relatively brief, at about 30 minutes. Twelve tracks in all, this record allows country fans to get in touch with some of the genre's roots, albeit in a "hip" setting, and confirms that "the guy from Hee Haw" can really play. --Jason Pascal
pattymatt | Olympia, WA United States | 08/18/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Being a hard rock fan of Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, etc., I caught a portion of "Texas Twist" at friend's party and asked who the incredible guitarist was. When I was told "Roy Clark", I said "You mean...?". That's right. The same goofy guy I saw on HEE-HAW as a kid. For anyone who appreciates guitar, any guitar, Roy Clark may be the best of time, and of all classifications."
What a flood of memories!
dinojak | miami, fl United States | 09/01/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I still can't believe that I found this album on CD. My parents bought this album when I was a kid, maybe 10 years old. I ended up confiscating it and wearing the grooves off it. If you love guitar pickin' (Alvin Lee, Steve Morse, Outlaws,...) you'll love this. I saw Roy on an episode of "The Odd Couple" and he just RIPPED UP!! an acoustic guitar with a 2-minute flamenco thrash solo. WOW! The Cd's short (30 min. +/-) but Oh So Sweet! Thank god for CD's. Now I can play it to death all over again. Memories..."
AMAZING
Timothy J. Collins | Hampton, VA | 02/12/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A little short but unbelievable. I have only listened to Roy Clark on Hee Haw. I found this CD at Yahoo's Broadcast site where you can preview the entire thing for free. I immediately came to Amazon to see if I could buy it! As another review I read explained ... the title says it all, and if Roy Clark were a classical guitarist he might be the best ever. This CD leaves you begging for more, and makes you wish you could have seen these songs played live. Can he really move his fingers that fast? Next I am going to Ticketmaster to see if Roy still tours!"
Roy Clark is an incredible guitar player but...
TimMd | San Jose, CA | 02/05/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This album is not showing his lightning speed on most songs. They should have left "lightning" out of the title."