These 16 sides were selected from the more than 50 that guitarist Bryant and pedal steel player West cut in Los Angeles between 1951 and 1956, when they were also most in demand as country--and occasionally pop--session me... more »n. Forty years later, these are still considered the hottest, most fully realized, most musical instrumentals in the history of country. West's slashing, muscular steel lines send out sparks, while Bryant's bop-influenced, breakneck guitar cuts clean as a scalpel. Using the guitar-steel pairings of Western swing as a jumping-off point, these guys created a jazzy body of work that many guitarists are still trying to decipher. --John Morthland« less
These 16 sides were selected from the more than 50 that guitarist Bryant and pedal steel player West cut in Los Angeles between 1951 and 1956, when they were also most in demand as country--and occasionally pop--session men. Forty years later, these are still considered the hottest, most fully realized, most musical instrumentals in the history of country. West's slashing, muscular steel lines send out sparks, while Bryant's bop-influenced, breakneck guitar cuts clean as a scalpel. Using the guitar-steel pairings of Western swing as a jumping-off point, these guys created a jazzy body of work that many guitarists are still trying to decipher. --John Morthland
"My father, Jimmy Bryant, played the heck out of his Telecasters - in fact, he was the first artist to play a Fender guitar for Leo Fender. If you play guitar and have never heard him play, this may scare you to grasp the thought of him doing this in the early to mid 50's - just think about being the first to play a solid body electric guitar without having someone else to copy chops from - and it sounding like this! Hope you like it - you can read more about my dad at ...
Kind regards,
John Bryant"
The epitome of pickin' and grinnin'
Twice-lived | Lyons, CO United States | 11/28/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Originals and souped up country standards, played at warp speed, with sock rhythm and bop lines. My favorite is "Arkansas Traveler" as a I-vi-ii-V song instead of the traditional I-IV-I-V."
Wild sounds!
Twice-lived | 02/28/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One day a couple of years ago I was looking through the bins at a big music store. The floor I was on contained the country section, and they were playing an album that had sounds on it that I'd never heard before. Everyone in hearing range stopped what they were doing and listened. The music was so unusual (to me, at least) and interesting that I bought the album--this album--right away, and I haven't regretted it since. Will definitely be of interest to non-old-country fans who like good music and crack musicianship."
Ahead of their time!!!
B. Swenson | Grand Junction, CO United States | 06/24/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"HOT, HOT, HOT!!! One of the best instumental albums you'll ever hear. Inventive, creative, original. As Jimmy's son points out, he was Leo's torchbearer with the tele. According to George Fullerton, Mr. Fender's right-hand man, he and Leo were at a club in Riverside, CA, looking for guitarists to "test drive" this new invention. During a set break they approached Jimmy, who took it, sat on the edge of the stage and began picking. As George related the story, all in attendance stopped what they were doing, gathered around and watched Bryant pick away. It, I'm sure, was an historic moment.Thankfully, the combination of Mr. Bryant and Mr. Fender's invention can be heard in its purist form. Teamed up with Speedy (and that name is accurate) West, you have an album that cooks. Remember, this is the 1950s, and there are no tricks here. As pure and clean as it gets. Be prepared to be sent into the stratosphere!"
Outrageous telecaster / steel guitar combo circa late 50's
B. Swenson | 01/08/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Jimmy Bryant's telecaster speed picking along with Speedy West's steel guitar "showbudding" combine on this CD to provide one of the most incedibly fast (and accurate) displays of strung-instrument acrobatics ever recorded. Bryant's jazz-meets-county fair style is second to NONE (including Steve Morse). West's playing extrapolates from earlier styles (such as Bob Wills) but ramps them up to warp speed along with some special effects done the old fashioned way (before there were wah wahs or eventide harmonizers). No vocal tracks provided or needed. Anyone who understands guitar playing will be very pleased with this CD, particularly if taken in the context of the late 50's and early 60's."