George Barnes - Complete Standard Transcriptions (CD)

All Music Guide

George Barnes may not be as well-remembered as Les Paul or Chet Atkins, but he was an influence on both and a master on par with the best jazz and country guitarists. The Complete Standard Transcriptions is a two-disc set that resurrects nearly 50 1946-1951 recordings of Barnes and his octet performing unique jazz-pop guitar instrumentals that bear little similarity to anyone else. The tight and inventive arrangements revolve around the interplay between Barnes' jazz/pop guitar leads and the octet's woodwinds, resulting in a delightfully different and surprising instrumental blend that sounds like the swingingest chamber music ever made. It's a minor miracle that such an extensive showcase of Barnes' talents exists and, as such, The Complete Standard Transcriptions is recommended not only for those who appreciate guitar wizardry and the Country All Stars scene of which Barnes was a part, but for all lovers of good music.

- Greg Adams, All Music Guide