Working with
Dire Straits guitarist
Mark Knopfler had a rejuvinating influence on
Chet Atkins.
Knopfler has
Atkins moving toward his country roots, but both guitarists still play with a tasteful, jazzy sensibility -- however,
Atkins has abandoned the overt jazz fusion pretensions that sank most of his '80s records. With its direct, understated approach,
Neck and Neck is the most focused and arguably the most rewarding record
Atkins has released. [
Neck and Neck was re-released on CD in 2012.] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine