VARIOUS ARTISTS

HOMMAGE A MARCEL DADI Acoustic Music Records ✪✪✪✪ ✪

One of only a handful of players in Chet Atkins’ ‘Certified Guitar Player’ circle, Marcel Dadi was a celebrated acoustic fingerpicker who, although of Tunisian-French descent, dedicated his craft to the style of the great American pickers. He died tragically in a plane crash in 1996. Hommage is a Who’s Who of top pickers, from Martin Taylor to Albert Lee and Pierre Bensusan, and, of course, there’s a track from the man himself. The astounding Richard Smith kicks off with Big Chief, in the Atkins style but played so impeccably (check out those harp harmonics and chord soloing!) that we’d buy the album for this alone. Highlights include Martin Taylor’s delightful, En Attendant Joachim, Muriel Anderson’s nylon-string take on Winter’s Waltz is a delight, and Albert Lee’s Swingy Boogie, packed with bends, triplets and double-stops. Pierre Bensusan’s Waltz For Paula is full of emotion, as well as cascading rivulets of notes. Dadi rounds off proceedings with Song For Chet, a warm, clever and beautiful tribute to his hero. Need cheering up on a rainy Sunday morning? This’ll do it!