RCA Victor Living Stereo 1962
Chet Atkins's versatility and curiosity have covered a lot of ground, and you would think that his talent would be able to encompass calypso and other Caribbean styles as well. Alas, he isn't given much of a chance here, for very little of this torporously-paced album actually has anything to do with the Caribbean. Sure, some of the titles suggest the region, but not their treatments. "Mayan Dance" is a lovely two-part waltz, with bad string overdubs; "Banana Boat Song" is a lazy cover of the Tarriers' version (not Belafonte's). "Come to The Mardi Gras" moves from the Gay '90s to some unidentified jazzy muted trumpet without leaving the mainland; Bobby Darin's "Come September: Theme" is Brazilian samba; "Moon Over Miami" is a soft boogie; and so on and so forth. Atkin's playing is impeccable and tasteful as always -- perhaps most elegantly on "Temptation" -- just not as inspired as it can be. by Richard S. Ginell
Side 1.
1. Mayan Dance
2. Yellow Bird
3. Wild Orchids
4. The Bandit
5. Jungle Dream
6. The Banana Boat Song
Side 2.
1. Montego Bay
2. Theme From 'Come September'
3 Moon Over Miami
4. Come To The Mardi Gras
5. The Enchanted Sea
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