Portraits

Album Review

One wonders when getting something that is done posthumously, why wasn't it released before? Is it of inferior quality? Is there something the artist didn't like about it? Is it just to make a buck on the death of the artist? Rest assured, in this case, this is not done just to cash in on the name — this work will stand with the music he produced while he was alive. These cuts were taken from various studio sessions over a 12-year stretch; the last three songs are taken from a live television special from 1989. The songs cover a variety of the flavors of guitar work that Gatton enjoyed playing and experimenting with. It is hung together with his phenomenal guitar work — it's a wonder that anyone could be doing what he is doing with only two hands — but, interestingly, since his death his legend has grown within the circles in which he was already known and has not spread a great deal further. Listen to the incredible work he does on "Pretty Blue." Before you get settled into a groove, he hits you with three rockabilly tunes that he loved to do, including "Dancin' Shoes," which he wrote with Billy Windsor (who did the vocals on this disc). If you happen to be into speed, see if your favorite guitar picker can play as fast and clean as Gatton. This man, though little-known, deserves some recognition for his blending and fusing of jazz, country, R&B, and rockabilly; for his mind-bending technique; and for the beautiful music that he produced. This is a disc that has something for any lover of music without bowing down to the common goal. It is superb.