Steve Wariner: Certified Guitar Picker, Grammy Nominee
Latest album pays tribute to guitar legend Chet Atkins
Award-winning recording artist, songwriter, guitarist, and Opry member Steve Wariner enjoyed quite a year in 2009 honoring the music of his hero, Chet Atkins. Wariner's latest CD, STEVE WARINER, C.G.P., MY TRIBUTE TO CHET ATKINS, landed on critics' "best of" lists after its release last fall. 2010 could prove to offer the icing on the cake, as a track from the project is up for a Grammy® Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance on Jan. 31.
The abbreviation "c.g.p." stands for "Certified Guitar Player," a title that Atkins-- Wariner's friend, mentor, producer, and former employer-- bestowed on only four guitar pickers: Tommy Emmanuel, John Knowles, the late Jerry Reed, and Wariner.
"Producer's Medley," the Grammy-nominated track, features Wariner's instrumental take on classic songs by artists Atkins produced in the studio, including "And I Love You So" by Perry Como; "Welcome to My World" by Jim Reeves; "The Three Bells" by The Browns; "I Can't Stop Loving You" by Don Gibson; "Java" by Al Hirt; "Let It Be Me" by the Everly Brothers; "End of the World" by Skeeter Davis; and "When You're Hot You're Hot" by Jerry Reed.
Wariner performed his producer's medley last summer at an installment of the new show Opry Country Classics honoring Hall of Famer Atkins. Later in the summer, one of the biggest hits included in the medley, "The Three Bells," was performed live on the Opry stage by Jim Ed, Maxine, and Bonnie Brown in honor of the 50th Anniversary of its original release. Once again proving the timeless nature of Atkins' production, another selection included in the medley-Davis' "End of the World"-was covered by international singing sensation Susan Boyle on her debut album I DREAMED A DREAM released in November.
"I am so honored and deeply touched by this nomination," said Wariner. "It's all the more sweet and meaningful because this entire album was done to honor Chet. I hope right now he and Leona are smiling down and are as happy and proud as I am. I recorded 'Producer's Medley' because I thought it showcased his mastery of the guitar and his incredible body of work as a producer."
Wariner's tribute is available now at the shop at opry.com and stores everywhere.