Cybergrass Bluegrass Music News: Steve Wariner Earns Grammy Nomination Instrumental Performance

BMNN wrote: on Dec. 07, 2009:
Chet Tribute

Nashville, TN -- Award-winning recording artist, songwriter and guitarist Steve Wariner has earned a Grammy nomination for Best Country Instrumental Performance with "Producer's Medley" from Steve Wariner, c.g.p., My Tribute to Chet Atkins. Produced by Wariner, the album honors the legendary guitarist and producer who was also his friend, mentor, producer and former employer. It was released on Wariner's own SelecTone Records and is distributed by Allegro Media Group. The abbreviation "c.g.p." stands for "Certified Guitar Player," a title that Chet himself bestowed on only four guitar pickers: Tommy Emmanuel, John Knowles, the late Jerry Reed, and Wariner.

"Producer's Medley" features classic songs by artists Atkins produced, 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.

"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 is a three-time Grammy winner, having won in 1992 for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals; and in 2000 and 2009 for Best Country Instrumental Performance. During his career he has charted over 30 top-10 singles, including 14 #1 hits. In 1998 he won the Country Music Association's Single and Song of the Year awards for his #1 hit, "Holes in the Floor of Heaven," which was also the Academy of Country Music's Song of the Year in 1999. He joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1996. As a songwriter he has earned 16 BMI Country Awards and 11 BMI Million-Air Awards (for songs receiving over one million on-air plays).

Wariner arranged the tracks My Tribute to Chet Atkins as a rough timeline of Atkins' life, taking the listener on a journey through the wide range of material he recorded—from his early days playing the mountain music of his native Luttrell, Tennessee, to swing, rockabilly, pop, folk and jazz. Wariner includes his versions of some of the songs that Atkins recorded or performed--"Back Home Again in Indiana," "John Henry," "Blue Angel" and "Producer's Medley"—but the bulk of the album consists of original songs Steve wrote in the various styles that Atkins made famous.

While Wariner grew up listening to Atkins' music, it wasn't until he was 18 years old and playing bass in Dottie West's band that he met his musical idol during a tour of Europe that included several RCA artists. Atkins produced Wariner's first records at RCA Studio B, after guitarist Paul Yandell heard Wariner during a recording session for his then-boss, Bob Luman, and took a tape to Atkins. Following Luman's death, Atkins hired Wariner to play bass in his band. When Wariner scored his first top-10 hit with "Your Memory," Atkins promptly "fired" him, saying that he needed to embark on his own solo career.

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