The Early Years: 1957-1969

has made some solo records, but he will always primarily be known as a top session guitarist. While this 28-track compilation does have about a dozen tracks on which he's the featured artist, part of a duo, or part of a group, the emphasis is on records credited to others that feature his axework. Ranging from big hits and superstars to rarities that will surprise even early rock & roll collectors, it's a testament both to his brilliant licks and his versatility. Rockabilly-pop of the late '50s and early '60s is the main fare, leading off with ' 1957 hit "Susie-Q," and including four standout lesser-known tracks by , the singer with whom is most strongly associated. Also good, however, are the rockabilly tunes by (especially "Red Hot") and , whose smoking "Shirley Lee" would be covered by (with again on guitar). These are the most exciting performances, but elsewhere acquits himself well on country swing (a live TV performance of "Cannonball Rag"); novelties showcasing his Dobro playing, credited to ; and relatively obscure items by , , and . The material from the mid- to late '60s usually doesn't bear as strong of a stamp, but shows him adapting to the changing times with fuzztone on the 1965 solo single "Jimmy's Blues"; country-rock Dobro on 's "A Child's Claim to Fame"; and derivative but enjoyable imitation British Invasion music on a 1965 single by , the group he belonged to that served as the house band for the TV show Shindig. You still need a greatest-hits collection to get a full picture of 's finest and most influential work. But this is a pretty enjoyable listen in its own right, whether you're specifically interested in or up for a consistently good anthology of rockabilly-pop-country-rock from the period. ~ Richie Unterberger