The Chetboard

Connie Smith sang this old gospel song at Chet's funeral. I recorded this arrangement as a tribute to Chet in the summer of 2001, and included it in AGW Vol 8 No 3. I used a 1987 Gibson CG for the lead, and a Taylor 514-C for the acoustic rhythm tracks. I hope you enjoy it.

Craig

Beautiful, Craig.

That was great, Craig. I loved it. Beautiful song, done beautifully.
Bruce

That was very nice Craig. Fine arrangement and good tone from the Gibson CG.

Dan

Very nice Craig. My dad is a retired minister and at one time pastored a small church near Georgetown SC. We had a sweet old lady that led the choir. I remember one year on Fathers Day she chose this song for the service. This is true no lie.

I don't have the CG anymore, but I recorded quite a bit with it from the late 90's until a couple of years ago. When I first got the guitar, it had one of those "finger" tailpieces, so there's no Bigsby vib on the recording. I kept reaching for the vib and it wasn't there, so I did put a Bigsby (with stationary Atkins arm) on it. It was a great sounding guitar, but very heavy. (Those early CGs are really heavy.) Also, it had quite a narrow neck for a CG. Since it had a narrow neck and the finger tailpiece, I always wondered if it was a special order.

Thanks for all the nice comments. You should have heard Connie and the guys at the Ryman...

Craig

sounds great Craig. My friend Bill Grant has a 1954 Gretsch Duo Jet and it weighs a TON.

Craig, I listened to your song this afternoon, but didn't have time to comment. You have a wonderful touch on guitar. One of the most gifted I have heard and your rendition of this old hymn was top notch. I tell my audiences sometimes about this long tall drink of water I know from Gadsden, AL. Your talents are many and we are fortunate that you share them with us.

That's a beautiful tribute to Chet! Thanks for posting it Craig, you did super picking as always.

Beautiful arrangement, Craig. We play this song in church quite often. But our 86 year-old pianist plays it in Ab.
I play rhythm behind her. Good to hear this in the key of C. Now I can play this song in a guitar-friendly key whenever she is absent. Good seeing you and Julie at the CAAS. Lee Ramirez