Les Paul Trio - Playing And Making The Guitar 1944-1947 (2010)

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Les Paul Trio - Playing And Making The Guitar 1944-1947 (2010)

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Although from a historical standpoint Les Paul is perhaps best remembered for his invention of the solid-bodied electric guitar and his groundbreaking efforts in multi-tracking, this should not overshadow his considerable talent as a performer and virtuoso master of the guitar. Originally highly influenced by Django Reinhardt, by the time these recordings were made, Les Paul had developed a unique style that has gone on to influence countless others. The '40s marked Les' first taste of true stardom, whereupon moving to Hollywood, his newly formed Les Paul Trio began recording profusely and accompanying the most popular vocalists of the day. In fact, this album features Bing Crosby (who requires no introduction) on seven tracks! Les Paul also backed many other popular vocalists of the period, such as Helen Forrest, a popular singer of the big-band era, who sings on several Hawaiian-inspired tracks (which were much in vogue at the time, thanks to the popular films like 1937's “Waikiki Wedding”, starring Bing Crosby and 1942's “Song of the Islands” starring Betty Grable); the Delta Rhythm Boys (a popular proto-doo wop group of the '30s and '40s), found on two tracks; and Dick Haymes (a popular crooner who rivaled Crosby and Sinatra), also found on two tracks. Therefore, this album is not only a look into the amazing guitar playing of one of the greatest guitar players of the 20th century, but also a glimpse into the most popular music of the period. (discogs.com)