by Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Recorded in 1983, East Tennessee Christmas finds Chet Atkins -- or Chet Atkins, C.G.P., as he is billed on the cover -- turning in an accomplished but unremarkable holiday effort. Much of the album sounds too slick, and the song selection is a little too predictable for its good, making the record itself sound like it is something Atkins had done before. That said, no Atkins record is completely without merit, and if you're in the right mood, his subtle, tasteful playing can be quite pleasant. Nevertheless, the overall album makes little impression, and only dedicated Atkins fans will need to add this to their collection.