Sneakin' Around

Almost two decades after their series of collaborations had apparently run its course, Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed returned for an encore — a most welcome one. This reunion starts out on Atkins' new contemporary jazz-flavored turf, with comfortable associates like bassist David Hungate, keyboardist Darryl Dybka, rhythm guitarist Paul Yandell, and familiar guests like fiddler Mark O'Connor and guitarist Mark Knopfler filling in the band. But before long, the old Atkins/Reed country ways filter in, the rapport and good humor between the two intact and bubbling on "Here We Are," trading and stealing licks from each other with acute, long-simmering telepathy. There are a few attractive Reed originals to be savored, including a remake of the picking special "The Claw" and a dignified duet on a tune entitled "Major Attempt at a Minor Thing." Knopfler again plays a key guest role on an Atkins album, giving "Cajun Stripper" much of its chugging drive and lending a hand to the most memorable tune on the CD, "Gibson Girl," a double-entendre ode to a favorite guitar. A few star singers like Suzy Bogguss and Amy Grant turn up in the chorus on "Nifty Fifties" — and the sauntering title track truly sneaks up on you. — Richard Ginell.