Lenny Breau is one of the true geniuses of the guitar. I suppose he is a musician's musician. His knowledge of the instrument and the music is so vast, and I think that's what knocks people out about him. But he's such a tasty player too. I think if Chopin had played guitar, he would have sounded like Lenny Breau.
Interpretation
The quote praises Lenny Breau as a profound guitarist whose talent and knowledge are unparalleled.
Chet Atkins reflects on the exceptional musicality and technical genius of Lenny Breau, highlighting his vast knowledge of the guitar and music, which deeply impresses those acquainted with musical excellence. The mention of Breau as a 'musician's musician' signifies that he is highly respected and admired by other musicians, with Atkins suggesting that Breau's sound could be likened to what it would have been if the classical composer Chopin had played the guitar, emphasizing Breau's artistry and skill.
In practice
This quote could be used in a tribute to Lenny Breau at a music festival.
I think, for one thing, all of us remember those teenage years and those songs that we fell in love with and the music scene that we were part of. So, in a certain way, music cuts through time like almost nothing else. You know, it makes us feel like we're back in an earlier moment.
There was a point in the '80s when I looked out at my audience and I saw people that - were I not on the stage - they'd sooner slug me as they walked by me on the sidewalk. And I realized that I was way beyond the choir.
I've never tried to achieve anything. I achieved everything I wanted to achieve by being in the Rolling Stones and making records.
Walter Beasley is an anomaly: a successful performing musician who possesses the rare skill of understanding the musical process beyond the intuitive. This special ability enables Walter to communicate with aspiring musicians in a way that removes the sense of mystery that sometimes enshrouds our profession.
We may be sure that a genius like Mozart, were he born today, would write concertos like Chopin and not like Mozart.
Rock and roll isn't a career or hobby - it's a life force ... it's just something I have to do.
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