Lightning Fingers of Roy Clark
Capitol initially released Roy Clark's first album in 1963 to little fanfare. Razor & Tie's reissue of this fully instrumental LP, recorded before Clark signed with the label, is valuable in that it showcases his remarkable six-string gifts on a "groovy" blend of traditional country-swing and the modern twist sound that was so popular with the kids at the time. Just when you think he can't pluck 'em any faster, he'll double-time at blazing speed with continued precision accuracy. The one drawback is that the total running time is relatively brief, at about 30 minutes. Twelve tracks in all, this record allows country fans to get in touch with some of the genre's roots, albeit in a "hip" setting, and confirms that "the guy fromHee Haw" can really play.--Jason Pascal