Merle Travis & Joe Maphis: Country Guitar Giants

In this landmark 1979 album, Joe Maphis, known as the “The fastest guitar alive” and Merle Travis, legendary originator of “Travis Pickin,’” combine their considerable talents to prove why Country Guitar Giants is no overstatement. Between these “Kings of the Strings,” they have influenced almost every field of American popular music with their innovative flat-picking and awe-inspiring skill. “Joe and Ole’ Merle” attack the old Appalachian ballads, Tin Pan Alley numbers and country and pop songs that inspired them when they were young. Listening to “Wildwood Flower” and “Columbus Stockade Blues” you can hear the joy Travis and Maphis take in playing these great tunes together. Country Guitar Giants is a stunning collaboration between two larger than life guitar masters.