ASHLAND — Josh Woods, who was recently inducted to the National Thumbpickers Hall of Fame, has recorded and released his first album as a tribute to the two guitarists who defined one of the most difficult and technical styles of guitar playing in recorded history.

Woods’ CD “Tribute to Chet and Merle” salutes the work of musical pioneers Chet Atkins and Merle Travis, while providing listeners a taste of the style and precision and passion which has earned Woods respect from musicians and music lovers alike.

The recording process and assembly of the new CD was slightly unusual, Woods said, explaining he captured it all in the comfort of his own living room.

“I had a bunch of recordings that I was happy with, but I didn’t have a (version of) ‘Cannonball Rag’ that I was happy with, so I took about 10 minutes and did that one again,” he said, noting he was in a hurry to get the CD put together.

”I had a Friday the 13th show in Columbus and it was Thursday ... I wanted to make some extra money,” he said, shaking his head as he remembered the situation. “I took the recordings to Mike Fitzpatrick at Record/Play CD Duplication that night. He was our knight in shining armor and had the CDs ready the next morning — with great artwork.”

Considering the challenge of recording songs made famous by two of the best in the business, Woods said he is pleased with the results.

“I am happy with a lot of them. I based everything from Chet and Merle’s arrangements from a 1974 recording they did. I did Chet and Merle’s parts,” Woods said, suddenly taking a somewhat shy turn as he repeated some of the praise his CD has already received from renowned thumbpickers, including Eddie Pennington and Tom Bresh. Speaking for himself, Woods said he is probably most satisfied with his versions of “Muskrat Ramble” and “Cannonball Rag,” a song that has practically become the anthem of thumbpicking enthusiasts.

The 24-year-old guitarist has been playing the instrument since he was 3 years old, according to family history, and he credits his dad, John, for introducing him to the picking style he has since become known for.

“If it wasn’t for dad I wouldn’t have ever heard of Chet and Merle. Me and dad would drive to Louisa together every night, so we had plenty of time to listen to it. I caught the bug for it then and I’ve had that bug for three years now,” Woods said, explaining he had previously been a rock guitarist emulating artists including Steve Vai, Eric Johnson and Yngwie Malmsteen.

After practicing the complicated style for three years and receiving encouragement from recognized players, Woods won the Grand Champion Award during the 2010 National Thumbpickers competition, and was inducted into the hall of fame with the Horizon Award in 2011.

Woods said the limited first run of CDs has already sold out, although he will have the next batch available by the first of February.

“I sold two of them at work the other day to customers. I’ll probably get fired for that,” he said.   

Woods has also been invited to perform for the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society’s annual concert in Nashville during July, which is a show that carries considerable pressure for any musician. “All of the famous thumbpicking musicians go to that,” he said, rattling off a list of celebrity names expected to be in the audience.

Anyone interested in learning more about Woods or obtaining a copy of “Tribute to Chet and Merle” can contact him on Facebook or by email at joshwoods5@gmail.com.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2651.