Perhaps not esoteric or "fringe" but the Chester and Lester album can bring pleasure

The album, now CD, that was done by Chet Atkins and Les Paul has been fun to listen to for many years.  May not be your cup of tea.  It has nothing to do with country music, it is songs that most would label as "standards". 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chester_and_Lester