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Tommy Emmanuel in Concert
Anytime you talk to any of Tommy Emmanuel's fans, whether musicians or civilians, invariably they will speak of not one but two qualities that define his greatness. The first, predictably, is his extraordinary guitar playing. Considered by those in the know to be among this planet's greatest guitarists, his playing is simply miraculous, as it would take three musicians, or more, to do what Tommy does solo. Who else, for example, when playing "Day Tripper," can lay down the rhythm part, dig into the riff and sing the melody all at once on just one acoustic guitar?
Which brings us to the other aspect of his music always mentioned, and without which the first might not be as powerful or as infectiously appealing: the joy. Yes, joy. Because it's one thing to play these multi-dimensional arrangements flawlessly on an acoustic guitar. But to do it with that smile of the ages, that evidence of authentic, unbridled delight, is an irresistible invitation to feel his music as deeply as he does. "The joy, he says, "is there always because I'm chasing it through music. Seeing the surprise in peoples' eyes is worth living and working for... I can't help but play to the people with all my heart, which is overflowing with joy of being in that moment that I've worked all my life for. And here it is!"
Although his expression is instrumental, he comes to the guitar much more like a vocalist, positively singing melodies through the strings. He inhabits the tunes he performs, delivering every nuance and turn of phrase. His own songs are also illuminated always with lyrical melodies that go right to the heart, such as his beautiful ode to his daughter, "Angelina," or his great "story without words," "Lewis & Clark." That they resonate so deeply without words makes sense, as words only go so far. But music, coming from a genuine and joyful source, can go so much farther. Now with The Best of Tommy songs, he brings us a complete collection of his own songs, all rich with ripe melodicism and rendered with joy in real-time.
Tommy is guitar genius! So much talent and energy being released at you in one performance.... he's just hypnotizing to watch! And Tommy's such a humble fellow.... listening to the stories he tells is just as hypnotizing as watching him play. It's possibly the most fantastic musical performance I've ever seen.
I didn't think it could get any better than the last time we saw Tommy but this one was tops! I think Tommy had as much fun as we did. We got way more than our money's worth. Rick Price was awesome too - bought his CD -i'll sing all the way to work Monday.
Tommy Emmanuel is quite simply one of the best guitar players in the world! Tommy plays what I would call "Extreme Finger Style" guitar. Although he plays acoustic instruments, he takes full advantage of modern technology to enhance the sound of his guitar and make his percussive style possible. He taps, slaps and scrapes the body of his guitar to create his own rhythm section. Inspired by finger style legends such as Chet Atkins, Merle Travis and Jerry Reed, Tommy Emmanuel plays familiar tunes from the fingerstyle repertoire, but is not limited by them. He is equally comfortable with the Beatles or Elvis or Henry Mancini. Tommy also plays some original compositions, but whatever he plays, he brings his own unique style.
Sitting close enough to see everything and still amazed that man with just two hands can make an acoustic guitar do the impossible. Tommy Emmanuel is the consumate fingerstyle guitar player, a great entertainer and a good person. This was my third attendance at a TE concert and I will do it again and again and again.
I went to see Tommy Emmanuel for the 2nd time last night. Wow! What a performer and showman. If you haven't seen Tommy live you need to go to this next concert near you. One of the greatest guitar players ever. He has a magnetic personality and an undeniable wit. A must to see!!
Tommy introduced his friend and opening act, Rick Price, who proceeded to put on a mainliner quality set. Tommy came out and was on fire!!!! Although many people in the audience have seen Tommy many times, last night he was especially full of energy and relaxed with the audience. After a particularly blistering attack on his quitar, he stopped and asked if there were any guitar players in the audience. A reply from someone in the front rows came, "not anymore". Tommy cracked up. A truly intimate, brilliant performance. At the end Rick joined Tommy for truly incredible renditions of The Doobey Bros. "Taking it To the Streets" and the Everly Bros. "Wake Up Little Suzie". They were stunning!!!
The show was incredible--including the opening act - Rick Price. He had great voice and kept the crowd entranced. Then Tommy took the stage and wowed everyone with almost 2 1/2 hours of blindingly speedy and skillful guitar playing. He is one of a kind and a treasure to the world.
A good friend turned me on to Tommy Emmanuel. I had never seen him live, and I HIGHLY recommend that any lover of guitar go see this astounding musician. He plays all sorts of music on his acoustic and the speed with which he plays and the passion with which he perfroms is worth every penny. Compare what he does to most arena artists and there is nothing like seeing someone this gifted and generous live. You feel as though you are in his living room listening to him play. See this man every time he comes to your town! There are very few "certified guitar players" around. Tommy Emmanuel is the best out there right now!
Tommy Emmanuel is the master of steel string acoustic and,if you have never heard on a Fender Telecaster,he is not shabby with that either. What a performer ! And what fun he is to boot !
I got to witness 30 miracles on stage last night for $25. Less than $1 a miracle. Tommy is hands down the best there is right now. I have never been so entertained in my life. If you only have $25 left to your name spend it on this concert because if you are starving, for 2 hours you will forget all about it.
A great blend of guitar mastery and showmanship. Tommy truly enjoys what he is doing and that transmits to his audience..... creating a night of awesome adventure!!!
This was my second time to see Tommy. He puts on an incredible show. Off the charts talent, impeccable musicianship and too much fun! I paid $25 for my ticket but Tommy delivered a $100 show! Keep him coming back. I brought 6 friends with me that had never seen him before.
Great show, Watching Tommy play guitar is like playing Flight of the Bumblebee at 78 speed! Just the most accurate and fastest guitar player you will ever see. Plus he really is a great showman. He made us laugh through the whole show. Go see Tommy, you will never forget it!
This was my 2nd time to see Tommy. What an incredible evening. Tommy entertains like on one I have ever seen. His playing is exhilarating - I got winded just watching him play!
This was an amazing concert! Tommy is the best guitarist I have ever seen. This was my first event at the VPH and the acoustics were unbelievable . Definately a great venue for concerts; there is not a bad seat in the house!
I have seen a lot of shows. This was hands down the most unforgettable show ever. The sound was stellar and the Performance was the most amazing energetic concert I have seen.
I am a big fan of acoustic guitar, but this far exceeded my expectation. Total entertainment. I sent emails immediately after the show to advise my guitar enthusiast friends and family to check him out and if they have the opportunity go see him live. I purchased a CD and a DVD as I felt most would not believe the sound from one individual if they did not see it for themselves.
Well.... what can you say about this great guitarist. Truly transcendent. I have attended only a handful of concerts that approached this musical level. There were no gimmicks or theatre, just pure music that took me and my wife into another world for awhile. I love guitar, and my Wife went along to keep me company but she was as impressed as I was, and that takes a lot to do! More shows like this in ABQ Please!!!!
The most amazing display of guitar we have ever witnessed!
I can confidently say that, after attending both Tommy Emmanuel's workshop and performance, he is the 8th wonder of the world. His attention to musicianship and dedication to advancing finger-picking technique is second to none. In addition, his on-stage aura is both calming and envigorating simultaneously, engulfing the audience in what can only be described as "all hell breaking loose." As a burgeoning guitarist myself, his inspirational words both on and off stage struck a "well of stoke," encouraging me to delve deeper into all aspects of guitar. I highly advise any capable of attending his workshops to do so. Not only will this improve your physical and mental abilities, but will allow you to meet Tommy Emmanuel face-to-face. I had the great fortune to take a picture with Tommy as well as get my guitar signed by him.
