Living Legend: Tommy Emmanuel C.G.P.

[Charlie Doom]

Tommy Emmanuel is quite possibly the most famous fingerpicker on the scene today. With two Grammy nominations under his belt, fans on every continent and being one of the few to hold the title of Certified Guitar Player (courtesy Chet Atkins), it's hard to disagree. While it has been proven that with a highly paid cadre of fidgety-eyed, gen-x marketing gurus at your disposal anyone with a minutia of talent can become famous, Tommy has reached the top the old fashioned way; having frighteningly pristine and fulfilled talent. To hear him is to be moved, but to see him perform live is a supernatural experience. We were lucky enough to be at the All Star Guitar Night concert in Anaheim to film Tommy Emmanuel as he received the 2009 Legend Award from Guitar Player magazine. Thanks to the hard work of the TrueFire team you can watch the video.

_Charlie Doom

.........

TOMMY EMMANUEL - Two-time Grammy nominee Tommy Emmanuel has a professional career that spans over four decades and continues to intersect with some of the finest musicians throughout the world. A household name in his native Australia, Tommy has garnered hundreds of thousands of loyal fans worldwide. Tommy's unique style - he calls it simply "finger style" - is akin to playing guitar the way a pianist plays piano, using all ten fingers.

Guitar legend Chet Atkins was one of the first to inspire Emmanuel to pick up the guitar as a child. Decades later, Atkins himself became one of Emmanuel's biggest fans. In 1999, Chet honored Tommy Emmanuel with the title of "Certified Guitar Player" for his lifetime contribution to the instrument, a rare honor shared by only three other people in the world (Jerry Reed, Steve Wariner and John Knowles). Atkins eventually recorded with Tommy in 1996 on "The Day the Finger Pickers Took Over the World", for which Emmanuel received his first Grammy award nomination. This was also Atkins last recording.

Tommy's unique style - he calls it simply "finger style" - is akin to playing guitar the way a pianist plays piano. After a recent recuperative rest, resulting from an exhausting touring schedule, Tommy is now completely rejuvenated and embarking on a full tour schedule in 2008. A new double live CD and DVD, “Center Stage” filmed in High Definition and recorded at the Sierra Nevada Brewery in Chico, California will be commercially released in Spring ‘08. The DVD portion will also air on Public Television affiliates all over the United States. Every element of modern technology was used in the production of both the DVD and CD. Tommy’s record producer, Kim Person, recorded and mixed the audio tracks, while long-time Sierra Nevada video producer/director Peter Barlow tied the entire package together in state-of-the-art quality. It makes for a stunning package, both aurally and visually.

The double disc Live CD “Center Stage” contains many fan show-stoppers, including Emmanuel’s Beatles Medley, Mombasa, and Initiation – the aboriginal tribute song that has evolved over the years and never sounds the same on any recording – or during any show. Tommy also introduces four never-before recorded tracks, “Ruby’s Eyes”, “Lenny Bro’”, “The Jolly Swagman” and “Papa George” (inspired by George Harrison). Also, included are several arrangements of popular traditional tunes like “House of the Rising”, “Nine Pound Hammer”, “Amazing Grace” – and for his Japanese fans, “Sukiyaki” This new CD is a great mix of the rare, the new, the traditional and the favorites.

Emmanuel's music and life are legendary in Australia. He began playing guitar at age 4, by learning to play by ear without any formal instruction. Emmanuel and his older brother Phil were child prodigies, starting their professional career in the 1960s. By the age of six, Tommy was already working as a professional musician. Shortly after his father's death in 1966, the Emmanuel family was approached by Australian country music star Buddy Williams, who took the family on the road until they were forced by the Australian child welfare department to stop traveling.

The Emmanuel children were then sent to a regular school. During these years, Tommy was playing in "The Trailblazers" (with siblings Chris on drums and Virginia on slide guitar) on weekends. He also taught guitar and made numerous television appearances in musical competitions. Emmanuel's first brush with fame came when The Trailblazers won two televised talent contests and produced an EP. He and his siblings worked hard to create the family's sole income for several years. In his early teens, Tommy left home and moved to Sydney to pursue a professional career as a guitarist. Playing in clubs all over the city, Emmanuel soon found himself in high demand as a session player for some of the era's most popular performers. During the mid 70s through the early '80s, he joined one of the decade's biggest, Dragon, recorded thousands of commercial "jingles" and played on recordings for Air Supply, Men at Work and dozens of other popular artists. In 1987, Dragon toured with Tina Turner on her "Break Every Rule" tour.

In addition to his storied career, which includes 16 music and instructional recordings, Tommy is also an accomplished record producer and musical arranger. He is also well regarded for mentoring students by offering guitar workshops and master classes on tour. Other accolades include his 2007 Grammy nomination for “Gameshow Rag’ from “The Mystery” CD, induction into the Thumb pickers Hall of Fame in Muhlenberg, Kentucky (the only non-American so honored), and Acoustic Guitar Magazine readers’ poll for placing in the top 3 favorite artists.

Emmanuel was voted Rolling Stone (Australia) Magazine's "Most Popular Guitarist" for two consecutive years. He has earned four Platinum and Gold albums, two consecutive "Golden Guitar" awards (2006, 2007) at the CMAA Awards in Australia. Another stellar career highlight was Tommy’s performance (with his brother Phil) at the Sydney 2000 Olympics Closing Ceremonies, viewed by over 2 billion people around the world. Emmanuel has set sales records that have yet to be broken and performed with hundreds of musical legends including Chet Atkins, Les Paul, Keith Urban, Eric Clapton, Sir George Martin, Tina Turner, Joe Walsh, Stevie Wonder, Nokie Edwards (of the Ventures), Hank Marvin, the Lexington (Kentucky) Philharmonic, the Dortmund (Germany) Symphony, and the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra. In addition, Tommy hosts several annual "TommyFest" concerts, where other stellar internationally recognized musicians are invited to share in a four day all-out celebration of music.

As a solo performer, Tommy’s dazzling performance, flawless guitar skills and voluminous repertoire never fail to amaze and engage his legions. From the wilds of Australia's outback to bustling major cities throughout the world, Emmanuel's flair and unforgettable showmanship have created an enviable fan base that continues to grow even larger every year.

Tommy Emmanuel, Certified Guitar Player

[Rgalvez]

I think i'll receive many rotten tomatoes here...but ok I'll say it: I don't know but I don't get Tommy Emmanuel. He's perfect as a player indeed and he's superb..but I think his extroverted playing is a bit overwheelming to me...maybe I should hear much more...am I alone here??

[jauen]

Have you seen him live?

Most people I know who adore Tommy are not guitar players. He appeals to a large cross section of ages and demographics. Quite an accomplishment for a fingerstyle guitar player doing mostly instrumentals.

His live show has a range of moods. It's tough to get that from video clips.

- Jeff

[Charlie Doom]

Galvez - I was in the same boat as you. You simply cannot appreciate Tommy until you see him live. It doesn't come across in the videos and it doesn't come across in his recorded music. The magic of Tommy is in his live shows which is exactly why you should go see him if ever you get the chance. It is simply amazing, because no matter who you are or what music you like, you will find yourself saying, "they were right about him!"

If I were to throw something at you for making that comment, it wouldn't be a rotten tomato, it would be a ticket to one of his shows.

Thanks for the response! A link to his tour dates to see if he's coming to a venue near you, I promise you won't be disappointed.

[Rgalvez]

Galvez - I was in the same boat as you. You simply cannot appreciate Tommy until you see him live. It doesn't come across in the videos and it doesn't come across in his recorded music. The magic of Tommy is in his live shows which is exactly why you should go see him if ever you get the chance. It is simply amazing, because no matter who you are or what music you like, you will find yourself saying, "they were right about him!"

If I were to throw something at you for making that comment, it wouldn't be a rotten tomato, it would be a ticket to one of his shows.

Thanks for the response! A link to his tour dates to see if he's coming to a venue near you, I promise you won't be disappointed.

Thanks Charlie and jauen! hey Charlie at least I feel better knowing that you felt the same before..pfeww. but yes I have to see him live and thanks for all the tips. (I'm eclectic and I'm open minded and I'm still worried about him !!).

[Jestme]

FWIW The 1st time I went to see Tommy I was skeptical and hoped the other act on the bill would be worth seeing. I came away from Tommy's performance totally stunned and a new Tommy fan.

Funny thing is the 1st time I saw him I thought perhaps I was lucky and caught an exceptional show, a good night, good crowd, that just worked... the next 6 or 7 times I saw him play I realized that level of performance is standard for his shows.

I hope you get the chance to see him.

[wvgman]

I had a chance to go to one of his workshops a couple of years ago and had to pass on it. Now I think back trying to remember what was so important that I could not go and I cannot recall. I think I probably made a poor choice. I would love to hear the guy and see him perform.

Not all of us will like the same music or the same performers because we all have different tastes. That's OK. How boring it would be if we were all the same. I am not a fan of really heavy metal. I used to be, but I sort of got away from it. Ironically the most recent well know artist I went to see was Michael Angelo Batio. The guy is very creative and serious metal to the top of the scale. He is ambidextrous and plays a guitar with two necks going in opposite directions (actually has one with four necks now). Here is a youtube link to see some of his stuff

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb5Qa...=related&pos=6

I am pretty sure I made the small crowd of "oddly groomed" fans at the music store seminar wonder "What's that weird old guy with super short hair doing here?” I had a good two hours standing near the edge of the stage watching and listening to his presentation and performance. It was not what I usually like, but it was something different to get me out of the box. I have to respect the diligence, work, and attitude it takes to develope speed and skills like he possesses. He is left handed, but was forced to do everything right handed. If he can do things above and below water I guess he is ambiphibidextrous (OK, I just made up that word). Anyway, it is normal to have different preferences in our musical tastes and I think we all respect the skills we see in genres that we don't particularly favor.

[jauen]

I spent 2 separate weeks learning from Tommy E at Mark Hanson's "Accent On Music" guitar camp in Portland, OR. There were only seven of us in the class so it was pretty awesome.

He's not your typical instructor because he doesn't read or write standard notation or tab. It's more of a demonstration style. He let you videotape so I've gone back to the lessons as I've developed my skills. Pretty cool.

His seminars are certainly for advanced players. Even when he slows things down, it's still very fast. I booked him here in Baltimore 3 times. He conducted a seminar for 60 people the last time he was here. Even beginners enjoyed it. It just kinda nice to be in the same room with one of the best ever. He creates a great vibe.

Tommy's fingerings are unique and his sense of groove is uncanny. I've seen him sit in with many great players (Frank Vignola, Pete Huttlinger, Stephen Bennett, John Jorgenson, John Knowles, John Standefer, Mark Hanson, Doug Smith, Doyle Dykes, and Ricky Skaggs). He always blends well and is cognizant of other player's strengths. His comping covers bass, rhythm and harmony so you're pretty much free to improvise like you have a 3 piece band behind you. He "backed me up" when I played Johnny A's version of Wichita Lineman. I was shakin' like a leaf.

- Jeff

[Charlie Doom]

So far there are several of us who have admitted that we were very skeptical of Tommy until we saw him live. Everyone who's seen him live all say the same thing - he is amazing and you don't get it unless you see him live.

I can't figure it out. What is it that artists like Tommy have that give off that aura of magic during their live shows? How does the connection happen; the transfer of emmotion from the artist to the listener? It's not always just the songs, the songs are a part of the process, but there is something else there - something that Tommy has when it comes to music. I'm not satisfied with the usual answer of, "it" - Tommy just has "it." I want something more!

Anyone have any ideas?

_Charlie Doom

[Rgalvez]

So far there are several of us who have admitted that we were very skeptical of Tommy until we saw him live. Everyone who's seen him live all say the same thing - he is amazing and you don't get it unless you see him live.

I can't figure it out. What is it that artists like Tommy have that give off that aura of magic during their live shows? How does the connection happen; the transfer of emmotion from the artist to the listener? It's not always just the songs, the songs are a part of the process, but there is something else there - something that Tommy has when it comes to music. I'm not satisfied with the usual answer of, "it" - Tommy just has "it." I want something more!

Anyone have any ideas?

_Charlie Doom

Well I'm the least adequate person to comment about it, since I was the first one that admitted not being a big fan of Tommy and because I haven't seen him live. Anyway what I think is that this guy is touched by something trascendental, far that simple music. It is something that speaks through him (when he plays guitar, percussion or plays in a cathartic way) and that's why he must mesmerize the audience (besides being just a virtuoso). It's a power indeed.He really devotes to his audience. Why do I think about it? because the same happens to Van Morrison: he has a beautiful voice, he's really skilled, has a big band,etc..but there's a moment in which he's really possesed and something beyond him, a force or whatever you name, is the one that sings at that moment. I think about songs like Listen to the Lion in which he growls and howls like an animal, not because it's an effect, but it's because there's something trascendental there.
My two cents.

[Jestme]

So far there are several of us who have admitted that we were very skeptical of Tommy until we saw him live. Everyone who's seen him live all say the same thing - he is amazing and you don't get it unless you see him live.

I can't figure it out. What is it that artists like Tommy have that give off that aura of magic during their live shows? How does the connection happen; the transfer of emmotion from the artist to the listener? It's not always just the songs, the songs are a part of the process, but there is something else there - something that Tommy has when it comes to music. I'm not satisfied with the usual answer of, "it" - Tommy just has "it." I want something more!

Anyone have any ideas?

_Charlie Doom

Charlie it is a great question. Don't we all wish we could put our finger on it and develop some of it for ourselves.

I think Tommy REALLY connects with the audience, you almost feel like you know him, like he's a friend or family.

He is also entertaining. He once said he didn't think of himself as a musician or guitar player but as an entertainer. He really wants you to enjoy the show and he tries hard to make sure you do enjoy it though he does it so effortlessly.

Another thing IMHO is he is so down to earth, there is no arrogance in him. He doesn't think he is better than anyone else.

Oh yeah and don't forget he can play that guitar like anything.

[tev77]

I've never seen Tommy live but I love his music so I would disagree that you have to see him live to appreciate him. I think I would rate him as my favorite guitarist to listen to at the moment. I love the sounds that he can get out of his guitar by himself. His sense of rhythm and his ear for melody is amazing. Tommy had a show here in my city Auckland (I think on Friday), I would have loved to have gone and seen him but it didn't quite happen. Who knows if I'll get another opportunity any time soon.

[jauen]

I've heard religious people say that Tommy's tapped into God.
I've heard spiritual people say that he's channelling Chet.
I've heard naturalists say that he's in tune with mother nature.
Guitar geeks talk about how he must have been born with natural talent, like Mozart.

It's fun to stand in the lobby at intermission and just listen to people talk.

It seems that people analyze Tommy's effect on the audience by applying it to their own comfort zone. I'm reminded of something my Dad says, "If all you've got is a hammer, everything looks like a nail."

So here's my take (my hammer, if you will):
Passion is contagious. When Tommy performs you get the sense that he's intensely focussed on the moment and that he truly gives a damn about what he's doing.

He's working and he's very good at his job.

As simple as that sounds it carries alot of weight because it's so rare these days in any field.

I've sat in (eve's dropped) on conference calls that my wife runs for her company. This is her "stage" and she's astoundingly good. I get the same feeling as I do when watching Tommy.

An accomplished person proudly and unabashedly expressing his passion is compelling. It's like gazing at Michelangelo's "David." (That experience is also something that doesn't translate in pictures or videos. You gotta be there.)

- Jeff

So far there are several of us who have admitted that we were very skeptical of Tommy until we saw him live. Everyone who's seen him live all say the same thing - he is amazing and you don't get it unless you see him live.

I can't figure it out. What is it that artists like Tommy have that give off that aura of magic during their live shows? How does the connection happen; the transfer of emmotion from the artist to the listener? It's not always just the songs, the songs are a part of the process, but there is something else there - something that Tommy has when it comes to music. I'm not satisfied with the usual answer of, "it" - Tommy just has "it." I want something more!

Anyone have any ideas?

_Charlie Doom

[Charlie Doom]

I've never seen Tommy live but I love his music so I would disagree that you have to see him live to appreciate him.

Truth!

_Charlie Doom

[jauen]

Agreed. His music stands alone as great art.

But..

when it comes to a more visceral appreciation of any art form, it helps to get more than one of the senses involved. This thread has morphed into a discussion about why Tommy E and other artists are able to go beyond mere appreciation to a more emotional connection with the audience.

I think the visual component as well as tactile (he plays loudly and with BIG subwoofers) are major contributing factors to the experience that people are describing. Also a group setting in any emotional context is always memorable.

[Charlie Doom]

Passion is contagious! Wow, that never even crossed my mind.

I read an article on human evolution - or more specifically, human adaptation. It mentioned our unique and extremely developed ability to mimic the world around us; it is our ability to mimic that spawned and maintained, to this day, civilization. Mimicry, on a cerebral level, is how knowledge is learned, improved upon and passed on. I even heard that the reason yawns are contagious also stems from our instinct, if you will, to mimic. On an objective level, I almost feel that every interaction we have as humans is intertwined with mimicry.

My question now...

Why is passion contagious? Why is music contagious - is this why we get songs stuck in our heads?

Ancedotal Example for Illustrative Purposes:
I've been whistling David Bowie's "Ashes to Ashes" for a week now; I've slipped into the musty realms of insanity for several seconds on three different occasions as a result. Thank God it has only been for several seconds at a time, for any longer and I might not have ever come back...

[jauen]

I think songs get stuck in my head because nature abhors a vacuum.

Why is passion contagious? Why is music contagious - is this why we get songs stuck in our heads?

[Rgalvez]

Passion is contagious! Wow, that never even crossed my mind. Ancedotal Example for Illustrative Purposes:
I've been whistling David Bowie's "Ashes to Ashes" for a week now; I've slipped into the musty realms of insanity for several seconds on three different occasions as a result. Thank God it has only been for several seconds at a time, for any longer and I might not have ever come back...

My mama told to get things done...you better not mess with Major Tom!!!

By the way I would like to hear more comments from the SWAT squad about Tommy Emmanuel..are you huge fans too?

[Jestme]

...By the way I would like to hear more comments from the SWAT squad about Tommy Emmanuel..are you huge fans too?

Tommy is probably my favorite player... no wait *I'm* my favorite player... Hmmm Tommy is probably my favorite *GOOD* player... yeah that's it.

Tommy has turned my head around and made me look at and develop a taste for his musical influences. I am now a Chet Atkins fan.!!! A surprise to me. I now have a much greater appreciation for alternating bass style playing, though Tommy [and Chet] certainly do much more than alternating bass styles.

He has also made me work on hybrid picking... and maybe will even move on to thumbpicks!!!

Someone mentioned that Tommy is passionate about his music and I must truly agree. IMHO you can feel that passion in his music. You can tell it's Tommy playing. You can hear it in his melodies and rythyms and styles and techniques though he has so many different styles.

A few times while listening to someone elses music I thought I heard Tommy and sure enough found out that he sat in on the recording.

Some people like rap, some like folk, some like classical, some like it all... I suppose not everyone will like Tommy or any other player. I fall into to the I like Tommy camp.

[Brad]

here's a full channel's worth of tommy video on tftv, which we were thrilled to have a chance to film, all of which were performances at charitable and non-profit events that tommy was gracious enough to particpate in. it was during these that many of us became such big fans of his. i personally think his genious is only superceded by his passion for music and people.

watch this first video if you havent seen it yet. its an incredible performance after accepting the legend award from guitar player magazine at last winter's all star guitar night.

http://truefire.com/tftv/index.html?.../tommylegend_b

[jauen]

Thanks Brad. Great stuff. I listened all morning. I will again.

I'm struck by his variations on the tunes. I've seen Tommy play many times. He never plays a song the same way twice. Amazing.

Nice to have all this video in one place.

[Wolfboy1]

I think songs get stuck in my head because nature abhors a vacuum.

That's funny


Why do songs get stuck in our head? I don't know but I will share a hypothisis. Arthur C. Clarke is one of my favorite authors. There was an intriguing collection of short stories he put together way back called "Tales from the White Hart." It was about a pub called "The White Hart" in England where various writers, scientist, bohemians etc. would gather and tell stories. There was this one chap (who's name escapes me at the minute but I think it was Harry Purvis) who, when he showed up, could listen to the topic and always come up with some fantastic story that just skirted the edge between an amazing scientific principal and utter hogwash. But he usually left immediately afterwards with a stunned group of customers who were completely flabbergasted.

Well, let me get to the point, one of the stories in the book called "The Ultimate Melody" started as a debate on this exact topic. Harry walked into the bar and then told a tragic tale about a scientist friend who was trying to discover what made hit songs so popular. The theory was that all information in your brain is a series of electrical impulses, traveling around neurons at superfast speeds. For some reason hit songs have note combinations that actually take up more neurons to transfer then non hit songs, thus the greater the hit the more of your brain is used in processing the information. (There was more science to it in the original story.) Well this scientist hooked up a computer to a keyboard and programmed it to randomly put notes together over and over. this computer was hooked up to a set of speakers that would play each "melody" it generated. Well the noise was so bad the computer was put in it's own sound proof room. Eventually the scientist enters the room on one of his periodic maintenance checks and he never comes out. His co-workers go in after him and his face is a blank, he never speaks again. They pull the plug on the computer and shut it down. You see while the scientist was in the room the computer had hit upon "The Ultimate Melody" and his brain would be locked in to a loop for the rest of his life.
It's a much better story then I portray here but the whole book is just full of these amazing little stories. One involves putting a neurotransmitter in a giant squid, one involves a machine that generates silence, another is about the mistake of introducing tools to ants, one involves a machine that can record memories and the danger of it getting into the hands of the porn industry etc. I love science fiction and this is a little gem of a book by one of my favorites

Now as to Tommy Emmanuel. I never heard of him until I got involved at truefire. His playing is awesome but I'm not sure I find it enjoyable to just listen to. I haven't heard/watched much so I'm not a great judge. When I have heard guitarists that just floor me I usually go out and buy a disc, so far I own zero of Tommy's discs.

[jrhoden]

I'm not familiar with a lot of Tommy's work, but what I have heard has been astounding. What I would give to be able to play like that. I think another thing that I love about him is his sense of humor. I have seen some videos of him on Youtube and he just had me rolling.

[ChrisBuono]

Tommy redefined awesome for me this past Jan. He was the recipient of Guitar Player magazine's legend award, which was given to him during All-Star Guitar Night--a stellar Truefire event--at Winter NAMM '09. After receiving his award and saying his thank you's he proceeded to play MUSIC (what an understatement). Totally owned every aspect of playing music: musicality, showmanship, vibe, presence, connection, finesse, charm, smiles, CHOPS ... it was awesome. I was standing next to three BAD, BAD mothers--Frank Gambale, Mark Egan, and Stu Hamm--off to the side of the stage and to see them as awestruck as myself really hit home. It was a performance I will never forget. I'm still geekin' on it!