Tommy Emmanuel: one of the best guitarists on Earth

[Lenny D.Guitarist]

I've seen him in concert 4 times in the past 3 years. He's said to be the greatest guitarist in Australia. In a live setting, this guy does things I've never conceived of in the 35 plus years I've been playing the guitar. Blazing fast licks with the plectrum, fingerpicking a la Chet Atkins, alternating harmonic notes with standard notes, delicate lyricism, can play jazz, country, rock, blues, etc. One of the most ridiculously-gifted musicians I've ever experienced. The only drawback being that his recorded body of work simply does not do him justice. Besides being difficult to get, some of it is a little smooth, but the chops are always.... YIKES!!!!

[HenryMc]

Lenny, you're right. I've seen Tommy dozens of times and have an album or two. He's like another Aussie muso, James Morriison (Trumpet) chops to burn but a little lacking in original voice. Having such a small marketplace (Aussie is only 20 m people), the suits want these guys to '' appeal' to as many people as possible, therefore their albums always come off as a bit too middleground. I'd love to see both throw of the shackles that their incredible abilities have given them (and the expectation to sell product) and produce something really special (of course this presupposes that they aren't trying to do that already and simply dont have that special it that takes a master craftsman to a genius.)

[Lenny D.Guitarist]

Tommy Emmanuel's brain is wired far differently than your average world-class musician's. After one of his concerts I asked him why he chose to play the Beatles' song "Michelle" virtually entirely in harmonics,all over the fretboard. He said "No problem mate, once you try to squeeze out all the toothpaste, you can't put it back in the tube." This is from the guy who in concert plays "Stevie's Blues",a frenetic tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan, then does this 10 minute series of solos that actually says something, then a 10 minute tribute to his idol Chet Atkins, then the most beautiful arrangement of Arlen's "Over the Rainbow", and doesn't stop before displaying this other-worldly homage to the aborigines of Australia. I once remarked publicly that Danny Gatton was arguably the most versatile guitarist around. Maybe it was premature to make that statement before listening to Tommy Emmanuel, the bloke Chet Atkins called "the best guitarist on this planet". If any one of you has the slightest chance of hearing him in concert, do so. Incomparable.

[Lenny D.Guitarist]

Also.. Mr. Emmanuel oft-times explores the Djangoesque realms of the fretboard much like Lagrene and Rosenberg. More powerful stuff!

[john williams]

Tommy is terrific live, no question, but I agree with Henry about his records. They are pretty compromised and I think his "Hey, Hey It's Saturday"/Channel 9 -ishness (if you know what I mean Henry) is holding him back as is Morrison's, who if only were left to create in peace they might be free. This is pretty much what you said Henry but we've watched TE and JM doing their happy and proud Aussie icon thing for years. It's cruel when you think about it and I'm not surprised Tommy's relocated; anything to get away from Darryl Somers.




I hope Tommy can make his next album memorable.

[Dr Dave]

So whatever happened to Stanley Jordan?

[HenryMc]

JBW

I know what you mean about the channel 9-ishness.....remember that 9 yo they had Tommy E play with on a number of occasions..the kid was good..for 9 but it used to be kind of embarassing to watch.

As for Morrison - saw him make swinging music with a hose pipe once and will never forget it. The guy can play anything....but I just wish he's be a grand master of one thing rather than a master craftsman on a few.

[Lenny D.Guitarist]

If you can make it in Oz, you can make it anywhere, mates.
I have Tommy's "Up Close" instructional videotape. Some really outstanding songs. His versions of "Classical Gas", "Day Tripper/Lady Madonna" takes these relatively easy songs to places they never been to previously.

[HenryMc]

thats New York mate or maybe Mary Tyler Moore

Dont get me wrong I like Tommy's playing and maybe he's found his way a bit more since he's left these shores but my experience still is of an extremely talented journeyman

[frankiepop]

i just opened this thread to learn something... Tommy Emmanuel

then

So whatever happened to Stanley Jordan?

u know jordan just popped into my head the other day too...whatever happened to stanley ... ...appearances on the tonight show and tv...downbeat hype ....

his licks never interested me and too many pop songs..but i never hear of him anymore... i cant remember a post or thread that even mentioned him at jc or jcs...

so i googled..aboot 3 releases in the 90s. a new live release "This was the performance jazz critic Leonard Feather saw when he proclaimed Stanley to be a musical genius." i guess that's an 80s performance.

sorry back to tommy

[steve(thelil)]

I've seen Stanley Jordan in the last couple of years. I'm sad to report that the night I saw him he did very little jazz related playing and was applying his unique chops to new agish celticish folkish dreckish stuff.

[frankiepop]

yea but thats just becuz u were there.

[frankiepop]

i just listened to Emmanuel's 'fiesta' and 'train to dusseldorf'.' he sounds pretty killa'

[Lenny D.Guitarist]

About 10 years ago, I heard Stanley Jordan at a moderately small outdoor concert. After his set, I approached him, told him I was a guitarist and couldn't help but admire his novel approach to playing the guitar like a keyboard. I surmised that the action on his guitar was unique to allow him to tap, hammer on, etc so cleanly. He let me try it for myself and ,in fact, the action is very near to the fretboard. I think his technique is so different that it becomes overwhelming to listen to at times. Gotta admit his brain must be wired differently to play that way. It's impressive stuff.

Emmanuel is just a gifted musician who works his ass off to master the various genres of music. That's even more impressive, but perhaps a curse in disguise. How do the suits market a guitarist who can play jazz, country, blues, rock, finger-picking stuff, Django-like music, pop tunes, and aboriginal music? The last time I heard him I was sitting in the second row. Couldn't believe what I was seeing him do with his hands. It's a shame that the apparent compromise is for him to tour endlessly, doing the best frekking live performances on the planet, while producing cds which don't do justice to his genius.

[Juju]

That's soo funny someone should mention Tommy E. I've seen him for a number of years at the bluegrass festival in Winfield, KS, where he's been the undisputed star for a number of years, packing in the crowd to a completely filled rodeo stadium. It seems kind of odd to see him in such a setting! He also plays on an informal stage to a host of drunken Kansas hillbillies (including me) late into the night, often whipping the crowd into a fenzy of booze and spontaneous celebration.

The dude's got crazy chops, first of all. His mastery extends to all styles, but he's synthesized all of those styles into something that reminds me of a much-more percussive Leo Kotke who is wont to play any song imaginable, either pop or traditional. I had a severe ephiphany the other way after having discovering his recorded output. What crap.

Someone, please, get this man a live recording to match his power! He's a little egotistical on the stage and does has a certain element of "cheese" which is mildly offputting, but he's the real deal (sorry Lenny).

My favorite moments are his percussion breakdowns, when he uses harmonics and pats on the guitar to MAJOR effect.

Anyone in the area should check him out at the Winfield, Kansas, bluegrass festival. There's more going on than just Tommy, and it's an acoustic lovers paradise. It's held Sept. 15-19, this coming weekend. Matter of fact, he's on the website.

www.wvfest.com

[Jazzooo]

Hey, a thread about Tommy E! We saw him last month down here in San Diego--an unforgettable evening, no kidding. His percussion solo was one of the most interesting percussion solos I've ever heard, and I've heard an awful lot of them. And Over the Raindow just put me away for good.

[Lenny D.Guitarist]

[Someone, please, get this man a live recording to match his power! He's a little egotistical on the stage and does has a certain element of "cheese" which is mildly offputting, but he's the real deal (sorry Lenny).

My favorite moments are his percussion breakdowns, when he uses harmonics and pats on the guitar to MAJOR effect.

I disagree with your assessment of his ego. I think he's just so confident and self-actualized performing in a live setting that it comes off as being egotistical. I've had the opportunity to speak with him at some length, and was invited to a private performance he did for a regional finger-pickers club. He was totally sincere and "ego-less", and spent almost an hour offering constructive criticism and feedback to the members of the club who performed for him after his gig. Imagine Miles Davis or Mingus doing that?

Mr. Robinson, I'm glad you enjoyed his concert.

[Lenny D.Guitarist]

Where have you gone, Mr. Robinson?

[kenny weir]

Originally Posted by Lenny D.Guitarist

He's said to be the greatest guitarist in Australia.

Like the other Aussies here, I have mixed feelings and a fair amount of baggage about this guy. Chops to die for, doubtless. But ... the greatest guitarist in Australia? Said by whom? I guess from a chops-fuelled gee-whizz perspective, maybe, but try these ...

James Muller
James Sherlock
Steve Magnusson
Ren Walters
Geoff Hughes
Cameron Deyell
Guy Strazzullo
Peter Petrucci
Carl Dewhurst

[Lenny D.Guitarist]

Mr. Weir,

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm curious about your mixed feelings and baggage about him.

[HenryMc]

not just in the Jazz vein but whatabout those bluesy cats

Phil Manning (Phil's acoustic blues playing wipes me out)
Jeff Lang
Ash Grunwald

In the Jazz idiom - George Golla

[Lenny D.Guitarist]

Henry Mc,

What about Frank Gambale? I saw him in a club several months ago. His technique is very impressive, all that sweep-picking stuff. His comment about Tommy? "Tommy's a monster!" Aussies can talk the talk and walk the walk,mate.

[HenryMc]

Mate

I agree Tommy can play anything, just have seen him prostitute it a bit, and feel that in a lot of what I have seen his taste can be questioned but never his chops. See you never saw him during the CBS push he got down under in the early 90s. He was everywhere and playing some very dodgy tunes.

Gambale always reminds me of guitar shops for some reason. I have a couple of his CDs ( "passages" and another i cant be bothered looking for ) and they didn't set me on fire.

The thing with stringwringers is this: there are thousands who can play and I mean PLAY anything, but there are only a few who transcend that and take their brilliant methodology with them on a truly creative level (I know that sounds like crap - but Ive seen Tommy E play a lot of times where he has chosen to dazzle with technical proficiency over that elusive 'feel' yet, for example I saw Phil Manning play the blues one night years ago and to this day I can remember every song and note and that was because of the feeling in his playing)(Phil's CD's never quite do him justice either. )

[kenny weir]

Almost certainly without wishing to, Henry has spoken for me when it comes to Tommy and guitarists of his ilk. It leaves me cold.

Also, Lenny, he played his own part in a particular kind of TV/everyman/all-over-the-place culture that is very hard for Australians, even with the best will in the world, to leave behind. A bit comparable, at least a little, with Paul Schafer/Letterman and B.Marsalis/Leno.

Henry RE Jeff Lang and Ash Grunwald. I just don't have the time, or (being honest) the interest, to keep up with these cats, but I have a workmate/fellow music lover who is all over them - doing things with blues that are new, fresh and surprisingly innovative. Another name to look out for - and another Melburnian - Lloyd Spiegel. Not much on record yet, but great live - both vocally and instrumentally. Also: In a more trad vein, Ian Collard (harp/vocals) and his band Collard Gree and Gravy - beating the yanks at their own swamp blues game!

[Lenny D.Guitarist]

Originally Posted by kenny weir

Almost certainly without wishing to, Henry has spoken for me when it comes to Tommy and guitarists of his ilk. It leaves me cold.

Also, Lenny, he played his own part in a particular kind of TV/everyman/all-over-the-place culture that is very hard for Australians, even with the best will in the world, to leave behind. A bit comparable, at least a little, with Paul Schafer/Letterman and B.Marsalis/Leno.

Henry RE Jeff Lang and Ash Grunwald. I just don't have the time, or (being honest) the interest, to keep up with these cats, but I have a workmate/fellow music lover who is all over them - doing things with blues that are new, fresh and surprisingly innovative. Another name to look out for - and another Melburnian - Lloyd Spiegel. Not much on record yet, but great live - both vocally and instrumentally. Also: In a more trad vein, Ian Collard (harp/vocals) and his band Collard Gree and Gravy - beating the yanks at their own swamp blues game!

Maybe I'm naieve. I never saw any of these traits. He was as gracious and helpful as any professional I've ever been around when he conducted the guitar workshop I attended. As I said before, I can't imagine Miles Davis or Mingus being as accommodating. Once I saw Miles in concert where he never acknowledged the audience, he hardly ever stepped out from behind the huge speakers, etc. Even in that extreme instance, a musician's great gifts are not diminished by the appalling lack of social graces. Emmanuel's chops are just so damn outofthisfrekkingworld that I remain in awe. Chops aren't the only criterion. If so, Yngvie Malmsteen's "shredding" would be worldly-acclaimed instead of demonstrably ignored because of his bullheaded devotion
to excessive showmanship and speed for speed's sake. Lately, I've been trying to master Emmanuel's more lyrical fingerpicking recordings instead of his "wow, what the hell was that?" stuff. As creative as anything I've seen
or heard.

[kenny weir]

Originally Posted by Lenny D.Guitarist

Maybe I'm naieve. I never saw any of these traits. He was as gracious and helpful as any professional I've ever been around when he conducted the guitar workshop I attended ... etc etc

Lenny - you're reading stuff into what I said that I never wrote or even implied. I'm sure Tommy's as nice a person as you could wish to meet etc etc.

What I'm talking about is a talented musician spreading himself a little too thin and in too many directions in order to make a living in a small market such as Australia.

Yep, I'm talking image and perception, and if that implies a bit of jazz snobbery, then that's certainly my fault not his.

Of the guitarists I mentioned, I suggest you pick up an album called Thrum by James Muller on ABCJazz. It's a killer and everyone I've tipped it to northern hemisphere has loved it.

[Lenny D.Guitarist]

Mr. Weir,
I'll look into it. Thanks for the tip. Maybe whammo has it?

[Jazzooo]

It seems like the ones who are put off his personality are Australians. Maybe it's a natural thing? I loved every minute of the concert I saw--he played without a break for 2/5 hours, made us all laugh and made our jaws drop now and then, and then blew us away with moments of true beauty. Sure, he's a ham but so what? He's just kind of goofy that way but he can back it up well. It wasn't like after the show he was mean to everyone or started charging for autographs!

[john williams]

I agree with Kenny, Thrum may not have the flash and fire of a TE concert but it's far better than any record he's put out.

I don't think any Australians have criticised his ability in peformance and we all know he is a showman, however, his CDs just aren't that good which is unfortunate.

[Lenny D.Guitarist]

Originally Posted by JBW

I agree with Kenny, Thrum may not have the flash and fire of a TE concert but it's far better than any record he's put out.

I don't think any Australians have criticised his ability in peformance and we all know he is a showman, however, his CDs just aren't that good which is unfortunate.

Will purchase "Thrum" and report back. Emmanuel's CD "Only" is an all-acoustic recording with no lush production input, no special effects, just 14 songs that showcase his impeccable virtuosity. Check it out.