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Biography
Tommy had a musical upbringing, learning guitar from a young age and playing as a drummer in a group called Goldrush with his brother Phil. He moved on from this small project to become lead guitarist in The Southern Star Band who were the backing group for vocalist Doug Parkinson at the time and Emmanuel's reputation grew further. He then moved on to tour extensively with rock group Dragon, their schedule included a spell as a support act for the legendary Tina Turner. After this varied and exciting beginnings of his music career, the foundations were set for his solo career.
His solo endeavours were successful, he has recorded over twenty albums in his characteristic finger style guitar playing. His musical talents earned him the opportunity to work alongside artists such as Chet Atkins, Air Supply, Sir George Martin, John Denver, Eric Clapton and Doc Watson to name a few. His latest album 'The Colonel and The Governor' was released in 2013 and was a collaboration with Martin Taylor.
He is one of Australia's most celebrated artists, having performed at the closing ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics. In June 2010 Tommy was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to music. Whilst In 2012 he was honoured on the other side of the pond due to his mastering of the "finger style" method of guitar picking. Therefore the Commonwealth of Kentucky awarded Emmanuel the Kentucky Colonel title, this is the ultimate honour awarded by the state.
Live reviews
There are musicians—some mediocre, some good, a few great—and then there is Tommy Emmanuel. Listening to his recordings, and watching/hearing him on TV, DVD, youTube, etc. tells you that he is a virtuoso instrumentalist. Seeing/hearing him in person reveals him to be a musical genius—a complete one-off. There is no one like him. Top that off with the fact that he’s a genuine, warm, wonderful human being, and you have the Tommy Emmanuel experience. I have been following TE for around 20 years, and have been attending concerts given by some of the world’s greatest musicians for over 50 years. I have never experienced another musician—in any genre—who could covey so much emotion musically. I have seen Tommy move a roomful of people to tears with an instrumental. He belongs at the top of the bucket list of anyone who loves music, anyone who has ever been moved or elated by the sound of a musician rising from the merely excellent to the sublime, even if only for a moment. Tommy Emmanuel, playing live, expresses the sublime from the first note to the last encore.
r2texas
Tommy Emmanuel’s performance combines classical technique, with modern country good looks and easy going soft rock spirit. He has relocated from Australia to the heart of country music – Nashville, Tennessee. His performance is truly impressive. It is rare that a guitarist can be noticed by the mainstream purely for their technical skill. In a musical era where it seems all one must do to achieve worldwide recognition – acclaim even – is tweet some racy photos, star in a reality show and get someone to produce a single of you singing a song that you most likely didn’t write, Emmanuel is most refreshing.
The only other example I can think of is Carlos Santana, one other classical world musician who has transitioned into the pop-sphere based on an appreciation of actual talent.
To him, Tommy Emmanuel is most definitely comparable. His mad fingered plucking style transitions many genres, from blues and jazz to bluegrass, country and folk, and all I can do is shake my head in awe at how often the most obvious qualities are overlooked.
tom-lee-7
If you have never seen Tommy play, you are missing out. What this guy can do with a guitar will blow your mind. To him it's more than a guitar but the whole band.
Having lived in Nashville for 15 years, means that a country vibe has set in. The support act was pretty good but not really my type of music. In saying that one song he sang had me in tears.
There was a lot of names being referred to who I had no idea as to who they were, I think they were country artists.
Tommy gave his all, and went for two hours straight. The guy gets better every time I have see him, this is my fourth time.
D3xt3r222
Great show, as always for TE. First set was all T, with most tunes you hope for and a few new ones. Sound mixed well. Second set brought John Knowles, Pat Bergeson, and Annie Selllick to join T for the Christmas segment. Annie added beautiful vocals, Pat added matching guitar pyrotechics and outstanding harmonica to T’s flash, while Knowles added comparatively subdued guitarwork to balance the others. Everyone on stage seemed to be enjoying themselves as much as the audience, adding to the joy of the show. Excellent all around.
randy-means
ABSOLUTELY THE BEST , SUCH A WONDERFUL GUITARIST AND A HECK OF A NICE GUY TOO. LIKES A JOKE OR TWO AND BRINGS THE AUDIENCE RIGHT INTO HIS MUSIC . HE BROUGHT ON A YOUNG BLOKE WHO HE MENTORS AND HE WAS JUST AMAZING AND PLAYED A DUET WITH TOMMY . THIS YOUNG GUY HAS A WONDERFUL FUTURE AHEAD OF HIM. THE SAGE IN NEWCASTLE IS A GOOD VENUE . A THOROUGHLY WONDERFUL EVENING OF MAGICAL MUSIC .
shon62
Amazing!
The support act; Anthony Snap, Started the show with an incredible performance.
This was followed by Tommy's Flawless renditions of some of his best songs. He must have played between 1.5-2hrs pretty much non-stop, and was incredible throughout.
One of the best concerts I've ever had the pleasure to attend!
jez-auditore-da-fire
I'm sure it was awesome.
Unfortunately I didn't receive my tickets from ticket master.
So I wouldn't know!!!
And you have the cheek to ask me to write so many words?
Trust me you don't want to read that review.
But based on this experience I will not use it again.
Kind regards
Richard Dudgeon
richarddudgeon4
Fantastic show as is expected from Tommy. His opening act Antsy McClain was quite entertaining as well. Tommy featured many tunes of the new album which is a really solid record, many great Tommy tunes. Never get tired of seeing Tommy live. Looking forward to next time.
darren-hightower
This gig was part of Craig Ogden's guitar weekend, and Tommy Emmanuel's support act was Craig Ogden himself playing some great guitar pieces in the classical manner.
Tommy's set was virtuoso in it's own way and the whole evening was brilliant.
sally-beety
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