|
contents | blues | |||||||||||||
| Tommy Emmanuel Will Release CD, DVD, and Tour U.S. Guitar virtuoso and Grammy Award nominee Tommy Emmanuel c.g.p. prepared many good presents for his fans. First his DVD release, Live At Her Majesty's Theathre, Ballarat, Australia come on July 11, followed by his sixth U.S. album, The Mystery, which will be released August 22. Both are on the Favored Nations Acoustic label, which is co-owned by renowned guitarist Steve Vai. Fans will also be treated to his magnificent guitar work as he performs live as part of an extensive tour kicking off June 6. A finger style guitarist inspired by the legendary Chet Atkins (who became one of Emmanuel's biggest fans, called him "one of the greatest players on the planet" and gave him the title c.g.p.--certified guitar player), he can simultaneously play multiple parts, much like a pianist does with his left and right hands. But his astounding technique isn't just for show; Emmanuel uses it to organically blend folk, country, jazz, and other influences in his highly personal, emotive compositions. He's no stranger to awards and high accolades. Emmanuel recorded with Chet Atkins on 1997's Grammy-nominated album The Day Finger Pickers Took Over The World, and he's had the honor of performing alongside such other living legends as Eric Clapton (who hails Emmanuel as "probably the greatest finger-picker in the world today"), Joe Walsh, Stevie Wonder, and Les Paul. He has also garnered 2 ARIA Awards (Australia's version of the Grammy Awards) for "Best Adult Contemporary Album, " he's earned four Platinum and Gold albums in his homeland, he's also been called one of the "Top 3 Guitarists of All Time" according to a reader's poll in Acoustic Guitar magazine and in 2005, he received the "Album of the Year" and "Thumb Picker of the Year" awards as well as an induction into the Thumb Pickers Hall Of Fame in Kentucky. While Emmanuel has enjoyed touring the world, he has by no means forsaken his eager Australian audiences. In November of 2005, he embarked on a regional tour, giving a particularly brilliant performance in Ballarat, in the region of Victoria, at Her Majesty's Theatre--Australia's best-preserved performing arts hall which has been in continuous use since 1875. The show was captured on the Live At Her Majesty's Theathre DVD, on which the hall's naturally pristine acoustics are enhanced with DTS 5.1 channel surround sound. Directed by Mark Bayly, it was shot with multiple cameras and is presented in widescreen format so that the home viewer can enjoy a front-row experience. As a bonus, Emmanuel discusses his music and his life in between the songs. A must for any Emmanuel fan, the DVD offers an ample overview of the guitarist's finest songs and interpretations, including works found on the previous Favored Nations Acoustic release Endless Road and new compositions from his upcoming CD. From the blazing bluegrass runs of "Tall Fiddler"; to a colorful take on "Over the Rainbow" with its dazzling harp- style harmonics; to "Walls, " a beautiful duet sung with fiancee Elizabeth Watkins, Live At Her Majesty's Theathre is a stylistically diverse yet cohesive set of tunes in all. Marking the follow-up to 2005's critically acclaimed Endless Road (Favored Nations Acoustic, described by Acoustic Guitar as, "the best solo recording yet from this brilliant acoustic musician and performer"), The Mystery was inspired by Emmanuel's travels with Watkins; each of the album's compositions is a musical snapshot or sojourn. The album's spirited opener, "Cantina Senese, " has some delicious mandolin-like lines and evokes the feelings of being at a special restaurant. Emmanuel explains, "Cantina Senese--which is located in Livorno, Tuscany, near Florence--is a very interesting place. You walk through the front door and into another dimension: the smell of garlic, coffee, and cigarettes, and the buzz of people talking combine to create a unique, magical experience. I tried to capture this ambience in a composition." As the only song on The Mystery with vocals, "Walls" was penned by the Grammy- nominated duo of Pam Rose and Mary Ann Kennedy-- whose tunes have been recorded by Reba McEntire and Martina McBride--along with co-writer Randy Sharp. Emmanuel sings and plays this warm, optimistic song with Watkins. And what sounds like a full band is actually all Emmanuel, who's also quite an accomplished drummer. Not surprisingly, Emmanuel regards The Mystery as his greatest work to date. Indeed, the album's many moods, idioms, and references--to say nothing of its stunning virtuosity--fully demonstrate the complex though accessible musician that Emmanuel is. The modest c.g.p. puts it best: "I don't usually listen to my own work; I tend to record something, and then move on. But I've been enjoying the album a lot, as it's deeper and more special than anything I've ever done. I think that's a good sign." On the touring front, Emmanuel will be launching an extensive U.S. summer jaunt starting with a pair of acoustic guitar workshops and concerts June 6 and 7 in Skaneateles, NY. He's already got dates booked well into 2007. Included in the schedule will be this year's installment of "TommyFest" in Newport News, VA at the Yoder Barn June 29 through July 2 featuring acclaimed guitarist Stephen Bennett and Australian female duo Bluehouse. "TommyFest" began several years ago in Kentucky and involves a series of live music performances in various locations around the world. Emmanuel headlines and always showcases other performers whom he admires, who jam with Emmanuel at the end of the evening. In addition to the live shows in the evening, guitar workshops and classes are held during the day. "TommyFest" will premiere in Australia in October 2006 with U.S. ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro, German guitarist Joscho Stephan and English jazz guitarist Martin Taylor as featured guests. Past festivals include annual appearances in Elizabethtown, KY (February), one in Windsor, UK (Easter weekend) and two in Germany (Dortmund in January, Rietberg in August). Previous "TommyFest" participants include guitarists Richard Smith, Johnny Dickenson, Martin Taylor, Albert Lee, Stephen Bennett and Thom Bresh. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |