I Once Met a Man – Tommy Emmanuel
Debby posted an amazing clip of a gifted American guitarist on her blog today… took me back to my journo days. I was 20-something (almost two decades ago) and wide-eyed, armed with a heavy black battered Nikon, a notebook and lots of enthusiasm. I worked for a small paper in rural New South Wales at the time, and spent my days mostly dealing with used cars (and associated salesmen), football (and associated players) and various pillars of the community (and associated Mafia associates!).
…
Then one day, a young guy called Tommy Emmanuel came to town. I had heard vaguely of him, that he was a pretty amazing guitarist, and that he was holding workshops for kids in our town. I walked into the hotel lobby where he was staying to interview him and watch him work with kids. He was lanky with an easy grin and a laidback manner. Kids surrounded him and his worn-looking guitar, shuffling in anticipation. Pushing back his floppy hair, he hunched over the wooden instrument, eyes closed and suddenly intense in his concentration.
…
To say I was blown away by what he did that afternoon would be a serious understatement. His enthusiasm for his art was something to behold (matched only in my experience by the inimitable Steve Irwin). His whole body was involved in his playing, and his expressions verged on the comical as he shared his talent with us. Within a minute though, I was hooked. Transported to another place as this man showed exactly what a guitar CAN DO… I actually forgot to take photos I was so transfixed. And that NEVER happens…
But don’t just take my word for it…
Here is the great Tommy Emmanuel and Guitar Boogie.
Let me know what you think??
BB
9 Comments
Debby
Very fine. I’ll have to look into more of his stuff. Will Ackerman is also another musician you might want to take a look at.
It’s like we’ve got our own version of ‘Guitar Hero’ going on.
My word verification is flithitu. I think that’s a great word to describe sisters in the middle of wedding preparations, don’t you. she flits, she hits u if you insist on making her lists!
Jenni
His playing is amazing, but he’s also fun to watch. I always enjoy watching someone when it’s so obvious they love what they do. His face lights up and his whole body gets into it. Wonderful!
A Novel Woman
OMG! What do I THINK? I think I was just ravished, body, mind and soul. I’m sitting here tingling and smiling and hugging myself. You see, music is like a religion in this house (ditto hockey and rugby). My son plays guitar and my husband plays piano and sings, and he’ll go for four or five hours straight, until his stomach muscles ache. Awesome. This Tommy fella is like the Mozart of Guitar. I know what I’m getting hubby for Christmas.
Thanks BB! You rock!
Word ver? readi
For what, is the question.
A Novel Woman
Okay, let me just add thank you VERY much because I’m not going to get ANY work done today. I’m hooked, HOOKED on watching this guy perform.
I must have more. Can’t stop.
He is the bomb.
Anonymous
Tommy Emmanuel—–HOLY COW!!!!!!!!!!!
I must thank Bossy for directing me here.
By the way, if you like female singers, check out Eva Cassidy. If you do, you will also find her story
gramps
Kate
WHOA MAMA!!!!! Love him! Thank you so much for showing me the light!
jeanie
Man, you gotta watch all corners of the room here – hmmmph getting insulted on another persons comments section!!!
lol Deb.
What was the post about – oh year, Tommy Emmanuel.
You could say he is very much my word verification without the heavy cold… “taledne”.
Bush Babe
So delighted y’all “get” this clip. I never understood how anyone could enjoy plain, simple single-instrument solo. But Tommy makes it seems like an orchestra at work… the energy gets me every time.
🙂
BB
Laura
I’ve been very fortunate to see Tommy Emmanuel *twice* in concert here in Chico, CA. He gives a very energetic performance. The man is amazing. How anyone can expend that much energy over a two hour show astounds me.