Tommy Emmanuel is from another planet, the most generous, helpful guitarists on this earth. A quick search will show you a treasure trove of performances . There is only only one Tommy Emmanuel.
When I was a young guy in Australia back in the early 1970’s I would spend Sunday afternoons in the Beer garden on my local hotel watching The Emmanuel Brothers...Tommy and Phil. (RIP Phil)
If you get an opportunity to see Tommy, I believe the best guitarist in the world, in concert, go! I saw him at Buck Owen’s Crystal Palace and he didn’t disappoint. A great entertaining show. One warning: If you know how to play the guitar, or plan to learn, stay away. This guy is so good it will make you sell or throw out any guitar you own and never try again.
Tommy is quite possibly the best living acoustic player on the planet. You can not go wrong watching anything he does. And YES he is a fun guy, likes to joke around and have fun with his audiences. A+ For a REAL treat check out him doing "Daytripper / Lady Madonna" !!!
Tommy Emmanuel is one of the greatest living acoustic guitar virtuosos. He puts on a one man show, and it is one of the most entertaining evenings I've ever had. He told stories and payed for about two and a half hours and it was awesome. Check out his "Mombassa" and the videos of him at the Sierra Nevada Brewery.
Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian that was playing pro at the age of 6 in the family band and considered by many guitarist to be the greatest player alive today and a living legend. He is self taught and combines a number of playing styles to generate his unique sound. He is also legendary for supporting of younger artists and believes it is his duty to share his talent with the world. His older brother Phil who died several years ago was a mean electric guitar player and the great to see the joy and synergy the brothers shared when they played together.
Chet Atkins handed out the honorific award "Certified Guitar Picker" only four times during his lifetime. Tommy Emmanuel is one of them. Don't need to say much beyond that, really. Other world famous players, such as Knopfler and Clapton for example, all regard him as one of the greatest ever. Is he especially world famous? Not really. Famous to players, especially great players in their own right? Absolutely. As many no doubt will have mentioned in the comments, however, Tommy is also legendary for being a remarkably kind, generous, sweet natured person. I don't know of a single story about him being difficult or unpleasant, but there are thousands of him being generous with his time and vast knowledge with fans, and players regardless of their skills. I've heard him say in an interview something along the lines of "There's no ego, it's not about me. I'm trying every day to be the best player I can so I can channel whatever the universe has to share with everyone through my playing". From a lot of people you'd think that sounds like pretentious twaddle. Not from him, however. He's the sort of person you might just want to clone so there's ALWAYS a version of him alive on the planet. How many people can you think of who fit that profile? I don't have many.
Tommy Emmanuel is another Aussie legend. Your joy at seeing him play made me smile so much. Tommy is such a down to earth humble man. Such a joy to watch him play.
Ty, the original was done by Mason Williams with orchestration, which adds emphasis to the song. Mason Williams also wrote it. You should check out the original by Mason Williams.
There's a video on UA-cam of a Tommy Emmanuel "meet and greet". A fan comes up to him and asks Tommy to sign his guitar. Before he signs it, he pulls a tool kit out of his pocket and goes to work on the guy's guitar, straightening the truss rod, going over the tuners, etc. You won't ever catch Phil Keaggy doing that. Just a really nice, humble guy and a great guitar player.
@@zappagorewaikato1009 Nice. I saw them both in NYC about 9-10 years ago. I had seen Tommy solo a few times before. What was jarring about that show was seeing him play electric guitar. I wasn't prepared for that and it was such a good show. I wasn't familiar with Phil other than seeing a video of them both at the 2000 Olympics. Grateful I got to see him that one time.
All I can say is WOW! I've never seen a guy play so fast on an acoustic guitar. I like the original version of "Classical Gas" by Mason Williams as well. Tommy played so quickly that he didn't allow some of the notes to resonate, however, that being said, Tommy blew me away! The last person who I saw/heard do that was when I saw Carlos Montoya live in 1981. Yes, Mr Montoya played a classical guitar, but I was equally impressed. Bravo, Tommy!!! 😊💜😊
An Australian legend right there ! Tommy is brilliant with anything he touches. He has such a wonderful attitude and is one hell of a nice person. Thank you for sharing. Lerv from down under \m/ \m/
His name is Tommy Emmanuel from Australia. Yes he is great but humble and very good to his fans. He always has a meet and greet where fans will bring their guitars have him sign it and in many cases whatcha them, play with them and give advice on their playing.
When this episode popped up on my you tube, I couldn't wait to see the expression on your face as soon as he played the first bar. I LOVE Tommy Emmanuel! I loved Classical Gas when it came out, had not heard Tommy laying, so thank you to the one that suggested this one.
The fact he played all around the bass note using his thumb and having to work all those notes in around it while never losing the bass note is amazing in its self .
NOT BAD FOR a self taught country boy who still can't read or write music in his 60's! If you really want to see what he can do watch him perform "initiation" which tells the story of the ceremonial initiation of a young aboriginal boy. It is beyond amazing. Love to you all.
I've been a fan of Tommy Emmanuels' for years, and one of my favorite things is to see someone's reaction the first time they hear him play! I've seen him in live in concert, and he's the real deal... and a really humble, likable fellow, too!
The single greatest guitarist to ever put pick to string. A genius with an almost preternatural talent and a wonderfully humble disposition to boot. A gift to music!
After seeing Tommy play, a guy said to him that he was going to throw his guitar under a bus. Tommy said, 'don't do that, it's not the guitars fault.' Keep playing whatever makes you happy!
The great guitar player Chet Atkins gave Tommy his award of "Certified Guitar Player." Tommy has learned from the best and we're lucky to get to continue to hear him!
I got to see Tommy at a small venue a couple of years ago, front row. There was also a meet and greet opening, but it was $50 per person. Lucky for us we weren’t prepared and just slipped the security a 20 and got to meet him. He is the humblest person I have ever met and is very kind to everyone. He would also literally scrape his guitar with his pick, and you could see the would dust come off.
Everything about T.E. (CGP) is genuine. I've seen him play live three times and even got to meet him once. He's the real deal, and just a modest and friendly guy. Someone once said "modesty is the clothing of talent" ...and Tommy has both; modesty, humility and unlimited talent!
Simply a master..wonderful player..Tommy and his Brother Phil are wonderful ambassadors for Australia..his genius on the guitar is amazing..and this famous tune is shown in its purity on this video.i am so happy you enjoyed it..Keep Well Keep Strong My friend
Tommy Emmanuel one great Aussie guitarist. He and his older brother Phil (RIP) toured incessantly as children to support their family. Both guitar geniuses who definitely paid their dues.
Tommy Emmanuel is truly a 'One of a Kind' Guitarist and an Amazing Live Performer... 'Great Aussie' too. He actually started Touring around Australia playing with his Family when he was just 7 years old.
Ty, my fave quote about Tommy Emmanuel is one i've heard said about other greats: "Tommy inspires young people to start playing guitar, and makes those who do play wonder why they even try!" In the Holy Name of Jesus, God's Peace and Blessings upon You and Yours, Stay Healthy! -trout
Tommy Emmanuel is rated as one of the all time greats of acoustic guitar playing of all time. Somewhere in the top 3 or 5 of all time. (Some rate him as the best..others have different opinions but all agree he is right up there. He is also a really nice guy. He added bits of other songs to that version of classical gas. Classical gas played as a straight version is a lot simpler than that (still not easy, but simpler than the version in this video). And yes he is Australian
So fun to watch someone listen to Tommy for the first time. Your facial expressions perfectly capture the way I felt the first time I heard it. Got to see him in concert a few years back. Life changing.
He was a member of John Farnham's band in the early 80s. Check out 'It's a Long Way to the Top' from Farnham's more recent Concert for Rwanda, with Tommy Emmanuel playing lead!
If you thought he looked slightly familiar, he was in John Farnham’s band in the early ‘80s. He’s also in the new documentary about John, “Finding The Voice”. The official trailer is on UA-cam as “John Farnham: Finding The Voice”. It was made by Sony Music and there’s a rumour that they may release it in the USA too.
Great reaction! Tommy started playing guitar with his family since he was 4yr old and doesn't read a note of music!!!! He is just one of those exceptional talents you see every once in a while. He can do amazing things on the guitar, as can his brother Phil. Also, note how he uses his thumb to change the root note. Peace.
during the portion where he is playing a short cover of "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting", watch as his thumb remains anchored on the low E string at B, while he is changing chords below. i know top Guitar Instructors who cannot make some of those reaches, without a month or more, woodshedding only that.
As a migrant to Australia in 1965 from the UK. I can tell you that I've seen Tommy and his brother Phil live, many times. They put on a show that would leave you just shaking your head in wonder at their amazing talent. Sadly, Phil is no longer on the Planet but Tommy is the most giving person of his time. Check him out Mason. You'll like what you see and read.
I have always loved this song. I've heard it a lot with an orchestra & him heading it all up on guitar. It just shows how talented he is, him playing it as a solo on acoustic guitar.
This is a pretty awesome cover, dude has amazing talent. No doubt. I do enjoy the original with the orchestra in the background better though. Your reaction was fun to watch!
When Tommy came to Boise, he went outside and greeted the line of people waiting to get in. Go listen to more of Tommy and his brother Phil playing together. The two of them make magic. Tommy on acoustic and Phil on electric.
Fell in love with this song living in San Jose CA in the late 70's they had an all night movie channel where this was the bumper music. Searched for and found the 45, bought it and it's been a favorite ever since; not this version which is choppy, but the original by Mason Williams much younger. This one shows his guitar chops while the original version is much softer an engaging.
This “dude” was Tommy Emmanuel and he can play anything. The original was by Mason Williams. Tommy is one of the only living C.G.P.’s left, which is an honorary title given by his mentor Chet Adkins.
August rush is my favorite movie! His rhapsody is my jam and the story is special to me heart. It’s been my fav movie since it came out, haven’t seen anything like it
Aside from being a killer guitarist, Tommy Emmanuel is one hell-of-a-nice guy, very approachable...he should get a speeding ticket for playing so fast, LOL.
Some people don't like this version but Tommy Emanuel is an artist, each artist creates their own version of a song. If everyone played it the same it wouldn't show the talents they have.
Did anyone notice Tommy twice during the song did a five fret stretch? F to A. If you're not a guitarist, it's incredibly difficult to do, especially at the speed he is playing and he does it flawlessly.
What about in the Elton John bit where he anchors his thumb to play a B bass and the rest of the chording covers several frets either side - if I hadn't seen him do it I would say it was physically impossible!
funny you should mention August Rush. Tommy started playing guitar at age 4, started touring Australia with his brothers at 6, HE HASN'T STOPPED TOURING SINCE. no school, no other jobs, just guitar.
Tommy Emmanuel is the best guitar player on the face of the Earth...and also an extremely humble and down to Earth individual. I've seen him live twice, and his concerts are so phenomenal...he really captivates the venue and tells stories about how and why he has written his various songs (This was obviously a Mason Williams song). His concerts are literally life changing experiences...don't hesitate if you get a chance to see him...it's absolutely not worth missing. I suggest you try Lewis And Clark for a next song...get some Tommy written material in. He also does collaborations with other artists...one of my favourites of those is Looking Forward To The Past which he does with Rodney Crowell. About time someone starts spreading Tommy further around the digital airwaves.
Tommy Emmanuel has tons of videos on UA-cam, you MUST react to more, he's probably among the best two or three pickers on the planet! (Albert Lee is also up there!)
Aussie legend and humble to boot... when he was asked what it was like to be considered one of the best guitarists in the world he just shook his head and replied " I'm not even the best guitarist in my family" , check him and Phil going at it together sometime.
Lelleith Murray If you liked this I encourage you to check out Tommy’s live versions of “initiation” and “Blue Moon”. He is from Australia and he is one of our living treasures 😎🇦🇺
Loved your reaction but man I shouldn't have read the comments... I am way too protective of Tommy lol. In part because his music quite literally changed my life for the better and gave me a renewed interest in learning guitar. If you go to my channel you can find videos of him and I talking and even playing together. And if I were to make a request for you to watch even if it's just on your own it would be to see his new video for his song "Those who wait". It's the song that touched me the most the first time I saw him in person and made me pick up the guitar again. An incredibly beautiful song.
In a band called Gold Rush (which had both Tommy and Phil Emanuel in it) his brother Phil was such a stand out guitarist that Tommy was the drummer in the band.
Spot on in your assessment. Tommy loves doing what he does, and he knows he's very, very good at it, but he's also charitable, and loves to entertain because it brings joy. Check out more of his performances even if you're not particularly into guitar, because he personifies the idea of using one's talent to make others happy.
Tommy Emmanuel is from another planet, the most generous, helpful guitarists on this earth. A quick search will show you a treasure trove of performances . There is only only one Tommy Emmanuel.
When I was a young guy in Australia back in the early 1970’s I would spend Sunday afternoons in the Beer garden on my local hotel watching The Emmanuel Brothers...Tommy and Phil. (RIP Phil)
He’s considered the best acoustic guitarist in the world....a genius. Also electrical lead. But first, he was a drummer.
Her name was McGill, but she called herself Lill but everyone knew her as Nancy?
And he is Australian and his brother is also amazing
If you get an opportunity to see Tommy, I believe the best guitarist in the world, in concert, go! I saw him at Buck Owen’s Crystal Palace and he didn’t disappoint. A great entertaining show.
One warning: If you know how to play the guitar, or plan to learn, stay away. This guy is so good it will make you sell or throw out any guitar you own and never try again.
Tommy is quite possibly the best living acoustic player on the planet. You can not go wrong watching anything he does. And YES he is a fun guy, likes to joke around and have fun with his audiences. A+
For a REAL treat check out him doing "Daytripper / Lady Madonna" !!!
Tommy Emmanuel one of the best in the world !!!
Tommy Emmanuel is one of the greatest living acoustic guitar virtuosos. He puts on a one man show, and it is one of the most entertaining evenings I've ever had. He told stories and payed for about two and a half hours and it was awesome.
Check out his "Mombassa" and the videos of him at the Sierra Nevada Brewery.
Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian that was playing pro at the age of 6 in the family band and considered by many guitarist to be the greatest player alive today and a living legend. He is self taught and combines a number of playing styles to generate his unique sound. He is also legendary for supporting of younger artists and believes it is his duty to share his talent with the world. His older brother Phil who died several years ago was a mean electric guitar player and the great to see the joy and synergy the brothers shared when they played together.
Chet Atkins handed out the honorific award "Certified Guitar Picker" only four times during his lifetime.
Tommy Emmanuel is one of them. Don't need to say much beyond that, really.
Other world famous players, such as Knopfler and Clapton for example, all regard him as one of the greatest ever. Is he especially world famous? Not really. Famous to players, especially great players in their own right? Absolutely.
As many no doubt will have mentioned in the comments, however, Tommy is also legendary for being a remarkably kind, generous, sweet natured person. I don't know of a single story about him being difficult or unpleasant, but there are thousands of him being generous with his time and vast knowledge with fans, and players regardless of their skills.
I've heard him say in an interview something along the lines of "There's no ego, it's not about me. I'm trying every day to be the best player I can so I can channel whatever the universe has to share with everyone through my playing". From a lot of people you'd think that sounds like pretentious twaddle. Not from him, however.
He's the sort of person you might just want to clone so there's ALWAYS a version of him alive on the planet. How many people can you think of who fit that profile? I don't have many.
Tommy Emmanuel is another Aussie legend. Your joy at seeing him play made me smile so much. Tommy is such a down to earth humble man. Such a joy to watch him play.
Tommy is the best two guitarists on the planet
Ty, the original was done by Mason Williams with orchestration, which adds emphasis to the song. Mason Williams also wrote it. You should check out the original by Mason Williams.
Tommy is from another world. I can't believe 5 brain dead people gave this thumbs down. They should'nt listen to any music at all!
Idiot.
There's a video on UA-cam of a Tommy Emmanuel "meet and greet". A fan comes up to him and asks Tommy to sign his guitar. Before he signs it, he pulls a tool kit out of his pocket and goes to work on the guy's guitar, straightening the truss rod, going over the tuners, etc. You won't ever catch Phil Keaggy doing that. Just a really nice, humble guy and a great guitar player.
Thank you for just listening to enjoying amazing piece of music
You should check out the original 1968 version of this song, with the orchestra backing the guitar player.
Wow !!! Just wow....a joy to watch and a joy to hear
He is an amazing musician, a true blue Aussie with a great sense of humour. What a great pick, thank you
Tommy inspires guitarists to make one of two choices - A) practice more or B) break your guitar into a million pieces and call it a day.
Saw Tommy & Philip play together a hundred years ago & I've been playing drums ever since. Kia kaha
@@zappagorewaikato1009 Nice. I saw them both in NYC about 9-10 years ago. I had seen Tommy solo a few times before. What was jarring about that show was seeing him play electric guitar. I wasn't prepared for that and it was such a good show. I wasn't familiar with Phil other than seeing a video of them both at the 2000 Olympics. Grateful I got to see him that one time.
All I can say is WOW! I've never seen a guy play so fast on an acoustic guitar. I like the original version of "Classical Gas" by Mason Williams as well. Tommy played so quickly that he didn't allow some of the notes to resonate, however, that being said, Tommy blew me away!
The last person who I saw/heard do that was when I saw Carlos Montoya live in 1981. Yes, Mr Montoya played a classical guitar, but I was equally impressed. Bravo, Tommy!!! 😊💜😊
Justine April you should check out Roy Clark playing Malguena on The Odd Couple.
An Australian legend right there ! Tommy is brilliant with anything he touches. He has such a wonderful attitude and is one hell of a nice person.
Thank you for sharing.
Lerv from down under \m/ \m/
His name is Tommy Emmanuel from Australia. Yes he is great but humble and very good to his fans. He always has a meet and greet where fans will bring their guitars have him sign it and in many cases whatcha them, play with them and give advice on their playing.
When this episode popped up on my you tube, I couldn't wait to see the expression on your face as soon as he played the first bar. I LOVE Tommy Emmanuel! I loved Classical Gas when it came out, had not heard Tommy laying, so thank you to the one that suggested this one.
The fact he played all around the bass note using his thumb and having to work all those notes in around it while never losing the bass note is amazing in its self .
NOT BAD FOR a self taught country boy who still can't read or write music in his 60's! If you really want to see what he can do watch him perform "initiation" which tells the story of the ceremonial initiation of a young aboriginal boy. It is beyond amazing. Love to you all.
I had the joy of seeing Tommy play this live - he is up there as one of the best guitarists in history.
I did too, in Nashville. I was awestruck! And I 100% agree with you about Tommy!
I've been a fan of Tommy Emmanuels' for years, and one of my favorite things is to see someone's reaction the first time they hear him play! I've seen him in live in concert, and he's the real deal... and a really humble, likable fellow, too!
I've actually saved this song to my Spotify. Tommy Emmanuel is a superb guitarist.
The single greatest guitarist to ever put pick to string. A genius with an almost preternatural talent and a wonderfully humble disposition to boot. A gift to music!
After seeing Tommy play, a guy said to him that he was going to throw his guitar under a bus. Tommy said, 'don't do that, it's not the guitars fault.' Keep playing whatever makes you happy!
At 4:18 he goes into "Walk, Don't Run" by the Ventures. ua-cam.com/video/owq7hgzna3E/v-deo.html
Finally somebody showing the genius that is Tommy Emmanuel
The great guitar player Chet Atkins gave Tommy his award of "Certified Guitar Player." Tommy has learned from the best and we're lucky to get to continue to hear him!
I've never seen guitar playing like this ! The man is a genius ! Thanks for playing this ! God bless you !
I got to see Tommy at a small venue a couple of years ago, front row. There was also a meet and greet opening, but it was $50 per person. Lucky for us we weren’t prepared and just slipped the security a 20 and got to meet him. He is the humblest person I have ever met and is very kind to everyone. He would also literally scrape his guitar with his pick, and you could see the would dust come off.
Tommy is a guitar master,this isn't how the original is played
Correct.
Tommy takes it to a much more complex level
And we might never have had the original if the The Smothers Brothers hadn't needed to fill some time on an episode!
Everything about T.E. (CGP) is genuine. I've seen him play live three times and even got to meet him once. He's the real deal, and just a modest and friendly guy. Someone once said "modesty is the clothing of talent" ...and Tommy has both; modesty, humility and unlimited talent!
Simply a master..wonderful player..Tommy and his Brother Phil are wonderful ambassadors for Australia..his genius on the guitar is amazing..and this famous tune is shown in its purity on this video.i am so happy you enjoyed it..Keep Well Keep Strong My friend
Great reaction. I don't know how anyone can't enjoy that performance. Just makes you smile from ear to ear.
Tommy Emmanuel one great Aussie guitarist. He and his older brother Phil (RIP) toured incessantly as children to support their family. Both guitar geniuses who definitely paid their dues.
Tommy is an Australian legend 👏👏
Tommy Emmanuel is truly a 'One of a Kind' Guitarist and an Amazing Live Performer... 'Great Aussie' too.
He actually started Touring around Australia playing with his Family when he was just 7 years old.
Ty, my fave quote about Tommy Emmanuel is one i've heard said about other greats: "Tommy inspires young people to start playing guitar, and makes those who do play wonder why they even try!"
In the Holy Name of Jesus, God's Peace and Blessings upon You and Yours, Stay Healthy!
-trout
Tommy Emmanuel is rated as one of the all time greats of acoustic guitar playing of all time. Somewhere in the top 3 or 5 of all time. (Some rate him as the best..others have different opinions but all agree he is right up there. He is also a really nice guy. He added bits of other songs to that version of classical gas. Classical gas played as a straight version is a lot simpler than that (still not easy, but simpler than the version in this video). And yes he is Australian
So fun to watch someone listen to Tommy for the first time. Your facial expressions perfectly capture the way I felt the first time I heard it. Got to see him in concert a few years back. Life changing.
Great piece of music. This player makes one instrument sound like many.
That’s what hours and hours and years of practice does plus awesome talent, love for the guitar
Check out Mason Williams, He is the real deal. Hear it as it was meant to be played. As a muscian, you get it.
When Chet Atkins, Les Paul and Eric Clapton say you are one of the best guitarist in
the world, you are.
He was a member of John Farnham's band in the early 80s. Check out 'It's a Long Way to the Top' from Farnham's more recent Concert for Rwanda, with Tommy Emmanuel playing lead!
Tommy Emmanuel is only one of four people that Chet Atkins gave his Certified Guitar Player Award to.
Yes, I remember this one. Haven't heard it in years. In the late 60's Mason was backed with an orchestra. It had a totally different vibe.
If you thought he looked slightly familiar, he was in John Farnham’s band in the early ‘80s. He’s also in the new documentary about John, “Finding The Voice”. The official trailer is on UA-cam as “John Farnham: Finding The Voice”. It was made by Sony Music and there’s a rumour that they may release it in the USA too.
Man if you ever get a chance to see him live go see him...one of the top concerts of my life. Tommy Emmanuel is truly one of a kind
Great reaction! Tommy started playing guitar with his family since he was 4yr old and doesn't read a note of music!!!! He is just one of those exceptional talents you see every once in a while. He can do amazing things on the guitar, as can his brother Phil. Also, note how he uses his thumb to change the root note. Peace.
during the portion where he is playing a short cover of "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting", watch as his thumb remains anchored on the low E string at B, while he is changing chords below. i know top Guitar Instructors who cannot make some of those reaches, without a month or more, woodshedding only that.
And that, ladies and gentlemen is, according to the guitar hall of fame legends of the past, the greatest guitarist EVER.
He is possibly the best acoustic guitarists I know you must hear me of his work
Tommy is the greatest. Not just on the guitar but just an awesome person all around. Met him a few times now.
As a migrant to Australia in 1965 from the UK. I can tell you that I've seen Tommy and his brother Phil live, many times. They put on a show that would leave you just shaking your head in wonder at their amazing talent. Sadly, Phil is no longer on the Planet but Tommy is the most giving person of his time. Check him out Mason. You'll like what you see and read.
I have always loved this song. I've heard it a lot with an orchestra & him heading it all up on guitar. It just shows how talented he is, him playing it as a solo on acoustic guitar.
He’s the acoustic master and certified. Seen him so many times.. brilliant Aussie talent
Watching some of your older videos on the music. I am 49 and have NEVER heard of this guy before. HE IS AMAZING!!!
Watch him play Somewhere Over The Rainbow to Les Paul. 🤘🎸
I love watching Tommy play and this is my favourite piece of music thank you for the trip to a forgotten memory. He and his brother are awesome.
Classical Gas has always been a,timeless,piece. Such amazing talent here.
This is a pretty awesome cover, dude has amazing talent. No doubt. I do enjoy the original with the orchestra in the background better though. Your reaction was fun to watch!
When Tommy came to Boise, he went outside and greeted the line of people waiting to get in. Go listen to more of Tommy and his brother Phil playing together. The two of them make magic. Tommy on acoustic and Phil on electric.
He actually was the backing guitarist for my sister (Billie Wilde) when he first started out in the '70s. She hired him to be a duo.
Fell in love with this song living in San Jose CA in the late 70's they had an all night movie channel where this was the bumper music. Searched for and found the 45, bought it and it's been a favorite ever since; not this version which is choppy, but the original by Mason Williams much younger. This one shows his guitar chops while the original version is much softer an engaging.
Thanks for doing this. I've never seen it, but it's going on my playlist.
A masterpiece - and as usual you get an obscure version
This “dude” was Tommy Emmanuel and he can play anything. The original was by Mason Williams. Tommy is one of the only living C.G.P.’s left, which is an honorary title given by his mentor Chet Adkins.
August rush is my favorite movie! His rhapsody is my jam and the story is special to me heart. It’s been my fav movie since it came out, haven’t seen anything like it
One of only like 6 certified guitar players in the world, saw him in concert and it was amazing.
Well that was terrifying! Who wants to buy my guitars? Lol! Seriously just absolutely phenomenal!
Tommy is an insane guitarist. He is noted for his acoustic playing, but he started on bass and electric guitar.
Aside from being a killer guitarist, Tommy Emmanuel is one hell-of-a-nice guy, very approachable...he should get a speeding ticket for playing so fast, LOL.
Some people don't like this version but Tommy Emanuel is an artist, each artist creates their own version of a song. If everyone played it the same it wouldn't show the talents they have.
Did anyone notice Tommy twice during the song did a five fret stretch? F to A. If you're not a guitarist, it's incredibly difficult to do, especially at the speed he is playing and he does it flawlessly.
What about in the Elton John bit where he anchors his thumb to play a B bass and the rest of the chording covers several frets either side - if I hadn't seen him do it I would say it was physically impossible!
I can't even spread my fingers that far apart
funny you should mention August Rush. Tommy started playing guitar at age 4, started touring Australia with his brothers at 6, HE HASN'T STOPPED TOURING SINCE. no school, no other jobs, just guitar.
In the middle he tossed in "Walk, Don't Run," and Elton John's "Saturday." He and his brother are two of the best in the world.
His brother, Phil Emanuel, died last year. May 24, 2018.
She probably learned to play the original by Mason Williams. That's hard enough!
Tommy Emmanuel is the best guitar player on the face of the Earth...and also an extremely humble and down to Earth individual. I've seen him live twice, and his concerts are so phenomenal...he really captivates the venue and tells stories about how and why he has written his various songs (This was obviously a Mason Williams song). His concerts are literally life changing experiences...don't hesitate if you get a chance to see him...it's absolutely not worth missing. I suggest you try Lewis And Clark for a next song...get some Tommy written material in. He also does collaborations with other artists...one of my favourites of those is Looking Forward To The Past which he does with Rodney Crowell. About time someone starts spreading Tommy further around the digital airwaves.
Worlds best guitarist
Tommy is so freakin awwwsum! He makes it fun to watch too.
Tommy Emmanuel has tons of videos on UA-cam, you MUST react to more, he's probably among the best two or three pickers on the planet! (Albert Lee is also up there!)
So was Phil
I'm looking at 11 dislike s and can't believe my eyes the dudes unbelievable
Aussie legend and humble to boot... when he was asked what it was like to be considered one of the best guitarists in the world he just shook his head and replied " I'm not even the best guitarist in my family" , check him and Phil going at it together sometime.
I was a little apprehensive about a new rendition of such a classic, however this guy just blew me away! Mason Williams would be proud!
Lelleith Murray If you liked this I encourage you to check out Tommy’s live versions of “initiation” and “Blue Moon”. He is from Australia and he is one of our living treasures 😎🇦🇺
Oh, c'm on - That was awesome!!!
Another brilliant Aussie. Tommy Emanuel. And he’s a Christian too. Gary Mason Put it our first in the 60’s. Catch him in concert!♥️🙏🏽
You've found another Australian icon!
I've loved Tommy for years. The greatest acoustic guitar player in the world. Oh and August Rush is on my favorites list.
Good version. I also love Mason Williams and Glen Campbell versions
Seen him live and he’s the master. He has a brother Phill and they played gigs in the 80s around Australia
Oh, love this song - another great reaction! Have not seen this video, GREAT
I grew up listening to this. I think I still have my parents’ album.
If you like instrumental guitar work, try Carlos Santana's Samba Pa Ti. I prefer the Abraxas album version. It's on permanent loop playing in my car.
I had the distinct pleasure to hear him do this in Sydney, twice.
Loved your reaction but man I shouldn't have read the comments... I am way too protective of Tommy lol. In part because his music quite literally changed my life for the better and gave me a renewed interest in learning guitar. If you go to my channel you can find videos of him and I talking and even playing together. And if I were to make a request for you to watch even if it's just on your own it would be to see his new video for his song "Those who wait". It's the song that touched me the most the first time I saw him in person and made me pick up the guitar again. An incredibly beautiful song.
In a band called Gold Rush (which had both Tommy and Phil Emanuel in it) his brother Phil was such a stand out guitarist that Tommy was the drummer in the band.
I remember.
Spot on in your assessment. Tommy loves doing what he does, and he knows he's very, very good at it, but he's also charitable, and loves to entertain because it brings joy. Check out more of his performances even if you're not particularly into guitar, because he personifies the idea of using one's talent to make others happy.
Finest player in the world.