Agreed! Massive respect for this. As if the rest of his catalog doesnt deserve respect! But this is outside the box, and establishes him in my mind as a wild,wild man. Its so effin expressive. and the impression he's left on me is indelible. Tommy is like the Eddie Van Halen of the acoustic guitar, on par with all the greats, like Django, Hedges, Marcin and others. What fun it must be for him to play this... and its all about a First Peoples ritual. Breathtaking.
I've loved T.E's music for years but only just come across this now, stuck the headphones on and my three braincells were bouncing all over the place, the bass was lifting my jaw upwards and my eyebals were popping out, this has to be one of the greatest performances of all time.
I met Tommy when he was playing years ago with my friend Robben Ford at The Bottom Line in NYC. I was blown away with this Song. (& Tommy who couldn't have been a nicer Human Being!). I truly couldn't get enough of this Song & ran downtown the next few nights just to hear him play this. Aboriginal, Innovative - definitely felt Initiated! Was beyond excited finding it here and it feels just as amazing as it did all those years ago. Grateful to whomever recorded it !
There are certain iconic performances that not only define an artist, but cross all boundaries to reach directly into The souls of all who experience them. This, I believe, is one of those performances. Tommy not only plays his instrument, but inhabits it, inviting us all inside with him each time he plays so that we can experience it’s joys and mysteries right along with him. You could not ask for a better player, or more congenial host, than Tommy Emmanuel.
I think Tommy's momma put a guitar in his crib as his first toy and he made every sound an instrument could make with it before he learned how to play it like a regular guitarist.
Me too. Didnt see this particular performance, but witnessing this live for the first time, so loud and evocative, it remains one of the greatest things I have seen or heard.
So true. I took friends who had never seen or heard of him until I brought them to one of his shows. Their 1st experience was seeing him live. Their jaws dropped the whole show... when he did Initiation, they fell off.
I had never heard of Tommy Emmanuel when I bought his album "The Journey." It was a mindblowing experience. I don't think I've seen him perform anything from it until now. If you think he's an amazing acoustic player, you should hear him play electric. He can do it all, acoustic or electric. When he plays, Chet Atkins looks down and smiles...
1992 sir, I was a fresh faced 12 year old boy and I was lost for words after your concert in Wodonga Victoria. I nervously went up to you after the show when you were signing autographs and you signed my program. It was a present for my 12th birthday. I will always remember that concert and you as one of the most influencial musicians as I was learning guitar. Thank you for the memories.
We recorded several versions of this song over three days, in front of different audiences. THIS was the one where the feedback and guitar interaction came out just perfectly.
Saw him play this at Kendal arts centre around the time of the only album and this just teleported me into the outback. What exactly he was incorporating into the performance I'm not sure but never mind the blues going back to africa this just cut out the middle man entirely. In theTop 5 of my favourite live performances ever.
Saw him do this at BB King's Blues Bar & Grill in NYC (sad that it no longer exists). It sounded as close to this version as can be. Only problem he had was at the very end when the knob on his guitar equalizer came off. Got a big laugh from him and the audience. Lol. Just so amazing.
Is there an interview of Tommy discussing this masterful piece? I’ve never experienced or sensed Australia so purely and honestly. It’s so beautifully and hauntingly clear, to hear and see and feel, and smell, and taste. I understand it’s inspired by an aboriginal male initiation ceremony, to be able to hear or read him discussing it’s creation would be incredible.
Since I was a young boy in Australia Tommy Emmanuel has never failed to inspire me....THANK YOU Uncle Tommy 🎸🎸👍👍❤️❤️🙇🏻🙇🏻 This song is pure passion and genius ✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻
At the first Internationa Guitar Festival held in Kirkmichael Tommy played this and it was the first time I heard this and when he finished the place erupted with applause.
In 2008 i saw him playing this song in the most beautiful concert hall in Budapest... It sounded gigantic... It was honestly the most powerful and exciting musical live experience i have ever had. You're really dont know whats coming next and its just takes you to another place, time, and dimension.... Really unique experience. I wont forget that night thats for sure. I dont know how many years he played this, after the year of 2008 but as he told recently this version was the final, and best.
Hats off to the guys who made this recording. It's a pretty good recording and it's the first time I've heard it done with a vocal. But seeing it live is a different animal. Seeing it live brings me to tears. Every. Single. Time. It's that powerful, live. Thank you, Tommy!
That is very funny. Makes me think that someone could do a whole book of Tommy Emmanuel guitar jokes that would parallel the Chuck Norris martial arts ones.
I saw him do this live in the 90s in Sydney. It's still the most breathtaking musical performance I've ever seen. It almost feels criminal this video has less views than Classical Gas.
A new invention, a new style to play a guitar, unbelievable. Not things like a “one man band” oder beats together with playing the guitar. No. That’s life. That’s from the origin of music, very deep sounds, a combination of very old and deep music/sounds combined with modern thinking and technology. That’s a beautiful symbiosis. What amount of creativity you must have to create such action not only with your guitar skills but within in your head, incredible. That’s what we need. A deep music that reminds us who we are, where we came from and of the very beginning. Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances. ~ Maya Angelou
I'm just watching this with shear amazement and wonder, how are those sounds possible with just a guitar. If there were an effects pedal I would understand but this is incredible!
With Tommy, just learning to use the delay and percussive effects at this level is like learning a completely new instrument. And I believe he’s stated that he was trying to capture the feel of aboriginal music. More amazing, he always changes it up. We’re witnessing a once in a generation talent.
Hey Tommy! Not sure if you remember me but I talked to you a few times back in September, (and of course I remember your incredible dad jokes about sleeping like a log and waking up in the fireplace), but I just wanted to tell you how much you've inspired my playing. I've been watching all of your videos and taking notes on every little nuance of your playing, and it's started to completely transform the way I play the guitar. I really cherished every conversation we had and I just wanted to tell you how much you impacted me both with your musical ability and your heartwarming kindness.
Montgomery, AL 7 or 8 years ago maybe longer was the first time I experienced Tommy "live". His genius continues to amaze me. God gave us a true gift when we got Tommy.
that is simply extraterrestrial, what an outstanding genius...Had goosebumps during the whole nine minutes! You are the greatest guitar virtuoso on earth Tommy!! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I seen you in concert at Mount Gambier, still love your work!! I played this song many times while busking and people loved it, ofcourse it wasn't as magical and hypnotizing as you! I have trouble playing guitar these days as I had a TBI and can't get into the zone anymore and my mind goes blank. 😢 Thankyou for sharing Thommy!! You are the only guitarist at such a level.
One of my favorite pieces by Tommy! He explores and conquers this African ritual with a combination of Afro-New Age and jazz that is mind-blowing. We all know how great a drummer he is but doing that, playing a hollow body guitar getting New Age Electronic music all at the same time? You've got to be kidding. I'm glad this was posted on video -- no one would believe this is a real time performance by a one-man band otherwise. I've never seen anyone do a piece as complicated as this and make it look easy. I'm starting to think Certified Guitar Player is not enough of an accolade for this Master. And one of the nicest people you've ever had the privilege to meet and speak with. OK, I'm done -- running out of adjectives!
Seriously Tommy, THIS SONG has to be one of my All Time faves! - That concert you did in Salt Lake City with the masters class I attended was AMAZING! - But it was your performance back then 2007 of Initiation... It was TRULY SPIRITUAL!! ABSOLUTE MAGIC!!!
Ele é. incrível. Esses sons que ele tirou agora poderia ser usado como música tema de filme. Ele é um gênio. O cara viaja no violão, se entrega, interage com o instrumento, e a música, parabéns
![Guitar Teacher REACTS: Tommy Emmanuel "Classical Gas" [Mason Williams]](/img/n.gif)
there's no need for copyright, literally noone else can play like this
Marcin?
Yes!! Marcin is way up there! Ewan Dobson can really rock out too!
Agreed! Massive respect for this. As if the rest of his catalog doesnt deserve respect! But this is outside the box, and establishes him in my mind as a wild,wild man. Its so effin expressive. and the impression he's left on me is indelible. Tommy is like the Eddie Van Halen of the acoustic guitar, on par with all the greats, like Django, Hedges, Marcin and others. What fun it must be for him to play this... and its all about a First Peoples ritual. Breathtaking.
this song is still one of the single greatest pieces of guitar EVER WRITTEN.
I've loved T.E's music for years but only just come across this now, stuck the headphones on and my three braincells were bouncing all over the place, the bass was lifting my jaw upwards and my eyebals were popping out, this has to be one of the greatest performances of all time.
Can't understand why this video didnt get more than 100 million views, this silly world
I met Tommy when he was playing years ago with my friend Robben Ford at The Bottom Line in NYC. I was blown away with this Song. (& Tommy who couldn't have been a nicer Human Being!). I truly couldn't get enough of this Song & ran downtown the next few nights just to hear him play this. Aboriginal, Innovative - definitely felt Initiated! Was beyond excited finding it here and it feels just as amazing as it did all those years ago. Grateful to whomever recorded it !
There are certain iconic performances that not only define an artist, but cross all boundaries to reach directly into The souls of all who experience them. This, I believe, is one of those performances. Tommy not only plays his instrument, but inhabits it, inviting us all inside with him each time he plays so that we can experience it’s joys and mysteries right along with him. You could not ask for a better player, or more congenial host, than Tommy Emmanuel.
Mark Wallis thanks...I’ve seen other guitarists over the years who share this trait, but Tommy is on an entirely different level!
I think Tommy's momma put a guitar in his crib as his first toy and he made every sound an instrument could make with it before he learned how to play it like a regular guitarist.
Inhabits. That's right. The instrument and the player possess each other.
You have to admit honestly: This is absolutely extraordinary!!! This is unique....
I’ll never forget hearing this live, there’s nothing like it. Gave me chills. Like a powerful thunderstorm in the arena. Pure emotion and mesmerizing.
Me too. Didnt see this particular performance, but witnessing this live for the first time, so loud and evocative, it remains one of the greatest things I have seen or heard.
So true. I took friends who had never seen or heard of him until I brought them to one of his shows. Their 1st experience was seeing him live. Their jaws dropped the whole show... when he did Initiation, they fell off.
I’ve had the good fortune to see ‘Tony Enamel’ play live 15 times. And will again in April. Best living acoustic guitarist, hands down.
Interesting thing about Tommy Emmanuel: He's just as wonderful at being a friend and decent human being as he is at playing the guitar.
Truth, legitimately the nicest most sincerely warm spirited people on this planet.
I had never heard of Tommy Emmanuel when I bought his album "The Journey." It was a mindblowing experience. I don't think I've seen him perform anything from it until now. If you think he's an amazing acoustic player, you should hear him play electric. He can do it all, acoustic or electric. When he plays, Chet Atkins looks down and smiles...
Tommy is the greatest guitar player of all time.
1992 sir, I was a fresh faced 12 year old boy and I was lost for words after your concert in Wodonga Victoria. I nervously went up to you after the show when you were signing autographs and you signed my program. It was a present for my 12th birthday. I will always remember that concert and you as one of the most influencial musicians as I was learning guitar. Thank you for the memories.
We recorded several versions of this song over three days, in front of different audiences. THIS was the one where the feedback and guitar interaction came out just perfectly.
Perfection at it's finest!!! Beyond amazing!!! True amazement!!! Thank you for sharing!!!!!!!
What tuning does he start with? This is celestial, ethereal, other worldly!!
Saw him play this at Kendal arts centre around the time of the only album and this just teleported me into the outback. What exactly he was incorporating into the performance I'm not sure but never mind the blues going back to africa this just cut out the middle man entirely. In theTop 5 of my favourite live performances ever.
Saw him do this at BB King's Blues Bar & Grill in NYC (sad that it no longer exists). It sounded as close to this version as can be. Only problem he had was at the very end when the knob on his guitar equalizer came off. Got a big laugh from him and the audience. Lol. Just so amazing.
This is definitely the gnarliest version I've seen of this, well done
Is there an interview of Tommy discussing this masterful piece? I’ve never experienced or sensed Australia so purely and honestly. It’s so beautifully and hauntingly clear, to hear and see and feel, and smell, and taste. I understand it’s inspired by an aboriginal male initiation ceremony, to be able to hear or read him discussing it’s creation would be incredible.
Since I was a young boy in Australia Tommy Emmanuel has never failed to inspire me....THANK YOU Uncle Tommy 🎸🎸👍👍❤️❤️🙇🏻🙇🏻 This song is pure passion and genius ✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻
You’ve just heard every known sound a guitar can make
And several unknown sounds that they can make!
At the first Internationa Guitar Festival held in Kirkmichael Tommy played this and it was the first time I heard this and when he finished the place erupted with applause.
Yes! I was only 10 years old and heard this at kirkmichael guitar festival.😊 love it so much. It was epic!
In 2008 i saw him playing this song in the most beautiful concert hall in Budapest... It sounded gigantic... It was honestly the most powerful and exciting musical live experience i have ever had. You're really dont know whats coming next and its just takes you to another place, time, and dimension.... Really unique experience. I wont forget that night thats for sure. I dont know how many years he played this, after the year of 2008 but as he told recently this version was the final, and best.
I was at this very show. Thank you to Sierra Nevada Brewery in Chico for bringing this man into my musical life.
Words alone can not describe the emotions that flow through this man.
He is still evolving at this age. the genuine musician in all of genuine musicians.
この年齢でまだまだ進化してる。本物の中のホンモノ！！
If you weren’t watching it, you would think that this was a entire band playing.
The man is on fire! What a performance.
Hats off to the guys who made this recording. It's a pretty good recording and it's the first time I've heard it done with a vocal. But seeing it live is a different animal. Seeing it live brings me to tears. Every. Single. Time. It's that powerful, live. Thank you, Tommy!
Tommy walks into guitar store.
Manager: No trying out guitars please sir.
Han Dynasty Manager: like just take em, any of em, they’re all yours.
That is very funny. Makes me think that someone could do a whole book of Tommy Emmanuel guitar jokes that would parallel the Chuck Norris martial arts ones.
Manager: something gives me the idea that you're not going to do Stairway
@@steffanmh Nah going straight to the top board scratching and tribal singing.
Tommy is the Only genius that god hasn’t taken away from us
Years ago I saw him on stage at Steenwijk The Netherlands. There was no word to find for this, it was great.
Tommy emmanuel is the chuck norris of guitar
I saw him do this live in the 90s in Sydney. It's still the most breathtaking musical performance I've ever seen. It almost feels criminal this video has less views than Classical Gas.
If there was ever a demonstration of what a guitar can do without all the techy gadgetry this is it. Amazing!!!
Determination was the 1st Tommy album I bought......this is my origin song. Tommy is the reason❤️
That is beyond genre; that is unique.
Dude's an alien. No human could play the guitar like that...
I love all of your music Tommy! I pray you and your family are safe and our hearts are breaking for Australia 😢
Out of the world.... who's this superhuman?!
Holy freaking amazeballs! I'm at a loss, there just isn't enough words to do this man justice. Far out.
A new invention, a new style to play a guitar, unbelievable.
Not things like a “one man band” oder beats together with playing the guitar.
No. That’s life. That’s from the origin of music, very deep sounds, a combination of very old and deep music/sounds combined with modern thinking and technology.
That’s a beautiful symbiosis.
What amount of creativity you must have to create such action not only with your guitar skills but within in your head, incredible.
That’s what we need. A deep music that reminds us who we are, where we came from and of the very beginning.
Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances.
~ Maya Angelou
It is what it is - whatever that is.
This man is an inspiration to all who listen.
Orang tua ni memang gila!!serius dia ni genius.. tu je mampu aku katakan,salute tomm
It feels australian roots, rythms, earth, ocean, breath...,superbe voyage ! Merci Tommy🙏
4:56. That is unbelievable. That's arguably the most understated thing about this entire performance. How did he do that so perfectly?
Fantastic! Incredible sounds and that all simply with one guitar. Now more than ever:
Tommy is the greatest!
I went to one of his first performances of the Determination album tour.
It was just phenomenal!
I'm just watching this with shear amazement and wonder, how are those sounds possible with just a guitar. If there were an effects pedal I would understand but this is incredible!
one man encapsulates the emotion a whole orchestra would convey
Never thought guitar can sounds like that. It is very impressive!
Too Good!!!👍
sounds like a horror/thriller and action roll into one movie😮mind blown
With Tommy, just learning to use the delay and percussive effects at this level is like learning a completely new instrument. And I believe he’s stated that he was trying to capture the feel of aboriginal music. More amazing, he always changes it up. We’re witnessing a once in a generation talent.
i am so awestruck. holy fking shit. tommy tell me what you CANT do. i love this!!!
Long term Tommy fan here - I adore this version
The absolute MASTERPIECE!
only an Australian could make sounds like that! It's sad but it made me think of all the animals in the bush reacting to the fires.
Saw him play this at I think it was the first Kirkmichael Guitar Festivals ran by Martin Taylor and for those that went all had a right good time
I first heard this on Determination nearly 30 years ago. Its still awesome. Love ya Tommy.
Hey Tommy! Not sure if you remember me but I talked to you a few times back in September, (and of course I remember your incredible dad jokes about sleeping like a log and waking up in the fireplace), but I just wanted to tell you how much you've inspired my playing. I've been watching all of your videos and taking notes on every little nuance of your playing, and it's started to completely transform the way I play the guitar. I really cherished every conversation we had and I just wanted to tell you how much you impacted me both with your musical ability and your heartwarming kindness.
Дякую Томмі, за цей «чудовий міжгалактичний круіз, з м'яким приземленням».
Натхнення Вам!
Tommy are you human? Incredible!
Play this song for someone, and ask them how many musicians and what instruments were they playing? Then show them the video.
Tommy you are a legend, can't wait to see you back in Melbourne 😊 One of my favourite songs is this one. 👍👍
Montgomery, AL 7 or 8 years ago maybe longer was the first time I experienced Tommy "live". His genius continues to amaze me. God gave us a true gift when we got Tommy.
the version that made me fall in love with your music! what a timeless masterpiece!
Wow.
As always amazing, creative usage of whole instrument and delay effect.
That was AWESOME Tommy !
Acoustic Guitar Wizard!!
You hail from out of this universe...my heart almost forgot to beat..... 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
That guitar tunings on the fly...
That guitar was brand new at the start of the concert.
Incredible
He is the king of guitar in my mind.
Brilliant guitarist and musician
I got a goosebumps what a mastery 😍love from india 😍❤️
Nice to see this on the tube again... this is the masterpiece that introduced me to the genius of Tommy Emmanuel years ago.
Wow, Tommy! Great performance!
Thank you very much. Your music introduced me to Chet Atkins. Your "Classical Gas/Walk don't run" and "Hurt" are incredible.
He really is a percussionist who happens to be a guitar virtuoso. I remember when he was the drummer in Richard Smiths band.
Greetings from Romania, hope you come here too!
Terrific performer! My all time favourite performer!
Genius!
that is simply extraterrestrial, what an outstanding genius...Had goosebumps during the whole nine minutes! You are the greatest guitar virtuoso on earth Tommy!! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I seen you in concert at Mount Gambier, still love your work!! I played this song many times while busking and people loved it, ofcourse it wasn't as magical and hypnotizing as you! I have trouble playing guitar these days as I had a TBI and can't get into the zone anymore and my mind goes blank. 😢 Thankyou for sharing Thommy!! You are the only guitarist at such a level.
One of my favorite pieces by Tommy! He explores and conquers this African ritual with a combination of Afro-New Age and jazz that is mind-blowing. We all know how great a drummer he is but doing that, playing a hollow body guitar getting New Age Electronic music all at the same time? You've got to be kidding. I'm glad this was posted on video -- no one would believe this is a real time performance by a one-man band otherwise. I've never seen anyone do a piece as complicated as this and make it look easy. I'm starting to think Certified Guitar Player is not enough of an accolade for this Master. And one of the nicest people you've ever had the privilege to meet and speak with. OK, I'm done -- running out of adjectives!
Not African ritual. Australian aboriginal corroboree. Cheers.
A little different this time and it adds a whole new dimension to Tommy's playing.
The artistry of Genious is just that, ... Genious!!!
Seriously Tommy, THIS SONG has to be one of my All Time faves! - That concert you did in Salt Lake City with the masters class I attended was AMAZING! - But it was your performance back then 2007 of Initiation... It was TRULY SPIRITUAL!! ABSOLUTE MAGIC!!!
master, wizard!
Ele é. incrível. Esses sons que ele tirou agora poderia ser usado como música tema de filme. Ele é um gênio. O cara viaja no violão, se entrega, interage com o instrumento, e a música, parabéns
Ele é um mestre na música.. revolucionário atual. Modernizou o estilo de tocar.
Mind blowing performance... !
Awesome.. very innovative
This kind of music might just bring the rain!
WUNDERBAR ANDERS! ... wonderful different!
🔥👍
สุดยอดครับ
Mesmerizing, Great Performance 👏👏👏
Watching Initiation live is totally a different feel. And I miss that guitar that Tommy used to tour with.
Very Good!
Haha. That guitar is scratched up everywhere except on the pickguard! Love ya Tommy!
A genius !