Billy Boy
08-07-2005, 02:22 PM
Amazing! I saw Tommy Emmanuel last night (Aug 6) in Portland, OR, and it's difficult to describe the phenomenal show and guitar playing I witnessed. And witness is a good word. Tommy Emmanuel was in town to take part in a week-long fingerpicking guitar seminar hosted by two local phenoms...Mark Hanson and Doug Smith. This was Tommy's second time here as a guest instructor/motivator/inspirer. The concert was the end point of the seminar.
Tommy noted during one of his talks that he heard Chet Atkins on the radio when he was seven, and it changed the way he listened to guitar music and changed the way he wanted to play the guitar.
Well, I can tell you, listening to Tommy last evening was not only a "changing" event...it was a transformation! His tune, Mombassa, was awe inspiring. We felt as if we had been taken from the shore to the mountain and were given an aerial tour all along the way. His rendition of Heartbreak Hotel proved his respect for Elvis and Elvis' seminal role in rock-n-roll. And, his playing of his tune, Initiation, was one of the most transforming events of anything I have ever witnessed...no, not witnessed...participated in.
For those of you who have seen Tommy, you know what I'm talking about. We now know why his guitars look the way they do. For those who have yet to see him, you're in for the ride of your life. He truly is a miracle man...a guitarist force of nature. Tommy is a true musician...music is his soul...and the guitar just happens to be the instrument through which he gives his music to the world...and, lucky us. And, he is so down to earth.
One highlight of the evening was when he introduced Liz, his fiance, and she sang a few songs while Tommy played. Really enjoyed "Alone Together."
Tommy, Mark and Doug also played a set together, and it was nothing short of wonderful. To listen to three such talented guitarists play together is heaven on earth.
I had an opportunity to chat with Tommy a little bit after the concert. He came out to autograph CDs (wish I had brought my guitar, because I definitely would have had him play a quick tune on it and then autograph it). I asked him to autograph two CDs to Billy Boy. He told me that his first name was William, then autographed my two CDs to Billy Boy from Tommy Boy.
As you can tell, I am still someplace other than where I was before I saw Tommy in concert. And, I know you will be too if you ever have an opportunity to witness this amazing musician with guitar in hand...be ready to be transformed. :cool:
Tommy noted during one of his talks that he heard Chet Atkins on the radio when he was seven, and it changed the way he listened to guitar music and changed the way he wanted to play the guitar.
Well, I can tell you, listening to Tommy last evening was not only a "changing" event...it was a transformation! His tune, Mombassa, was awe inspiring. We felt as if we had been taken from the shore to the mountain and were given an aerial tour all along the way. His rendition of Heartbreak Hotel proved his respect for Elvis and Elvis' seminal role in rock-n-roll. And, his playing of his tune, Initiation, was one of the most transforming events of anything I have ever witnessed...no, not witnessed...participated in.
For those of you who have seen Tommy, you know what I'm talking about. We now know why his guitars look the way they do. For those who have yet to see him, you're in for the ride of your life. He truly is a miracle man...a guitarist force of nature. Tommy is a true musician...music is his soul...and the guitar just happens to be the instrument through which he gives his music to the world...and, lucky us. And, he is so down to earth.
One highlight of the evening was when he introduced Liz, his fiance, and she sang a few songs while Tommy played. Really enjoyed "Alone Together."
Tommy, Mark and Doug also played a set together, and it was nothing short of wonderful. To listen to three such talented guitarists play together is heaven on earth.
I had an opportunity to chat with Tommy a little bit after the concert. He came out to autograph CDs (wish I had brought my guitar, because I definitely would have had him play a quick tune on it and then autograph it). I asked him to autograph two CDs to Billy Boy. He told me that his first name was William, then autographed my two CDs to Billy Boy from Tommy Boy.
As you can tell, I am still someplace other than where I was before I saw Tommy in concert. And, I know you will be too if you ever have an opportunity to witness this amazing musician with guitar in hand...be ready to be transformed. :cool: