Tommy Emmanuel and Guests

I love guitar music. It stems from the fact that I grew up with a dad that played. He was a member of band in the 70's and has seem to always play at church. He is one talented cookie. I always thought he was a rockstar. Then I went to a concert Sunday night that made me think every male was going to bash his guitar after walking through the exit. My dad is still my number one guitar player and I will always love to listen to him play! He is still a hero to me just being able to play the beginning of "Time in a Bottle."

Concert: Guitar extraordinaire


Two words: Tommy Emmanuel

One word: Phenomenal

I have never experienced that before in my life. Now, I love listening to Jimmy Hendrix, James Taylor and Eric Clapton. I'd rather listen to them play then sing but you can't win them all. This guy, I didn't care. He is from Australia and is just so talented it's sicking. Not to mention that he seems to be a great guy and very humbled. His opening act was Frank Vignola. He worked as a sideman in the 80's with artists like Madonna, Leon Redbone and Ringo Starr. He and his partner, Vinny Raniolo, killed their rendition of "Stairway to Heaven." I have never, ever, heard it this well done in my life. There were times they were playing and you couldn't believe how fast they were strumming. Their hands looked like they were not even moving. The did a fantastic job opening the show. I would have just been happy with the two of them. Not to mention, Vinny was a cute little guy from NY. I wanted to put him in my back pocket for later! 

Here is Frank and Vinny - They did this song at the concert

Vinny - secret guitar crush on this man

Now onto the main event: Tommy Emmanuel. You think you couldn't get better then the other two. Wrong, so wrong. He was outstanding. I can only sum it up as he has tourettes of the guitar. The noises that he can create with his guitar are just mind blowing. I loved seeing all the wear and tear on his guitars due to all the sound effects he can do. He created the feeling of nature. He made his guitar sound like rain and a storm. It was just insane. I had to keep reminding myself to close my mouth. It was just a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness such talent and to really appreciate it. If he is ever here again, sign me up!

They aren't the best quality but here are some videos of his work: