TOMMY EMMANUEL, C.G.P. - Two-time
Grammy nominee Tommy Emmanuel has a professional career that spans over four
decades and continues to intersect with some of the finest musicians throughout
the world. A household name in his native Australia, Tommy has garnered hundreds
of thousands of loyal fans worldwide. Tommy's unique style - he calls it simply
"finger style" - is akin to playing guitar the way a pianist plays piano, using
all ten fingers.
Guitar legend Chet Atkins was one of the first to inspire Emmanuel to pick up
the guitar as a child. Decades later, Atkins himself became one of Emmanuel's
biggest fans. In 1999, Chet honored Tommy Emmanuel with the title of "Certified
Guitar Player" for his lifetime contribution to the instrument, a rare honor
shared by only three other people in the world (Jerry Reed, Steve Wariner and
John Knowles). Atkins eventually recorded with Tommy in 1996 on "The Day the
Finger Pickers Took Over the World", for which Emmanuel received his first
Grammy award nomination. This was also Atkins last recording.
Tommy's unique style - he calls it simply "finger style" - is akin to playing
guitar the way a pianist plays piano.
After a recent recuperative rest, resulting from an exhausting touring schedule,
Tommy is now completely rejuvenated and embarking on a full tour schedule in
2008. A new double live CD and DVD, “Center Stage” filmed in High Definition and
recorded at the Sierra Nevada Brewery in Chico, California will be commercially
released in Spring ‘08. The DVD portion will also air on Public Television
affiliates all over the United States. Every element of modern technology was
used in the production of both the DVD and CD. Tommy’s record producer, Kim
Person, recorded and mixed the audio tracks, while long-time Sierra Nevada video
producer/director Peter Barlow tied the entire package together in
state-of-the-art quality. It makes for a stunning package, both aurally and
visually.
The double disc Live CD “Center Stage” contains many fan show-stoppers,
including Emmanuel’s Beatles Medley, Mombasa, and Initiation – the aboriginal
tribute song that has evolved over the years and never sounds the same on any
recording – or during any show. Tommy also introduces four never-before recorded
tracks, “Ruby’s Eyes”, “Lenny Bro’”, “The Jolly Swagman” and “Papa George”
(inspired by George Harrison). Also, included are several arrangements of
popular traditional tunes like “House of the Rising”, “Nine Pound Hammer”,
“Amazing Grace” – and for his Japanese fans, “Sukiyaki” This new CD is a great
mix of the rare, the new, the traditional and the favorites.
Emmanuel's music and life are legendary in Australia. He began playing guitar at
age 4, by learning to play by ear without any formal instruction. Emmanuel and
his older brother Phil were child prodigies, starting their professional career
in the 1960s. By the age of six, Tommy was already working as a professional
musician. Shortly after his father's death in 1966, the Emmanuel family was
approached by Australian country music star Buddy Williams, who took the family
on the road until they were forced by the Australian child welfare department to
stop traveling.
The Emmanuel children were then sent to a regular school. During these years,
Tommy was playing in "The Trailblazers" (with siblings Chris on drums and
Virginia on slide guitar) on weekends. He also taught guitar and made numerous
television appearances in musical competitions. Emmanuel's first brush with fame
came when The Trailblazers won two televised talent contests and produced an EP.
He and his siblings worked hard to create the family's sole income for several
years. In his early teens, Tommy left home and moved to Sydney to pursue a
professional career as a guitarist. Playing in clubs all over the city, Emmanuel
soon found himself in high demand as a session player for some of the era's most
popular performers. During the mid 70s through the early '80s, he joined one of
the decade's biggest, Dragon, recorded thousands of commercial "jingles" and
played on recordings for Air Supply, Men at Work and dozens of other popular
artists. In 1987, Dragon toured with Tina Turner on her "Break Every Rule" tour.
In addition to his storied career, which includes 16 music and instructional
recordings, Tommy is also an accomplished record producer and musical arranger.
He is also well regarded for mentoring students by offering guitar workshops and
master classes on tour. Other accolades include his 2007 Grammy nomination for
“Gameshow Rag’ from “The Mystery” CD, induction into the Thumb pickers Hall of
Fame in Muhlenberg, Kentucky (the only non-American so honored), and Acoustic
Guitar Magazine readers’ poll for placing in the top 3 favorite artists.
Emmanuel was voted Rolling Stone (Australia) Magazine's "Most Popular Guitarist"
for two consecutive years. He has earned four Platinum and Gold albums, two
consecutive "Golden Guitar" awards (2006, 2007) at the CMAA Awards in Australia.
Another stellar career highlight was Tommy’s performance (with his brother Phil)
at the Sydney 2000 Olympics Closing Ceremonies, viewed by over 2 billion people
around the world. Emmanuel has set sales records that have yet to be broken and
performed with hundreds of musical legends including Chet Atkins, Les Paul,
Keith Urban, Eric Clapton, Sir George Martin, Tina Turner, Joe Walsh, Stevie
Wonder, Nokie Edwards (of the Ventures), Hank Marvin, the Lexington (Kentucky)
Philharmonic, the Dortmund (Germany) Symphony, and the Western Australian
Symphony Orchestra. In addition, Tommy hosts several annual "TommyFest"
concerts, where other stellar internationally recognized musicians are invited
to share in a four day all-out celebration of music.
As a solo performer, Tommy’s dazzling performance, flawless guitar skills and
voluminous repertoire never fail to amaze and engage his legions. From the wilds
of Australia's outback to bustling major cities throughout the world, Emmanuel's
flair and unforgettable showmanship have created an enviable fan base that
continues to grow even larger every year.
Muriel Anderson's All Star Guitar Night benefits the
Music For Life Alliance
