If you haven't heard of Aussie Tommy Emmanuel, then you've been missing out on one of the best guitar players on the planet.
I had heard the name some time back, but never paid much attention until I saw him on some TV show a while back. I was completely blown away. This guy is astounding on the guitar.
One of the best performance pieces that I've ever heard on acoustic guitar was 'The Clap' by Steve Howe of 'Yes" fame. It's a techinally challenging piece to be sure. Well, I'd have to say that I was at least as impressed by what Tommy Emmanuel was playing, and that's saying a lot.
I really don't remember the name(s) of any tunes, but I do remember just sitting there with my mouth hanging open is disbelief.
Emmanuel has been playing professionally into his forth decade now, starting when he was 6 years old!! His site says he started playing the guitar at only 4 years of age.
Chet Atkins was one of the first players that made an impression upon Tommy Emmanuel, and in 1996 he was able to actually record with the master, Atkins. The production was 'The Day the Finger Pickers Took Over the World.' Emmanuel was to receive his first Grammy nomination for his effort on that CD.
As if just being able to record with his long time idol wasn't enough, Atkins gave the title of 'Certified Guitar Player' to Emmanuel. That's a label that he'd given to only three other guitarists. They were Jerry Reed, Steve Wariner and John Knowles. I'd say that's pretty good guitar pickin' company.
So, if you didn't know about Tommy Emmanuel...you do now. I'll list a few CDs under this post that you can look over. I guarantee you that this guy is a player that you must hear. I wish I had listened to him years ago when I first started hearing his name.
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Center Stage List Price: $15.98 Sale Price: $10.41 Used From: $11.34 Average Rating: ![]() ![]() |
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Only List Price: $13.98 Sale Price: $12.98 Used From: $7.99 Average Rating: ![]() ![]() |
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Endless Road List Price: $13.98 Sale Price: $8.25 Used From: $10.55 Average Rating: ![]() ![]() |
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The Mystery List Price: $13.98 Sale Price: $9.00 Used From: $10.00 Average Rating: ![]() ![]() |
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Center Stage (Ac3 Dol) List Price: $16.98 Sale Price: $11.21 Used From: $10.50 Average Rating: ![]() ![]() |
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Tommy Emmanuel - Live at Her Majesty's Theatre List Price: $16.98 Sale Price: $11.24 Used From: $9.99 Average Rating: ![]() ![]() |
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Live One List Price: $27.49 Sale Price: $18.14 Used From: $19.34 Average Rating: ![]() ![]() |
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Mel Bay presents Tommy Emmanuel: Live at Sheldon Concert Hall List Price: $39.95 Sale Price: $25.45 Used From: $23.95 Average Rating: ![]() ![]() |
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The Day Finger Pickers Took Over the World List Price: $6.99 Sale Price: $3.43 Used From: $3.44 Average Rating: ![]() ![]() |
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The Very Best of Tommy Emmanuel List Price: $49.99 Sale Price: $11.18 Used From: $11.99 Average Rating: ![]() ![]() |

















