The question is Australia’s answer to Chet Atkins and Pat Methany? The answer is Tommy Emmanuel c.g.p.
For the true guitar aficionado Emmanuel’s works over the past forty years are cd rack staples and he is as much a household name in his native Australia as vegemite … for the inexperienced, Tommy Emmanuel, c.g.p. is the four-time winner of Australia's Best Guitarist award and while he has been known as the man to introduce the art of rock guitar down under to a higher consciousness, his true genius is his ability to merge jazz improvisation into a mix that also includes blues, country, rock, classical, and Spanish music.
His latest live 2 disc cd “Center Stage” offers up 24 tracks that may prove to be the most comprehensive example of Emmanuel’s work and style to date. Speaking of style, Emmanuel’s approach to the strings is much like Bach’s to the piano as he uses all ten fingers which creates a backdrop of sound that feels like three guitarists instead of one. As a two time Grammy nominee, and a professional performer since the age of six, (child prodigy anyone?) Emmanuel is more than proficient; he ranks as an expert, authority and connoisseur.
“Center Stage” was filmed in High Definition and recorded at the Sierra Nevada Brewery in Chico, California. Produced by Kim Person, and produced/directed by Peter Barlow you have a double your pleasure package of uncompromising songs and medleys that are the “just right” full scale exhibition of Emmanuel’s talent complimented by a dvd to completely embrace this virtuoso in action.
Notable tracks include “Ruby’s Eyes”, “The Finger Lakes” and “Mombasa”.
4.5 Stars
