Anytime you talk to any of Tommy Emmanuels fans, whether musicians or civilians, invariably
they will speak of not one but two qualities that define his greatness.
The first, predictably, is his
extraordinary guitar playing. Considered by those in the know to be among this planets greatest guitarists, his playing is simply miraculous, as it would take three musicians, or more, to do what Tommy does solo. Who else, for example, when playing Day Tripper, can lay down the rhythm part, dig into the riff and sing the melody all at once on just one acoustic guitar?
This brings us to the other aspect of his music always mentioned, and without which the first
might not be as powerful or as infectiously appealing: the joy.
Yes, joy. Because its one thing to play these multi-dimensional arrangements flawlessly on an acoustic guitar. But to do it with that smile of the ages, that evidence of authentic, unbridled delight, is an irresistible invitation to feel his music as deeply as he does.
The joy, he says, is there always because I’m chasing it through music. Seeing the surprise in peoples’ eyes is worth living and working for… I can’t help but play to the people with all my heart, which is overflowing with the joy of being in that moment that Ive worked all my life for. And here it is!
Although his expression is instrumental, he comes to the guitar much more like a vocalist,
positively singing melodies through the strings. He inhabits the tunes he performs, delivering
every nuance and turn of phrase. His own songs are also illuminated always with lyrical
melodies that go right to the heart, such as his beautiful ode to his daughter, Angelina, or his
great story without words, Lewis & Clark. That they resonate so deeply without words
makes sense, as words only go so far.
But music, coming from a genuine and joyful source, can go so much farther. Now with The Best of Tommy songs, he brings us a complete collection of his own songs, all rich with ripe melodicism and rendered with joy in real-time.
When I was a kid, I wanted to be in show business. Now, I just want to be in the happiness business. I make music, and you get happy. Thats a good job. –Tommy Emmanuel
Tickets go on sale at
10 AM on Friday, July 2nd.
A 26 Club Member pre-sale is available from
10 AM to 10 PM on Thursday, July 1st.
Purchase tickets online at GILLIOZ.ORG
or call 417.863.9491
Monday through Friday, 10 AM-5 PM