Tommy Emmanuel, CGP
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 8pm
This performance will include a 15-minute intermission.
The sheer exuberance Tommy Emmanuel brings to every note of every song is both palpable and contagious. His fans are captivated by his boundless talent as a guitarist of extraordinary depth, seamlessly playing three parts at once with genuine heart and soulful artistry. A true virtuoso, Tommy exudes a delight in the magic of music that often surpasses even the audience's, radiating a joy that lights up every performance.
Playing multi-dimensional arrangements flawlessly on an acoustic guitar is impressive in itself. But to do so while wearing that timeless, joyful smile—a clear reflection of genuine, unrestrained delight—is an irresistibly infectious invitation to experience his music as deeply as he does. “The joy, " Tommy 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 joy of being in that moment that I’ve worked all my life for. And here it is!”
The genuine exuberance Tommy brings to every performance and recording resonates even more profoundly in a world where true joy often feels scarce. His happiness, like his music, is pure and immediate, with nothing contrived or artificial about it. This authenticity transcends language barriers and is instantly understood by everyone who experiences it. It’s why Tommy smiles so freely while playing—and why his audience can’t help but do the same. As many have noted, it’s nearly impossible not to feel happy at one of his shows. His joy, flowing from a timeless river of inspiration, is universally felt. And it’s undeniably uplifting.
In 2018, Tommy released the remarkable album Accomplice One, a collection of duets with an extraordinary array of musicians, all matching his level of mastery. The concept proved a resounding success, showcasing Tommy’s deep love for diverse musical styles. Collaborators included Rodney Crowell, Mark Knopfler, Amanda Shires, Jason Isbell, Jerry Douglas, Jake Shimabukuro, and more. Each artist seemed equally inspired by Tommy’s boundless energy and passion, while he performed alongside them with effortless grace.
The long-awaited sequel, Accomplice Two, followed, capturing the same exuberance, diversity, and adventurous spirit as its predecessor. Featuring an impressive lineup of artists, the album brings together rock legends like Michael McDonald, Jorma Kaukonen, and Little Feat; bluegrass powerhouses such as Billy Strings, The Del McCoury Band, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Sierra Hull, and David Grisman; country icons like the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jamey Johnson, and Raul Malo; and guitar virtuosos including Yasmin Williams, Larry Campbell, and Richard Smith. The album's first single, “White Freight Liner Blues,” highlights the Grammy-nominated clawhammer guitarist Molly Tuttle.
Tommy also hosted a television special titled Accomplice LIVE!, which aired on PBS in March 2023. The special showcased some of Tommy’s most beloved songs, along with duets featuring his accomplices, including Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Sierra Hull, Yasmin Williams, and many others.
Tommy was born in 1955 in Muswellbrook, New South Wales, Australia, and began playing guitar at the age of four. By his twenties, he had become Sydney’s most in-demand performer and session musician. At 30, he was electrifying audiences across Europe, playing electric guitar with various rock bands in massive stadiums. Though he could have continued living the rock star life, Tommy longed for something more authentic and deeply connected to his soul. He left behind the roaring energy of rock bands and their thundering soundscapes, choosing instead to embrace the purity of acoustic guitar.
Tommy’s transformation was inspired by his hero, Chet Atkins, who embodied the essence of one man, one guitar, and an unwavering passion for serving the song. Eventually, Tommy met Chet, forging a lifelong friendship that profoundly shaped his music. Recognizing Tommy’s extraordinary talent, Chet honored him with the prestigious title of CGP (Certified Guitar Player), an accolade bestowed on only four other individuals. Together, they recorded the album The Day Finger Pickers Took Over the World.
The admiration and endorsement of Chet Atkins elevated Tommy to an entirely new level. Chet, who instantly recognized Tommy's extraordinary talent, told the world: musicians like this are rare—pay attention to this man. And people have indeed paid attention. From sold-out shows across the globe to multiple Grammy nominations, ARIA Awards, IBMA Awards, and countless “Best Acoustic Guitarist” titles in prominent music magazine readers' polls, Tommy’s brilliance has captured the attention of the world.