Jazz

Tommy Emmanuel & John Knowles – Heart Songs (2019)

2021-04-14T10:04:52Z

Tommy Emmanuel & John Knowles – Heart Songs (2019)


1		Cold, Cold Heart	4:21
2		How Deep Is Your Love	3:14
3		I Can't Stop Loving You	3:29
4		Somewhere	3:32
5		I Can Let Go How	3:09
6		Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)	3:45
7		After Paris	2:02
8		Walkin' My Baby Back Home	2:37
9		I Can't Make You Love Me	3:47
10		Where Is Love	3:10
11		He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother	3:48
12		Eva Waits	4:19
13		Turning Home (Live) [Bonus Track]	2:23
14		How Deep Is Your Love (Live) [Bonus Track]	3:45

Tommy Emmanuel, John Knowles - Guitar, Primary Artists

A sentimental journey with two masters.

Some guys just have the touch. Acoustic guitar aces Tommy Emmanuel and John Knowles have teamed up on Heart Songs to put fans in a mellow mood on this collection of 14 sentimental fingerstyle instrumentals (including a dozen studio and two live recordings). Both men are gifted jazz players, but they don’t stray far from the melodies on such timeless romantic country and pop ballads as Hank Williams’ woeful “Cold, Cold Heart” and the Bee Gees’ touching “How Deep Is Your Love.” Rather, the duo allows the natural resonance of wood and steel, as well as the ringing harmonics, to complement slow tempos and the warm embrace they give to these relaxing tunes.

Indeed, less is best as Emmanuel and Knowles trade delicate lead lines and rhythm duties in sparse, unhurried arrangements that accentuate the sheer beauty of these songs. As masters of their craft, these celebrated players possess a treasure trove of technique, but they never let it get in the way of the melodies. The ’50s chestnut “Walking My Baby Back Home,” a relatively spry track, showcases the pairs’ light touch and nimble fingers. That’s also evident on the Leonard Bernstein show tune “Somewhere,” from West Side Story, and Billy Joel’s calming “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel),” as well as on the folk-pop ballad “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother,” which Emmanuel covered on his 2011 album Little By Little.

Heart Songs also showcases three originals: Emmanuel’s tender “Eva Waits” and Knowles’ gorgeous “After Paris” and “Turning Home.” ---Greg Cahill, acousticguitar.com

For those who might ask, What is the point of recording duets with two world class solo guitarists whose abilities go far beyond just supplying a complete performance of all the elements of music? I say, just because you think it’s a bad idea doesn’t mean it won’t be a good time. With Heart Songs, anyone who is moved by the pure beautiful sounds guitars can produce will hear Tommy Emmanuel, cgp and John Knowles, cgp, (certified guitar players) providing far more than just a good time.

Right out of the chute, they hit you with Hank William’s classic “Cold, Cold Heart” with a performance so moving that if Hank heard it coming through the radio of his Cadillac on his last ride, it just might have revived him, and the world would have a few more melodies to cry over.

The combination of these artists’ sensibilities, their careful listening to each other, along with the complimentary tonalities of a steel string and classical guitar carry this set through a variety of affairs of not just the heart, but the mysteries that move it. The 14 cuts are comprised of new and old standards from a variety of genres and composers that range from Don Gibson to Billy Joel to Leonard Bernstein. No words are needed here, to even convey the meanings of their original compositions. Emmanuel’s “Eva Waits” had me seeing scenes of longing and anxiety of a separated couple before I had read the title. With Knowles’ “After Paris,” anyone who has been fortunate to visit the city should feel the melancholy of the place. The rest should at least hear an accordion along the Left Bank of the Seine.

Those who come for the fire on the frets Mr. Emmanuel is so well known for might be slightly disappointed with this very laid-back offering of memorable melodies by great guitarists. Midway through, they get lighthearted with a swinging romp through the old standard “Walking My Baby Back Home.” I know I would have liked another one for the road at that tempo, however their sheer artistry and choice of material wins the day. Heart Songs should leave you with an answer to “How Deep Is Your Love” and with this question, Gee, is it over already? --—Ken Spooner, elmoremagazine.com

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Tommy Emmanuel - Accomplice One (2018)

2018-10-02T13:33:34Z

Tommy Emmanuel - Accomplice One (2018)


01. Deep River Blues (feat. Jason Isbell)
02. Song And Dance Man (feat. Ricky Skaggs)
03. Saturday Night Shuffle (feat. Jorma Kaukonen & Pat Bergeson)
04. Wheelin' & Dealin' (feat. Jd Simo & Charlie Cushman)
05. C-Jam Blues (feat. David Grisman & Bryan Sutton)
06. (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay [feat. Jd Simo]
07. Borderline (feat. Amanda Shires)
08. You Don't Want To Get You One Of Those (feat. Mark Knopfler)
09. Keepin' It Reel (feat. Clive Carroll)
10. Looking Forward To The Past (feat. Rodney Crowell)
11. Purple Haze (feat. Jerry Douglas)
12. Rachel's Lullaby (feat. Jake Shimabukuro)
13. Djangology (feat. Frank Vignola & Vinny Raaniolo)
14. Watson Blues (feat. David Grisman & Bryan Sutton)
15. Tittle Tattle (feat. Jack Pearson)
16. The Duke's Message (feat. Suzy Bogguss)

Tommy Emmanuel 	Guitars, Drums, Fender Telecaster, Percussion, Vocals, Vocals (Background)
Will Barrow 	Piano
Brad Benge 		Bass (Upright), Bowed Double Bass, Guitar (Bass), Percussion, Programming, Vocals (Background)
Pat Bergeson 	Harmonica
Suzy Bogguss 	Vocals
Clive Carroll 	Arranger, Guitar (Acoustic) 
Rodney Crowell 	Guitar (Acoustic), Vocals
Charlie Cushman 	Banjo
Jerry Douglas 	Dobro
Rachel Emmanuel 	Vocals
David Grisman 	Mandolin 
Jason Isbell 	Vocals
Jorma Kaukonen 	Guitar (Acoustic)
Mark Knopfler 	Guitar (Acoustic), Vocals 
Jack Pearson 	Guitar (Acoustic)
Vinny Raniolo 	Guitar (Acoustic) 
Jake Shimabukuro 	Ukulele
Amanda Shires 	Fiddle, Vocals (Background)
JD Simo 	Guitar (Electric), Slide Guitar, Vocals
Ricky Skaggs 	Mandolin, Vocals
Bryan Sutton 	Guitar (Acoustic) 
Frank Vignola 	Guitar (Acoustic)

Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian guitarist, songwriter and singer, best known for his complex fingerstyle technique, energetic performances and the use of percussive effects on the guitar. Although originally a session player in many bands, he has carved out his own style as a solo artist in recent years, releasing award-winning albums and singles.

“Accomplice One”, which is produced by Tommy, is a 16-track collaboration album, with mix of new takes on indelible classics and brand-new originals from Tommy and his collaborators.

“Deep River Blues” featuring Jason Isbell kicks off this release and what a cracker of a track it is. The former member of Drive By Truckers voice is a real foil to Tommy`s and it`s a real laid-back love in with both artists almost egging each other on. I could have sworn that the fellas were in the room with me, such was the relaxed performance of this offering. The wonderful American country and bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs is next to contribute with “Song And Dance Man.” He lends his mandolin and unmistakable voice to the song, which is a chronicle of a life lived for the next show. Simple but so effective. Jorma Kaukonen renowned from bands such as Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, joins Tommy with American guitarist, harmonica player and Chet Atkins session musician Pat Bergeson for the instrumental “Saturday Night Shuffle” this is what it says on the tin, a relaxed chilled out jam session. The wise cracks and laughter throughout the piece highlight the respect these boys have for each other. “Wheelin’ & Dealin’” has rock musician J.D. Simo and Nashville musician banjo player Charlie Cushman highlighting their talents for this real up-tempo outing. Breath-taking musicianship. David Grisman and Bryan Sutton both bluegrass musicians join the artist for an intricate piece called “C-Jam Blues.” It`s crazy but you can almost hear these musicians waiting their turn and feeding off each other. A song that will be familiar to everybody, co-written and made famous by the late Otis Reading, is up next with “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay.” J.D. Simo joins Tommy again and they manage to breathe life into a song that has been covered numerously. Honest.

The transformed Madonna classic ‘Borderline’ is given an airing and my god what a superb version this is. Emmanuel’s subtlety and tastefulness blends with Amanda Shires’ gorgeous vocal and fiddle playing, which turns this hit song to a beautiful stripped version. Absolutely enchanting, It`s a version that you`ll never want to end. “You Don’t Want to Get You One of Those” showcases a sly vocal and acoustic duet with Dire Straits’ legend Mark Knopfler. An unassuming and unpretentious outing for two world class musicians. Incredible. British acoustic guitar player Clive Carroll accompanies the artist on “Keepin’ It Reel” and blow me, what a track. I must shamefully admit, I’d never heard of this guy but my god what a guitarist. A wonderful self-effacing tune, almost Celtic at times, make sure you check Mr Carroll out.

I must admit I love country singer songwriter and Emmylou Harris sideman Rodney Crowell. I have been lucky enough to catch him live and this track with the maestro “Looking Forward To The Past” will only enhance his reputation. There`s just something about his voice and delivery. Maybe Tommy is the catalyst that brings the best out of him. It`s probably easier to say who hasn`t covered Hendrix`s “Purple Haze” But with Dobro master Jerry Douglas, ever present with Alison Krauss and Union Station, and numerous others flexing his fingers and pushing Emmanuel we do get quite a different rendition of this classic, with all sorts of slides and bends along the way. “Rachel’s Lullaby” reunites Tommy with Hawaiian ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro. The song, written for Tommy’s youngest daughter, shows him continuing to find inspiration from an evergreen source–his love of his family. “When Tommy sent me the MP3 of ‘Rachel’s Lullaby,’ I immediately fell in love with the melody,” says Shimabukuro. “Tommy always writes such beautiful lines that evoke so much emotion. He’s brilliant on so many levels. I was so thrilled to record that with him.” A sweet song with said daughter speaking just as the song opens. A slight change of pace with a jazzier offering, which is no surprise as the man is joined on “Djangology” by jazz guitarist Frank Vignola and guitarist Vinny Raniolo. A nice change of direction and style. Bluegrass musicians David Grisman and Bryan Sutton team up again with Tommy to share the song “Watson Blues.” On the penultimate song “Tittle Tattle” Jack Pearson, lead and slide guitarist and one-time member of the Allman Brothers band lends a hand, or should that be his fingers. A simple song but with some increasable guitar picking, listen and weep. The album closes out with a duet with American country music singer and songwriter Suzy Bogguss on “The Duke’s Message” a poignant song to finish on and this wonderful artist`s voice brings an unerring quality to this number.

`Accomplice One` is proof, if ever it was needed of Mr Emmanuel`s musical diversity. This album ranges from country-blues, to rock, to jazz with some emotive and heart-breaking songs along the way. There are new takes on classics and brand-new originals from Tommy and his collaborators. A truly wonderful opus and if I’ve read it right and this is Accomplice One, I can`t wait for Two and upwards. ---Damian Sullivan, maximumvolumemusic.com

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Tommy Emmanuel - It's Never Too Late (2015)

2018-11-14T15:02:47Z

Tommy Emmanuel - It's Never Too Late (2015)


1 	Blood Brother 	
2 	El Vaquero 	
3 	Hellos And Goodbyes 	
4 	Hope Street 	
5 	It's Never Too Late 	
6 	Miyazaki's Dream 	
7 	Old Photographs 	
8 	One Day 	
9 	One Mint Julep 	
10 	Only Elliot 	
11 	T.E. Ranch 	
12 	The Bug 	
13 	The Duke 	
14 	Traveling Clothes

Tommy Emmanuel - guitar

Tommy Emmanuel is not only one of Australia’s most respected musicians; his legendary guitar skills are admired the world over. The remarkable guitarist has been entertaining and mesmerising audiences for over five decades – a prolific career that has produced over 20 albums and two Grammy nominations, and has seen the artist honoured with the very rare title of “Certified Guitar Player”, by the eminent Chet Atkins. A virtuosic performer of his complex fingerstyle technique, Emmanuel has become a household name in Australia, recording an arsenal of solos, duets, ensemble works, covers, and originals on both his electric and acoustic guitars. On It’s Never Too Late, his first completely solo album since 2000, Emmanuel returns to the intricate acoustic mastery that has shaped his career.

Tommy Emmanuel - It's never too lateHis supreme layering ability resonates from the outset in the spirited joviality of Only Elliott, and continues to sing on the starry-eyed It’s Never Too Late, a title inspired by the recent birth of his daughter; and at 60 years old its sentiment could not ring truer. The relentless frenzy and innocent bliss of The Bug perfectly personifies its subject in less than 2 minutes, before Emmanuel effortlessly traverses continents and styles. He blends country and western and Spanish traditions with natural conviction on EL Vaquero, becomes intoxicated with the blues on the lumbering One Mint Julep, floats on dreamy folk in The Duke and One Day, as well as delving into more contemporary pop-oriented tracks.

An undeniable visionary with his instrument, Emmanuel not only explores different styles, but evokes a spectrum of distinctive emotions with visceral rawness. From comforting optimism on Hope Street, the rollicking wonder and joy of Travelling Clothes and T.E. Ranch, to an ethereal stillness that swathes Miyazaki’s Dream, and the wounded, but resolute, Blood Brothers.

When Emmanuel performs completely solo his outstanding, raw expertise is highlighted even more; the man is able to sing, strum, and drum not only with a single instrument, but in a single moment. It’s Never Too Late is not only a solid and brilliant example for any aspiring instrumentalist; studied guitarists and everyday music fans alike will admire and enjoy it. ---renownedforsound.com, Meggie Morris

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