All I Want for Christmas

 (11 customer reviews)

As usual Tommy Emmanuel does not disappoint. Each selection is arranged
with feeling that only he can provide. Bravo, Tommy!!!

Australian guitar player Tommy Emmanuel may just be the single most talented picker of his generation. His finger- and flat-picking are precise yet graceful, with tone that's clean but still soulful. Emmanuel sticks to his acoustic here, playing in both solo and band settings. It's the former, in which his syncopated bass runs support the melodies, that is the most mesmerizing. The song list is mostly well-worn chestnuts, but Emmanuel's sprightly and sensitive renderings make them sound fresh. This album will fit perfectly into many different holiday activities, whether you need background music for family gatherings, meditative instrumentals to unwind after the rigors of shopping, or rich instrumental versions of Christmas classics to set a holiday mood. [©2011 hyperbolium dot com]

With reviews that pronounce a Tommy Emmanuel concert as "coming face-to-face with a god," calling the man a guitarist is like labeling the Taj Mahal a house. His playing draws superlatives such as "genius" and "virtuoso." From the nimble fingers of this gregarious phenomenon comes his first holiday album, "All I Want for Christmas." Ably backed on rhythm guitar by veteran finger picker John Knowles, Emmanuel's compilation of enduring treasures and new delights is a must-have for every music aficionado.

The disc opens with a rollicking version of "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" including lively syncopation, chords that dance up and down the frets, and Emmanuel's satisfied chuckle. He segues gently into another perennial favorite, "White Christmas," beginning with a slow, introspective vibe and transitioning into a gentle rhythm. "Jingle Bells" swings along in lively homage to Chet Atkins, Emmanuel's late muse, mentor, and friend, while a string quartet adds depth and...Read more