Endless Road

 (30 customer reviews)

Emmanuel's name is not nearly as well-known as his playing. As a session picker in the 70s and 80s he lent his nimble fingers to many hit recordings; as a solo artist, starting in the late 80s, his name has become best known in his native Australia, especially to those who've had the opportunity to hear his awe inspiring live shows. His notoriety among the smooth jazz crowd for 1997's "Can't Get Enough" is well deserved, but barely telling of the range to which he applies his playing.

As a master of both the electric and acoustic guitars, Emmanuel's taken the latter route for this disc - originally released in Australia mid-2004 and just now finding U.S. reissue. His study of Chet Atkins can be heard on tunes like "(The Man With the) Green Thumb" and "Chet's Ramble," but he's also capable of hot-picking (both with his fingers and rhythmically with a pick) at a pace that sounds like multiple guitarists playing at once. Most impressively, he plays with both precision and...Read more

In over forty-five years of collecting solo guitar recordings, the purchase of "Endless Road" is the best money I have spent so far. This is one of the rare CD's where one finds no duds; every track is worthwhile.

Of particular note are Tommy Emmanuel's renditions of "Over the Rainbow," in which he produces sounds from the guitar that defy the laws of physics, and "Windy and Warm," which he brings to utter perfection in this performance.

"Endless Road" brings us Tommy Emmanuel's impeccable good musical taste by way of incredible athleticism.

This is a collection of the latest stuff I heard Tommy Emmanuel play at one of his current (2004) concerts. (By the way, if you have never seen Tommy Emmanuel live, you are missing something special... his CD's do not prepare you for the energy and musicianship that explodes from the stage and fills the room with smiles and awe). The last two selections on this CD show a maturity in voice and thought that can only come from an enlightened and refreshingly honest craftsman; like someone whose years of performing and seeing good friends come and go, now knows what is really important in life.

For the guitar players out there, one listen to the first track on this CD, and you will never again use the term "guitar riff" lightly without new perspective. You will either be inspired to practice a whole lot harder, or use that old guitar for firewood the next time you get cold. This is a great CD.

My only quibble is this... why hasn't this superb CD been released in...Read more