Stunning guitarist tells us what he loves to play
Esteemed guitarist Tommy Emmanuel will be releasing his brand new duets album Accomplice One on Friday, via Players Club/Mascot Label Group.
Accomplice One contains 16 tracks of original songs and reworks of world known classics, featuring a wide variety of guests such as Jason Isbell, J.D. Simo, Mark Knopfler, Rodney Crowell, Jerry Douglas, Amanda Shires & Ricky Skaggs.
Here, though, Tommy gives us a rundown of what his top five covers to play are.
“Classical Gas” – Mason Williams –
This song—everyone likes it and it’s full of iconic parts. I don’t necessarily play it like the original, but I quote the original. I take the melody from the original; the rest of it I just make up.
“While My Guitar Gently Weeps” – George Harrison –
This is a George Harrison song that everyone knows and it just happens to be a gorgeous melody, even as an instrumental. It really touches people—it’s a great song to play.
“Guitar Boogie” – Arthur Smith –
“Guitar Boogie” is one of those covers where it doesn’t matter if you’re a child that’s 2 years old or a grandfather who’s 92, they all like it. It’s just one of those magic songs. It’s just three chords. When I play the song I quote some of the original, but I mostly take the tempo up and really just plow into it. It’s a song that allows you to improvise and have fun.
“Cavatina” – Stanley Myers –
“Cavatina” is the theme from the movie “The Deer Hunter.” It’s a classical piece played by John Williams and it’s absolutely beautiful.
“Always with Me, Always with You” – Joe Satriani –
This song by Joe is really beautiful, and if I could play that good I’d have a go at it myself.
