Reviewed by:
tilleking, on june 11, 2007
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sound: In 2005, legendary guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel returned home to Australia for a regional tour of the country where he performed many of his fans' favourite tunes plus a few new ones. He is something of an acoustic guitar guru. I only recently heard him on the "Guitarist" magazine DVD, playing/teaching an incredible song called "Antonella's Birthday". Because the song was so amazing and beautiful, more than anything, I bought this DVD. His sound is similar to that of Doyle Dykes: magnificent country-style acoustic guitar sounds. We see a vast range of sounds on the DVD (including the guitar-body tapping, producing a drum sound), which all sound incredible. However, he doesn't just play the guitar; he sings as well on a few tracks. The guitar is so great that the vocals actually aren't all that necessary, though let's just say that he doesn't have the best voice in the world. I'd say that this lets the DVD down a little, but it's not so bad that it's unbearable. // 9
Content: This live concert features some absolutely incredible songs. Between some songs, Tommy Emmanuel introduces songs, explaining what he loves so much about them, and giving a little background info. Special features include "Tommy's New Best Mate" when Tommy gets his new custom guitar and christens it and examines it thoroughly. "More Thoughts From Tommy" is just a ten minute interview with Tommy, and "Finger Pickin' Good" includes three 'bonus songs'. // 10
Production Quality: The production quality is fine. When each song is started, subtitles appear with the name of the song. You either like this, or you don't. Personally, I think it's unnecessary, though others do like to know what the song they are listening to is called. The interview parts of the DVD are really good, showing Tommy explaining everything in detail. At the end of the DVD, he is signing autographs, and explaining how his goal is to start up his own record label, and to sign young guitarists and "give them a helping hand." // 9
Impression: I can't compare the DVD to other albums of Tommy Emmanuel's, because I've never heard any. Though, I can compare him to Doyle Dykes. I've seen Doyle twice in concert, and he was incredible. Tommy is very similar to him. Their playing styles are both very similar. And both are incredible guitarists. The most impressive track on the DVD is probably "Antonella's Birthday". It's simply mind-blowing. "Cannonball Rag" is also an incredible track, because it's so fast. I think the singing lets the guitar down a little in places. Tommy Emmanuel's fiancée, Elizabeth Watkins sings on several tracks, and she has a pretty good voice, though it's not as incredible as the guitar. If I lost the DVD, or it got stolen, I'd probably go for one of his CD's instead, rather than buy the DVD again. // 8
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