Tommy Emmanuel — Lewis and Clark
Album: The MysteryAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2422
Length: 3:53
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Never heard of this guy, until vacationing in Cairns, Australia in 2019. He happened to be playing in the local auditorium so the wife and I checked it out just for fun. Blew me away. Big fan now.
What a beautiful, peaceful song and an incredible talent. Tommy Emanuel is another beautiful discovery for me via Radio Paradise.... Thank you Bill and Rebecca and the community that exists within.
Side note. Does anyone else hear this flowing into Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode?
Side note. Does anyone else hear this flowing into Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode?
Silvervanman wrote:
But surely music is about more than mere technical expertise? As it happens, I quite like this piece, but that has nothing to do with the guitarist's chops. There are songs on RP to which I give a low rating despite great playing, and songs that get a high rating even if the playing is merely adequate.
Anyone who thinks this is worth less than a 9 come out & show us your masterful guitar playing.
But surely music is about more than mere technical expertise? As it happens, I quite like this piece, but that has nothing to do with the guitarist's chops. There are songs on RP to which I give a low rating despite great playing, and songs that get a high rating even if the playing is merely adequate.
Proclivities wrote:
I don't think he meant for anything to "happen" other than a song. I imagine it's intended to be more meditative than goal-oriented.
that's how i hear it.
I don't think he meant for anything to "happen" other than a song. I imagine it's intended to be more meditative than goal-oriented.
that's how i hear it.
this is really pretty.
Greyerwrit wrote:
Mike Bloomfield and Eric Clapton, presumably among many others, considered quitting guitar when they heard Hendrix. John Mayer said, "Who I am as a guitarist is defined by my failure to become Jimi Hendrix. However far you stop on your climb to be like him, that's who you are."
Consider this: Hendrix was not even a Certified Guitar Player, unlike Emmanuel, John Knowles, Jerry Reed, Steve Wariner and Paul Yandell.
Neither you nor I will surpass any of them or Chet Atkins, nor the thousands of amazing guitarists who can barely make a living doing it.
In the end, it's between you, your guitar(s) and the people you choose to share it with. It puts a smile on your face, every now and then? Keep at it. Send me a sound clip if you want.
I concur that it is between the guitarist and the guitar. It's like anything else that is expressive or artistic: it is unique to you. Even if it's a rendition of somebody else's song, it's your playing style. No need to get hung up on how that style compares to that of one of the greats. Better to tune into your own musicality and truly feel what you play. If you do happen to play for, or just in front of, others, they will appreciate it all the more if you're in the moment – just you and your guitar. That feeling is accessible to all of us, regardless of perceived ability. Enjoy!
phantomsix wrote:
Agree, he is very personable and funny and just a fabulous performer, highly recommended to see him.
I saw Tommy Emmanuel some years ago in Coventry UK with my son. This guy's personality is as beautiful as his guitar playing. Just amazing. Thanks Tommy
Agree, he is very personable and funny and just a fabulous performer, highly recommended to see him.
This piece strums my heart...
"Comparison is the thief of joy".
Greyerwrit wrote:
Greyerwrit wrote:
Mike Bloomfield and Eric Clapton, presumably among many others, considered quitting guitar when they heard Hendrix. John Mayer said, "Who I am as a guitarist is defined by my failure to become Jimi Hendrix. However far you stop on your climb to be like him, that's who you are."
Consider this: Hendrix was not even a Certified Guitar Player, unlike Emmanuel, John Knowles, Jerry Reed, Steve Wariner and Paul Yandell.
Neither you nor I will surpass any of them or Chet Atkins, nor the thousands of amazing guitarists who can barely make a living doing it.
In the end, it's between you, your guitar(s) and the people you choose to share it with. It puts a smile on your face, every now and then? Keep at it. Send me a sound clip if you want.
Consider this: Hendrix was not even a Certified Guitar Player, unlike Emmanuel, John Knowles, Jerry Reed, Steve Wariner and Paul Yandell.
Neither you nor I will surpass any of them or Chet Atkins, nor the thousands of amazing guitarists who can barely make a living doing it.
In the end, it's between you, your guitar(s) and the people you choose to share it with. It puts a smile on your face, every now and then? Keep at it. Send me a sound clip if you want.
Solanus wrote:
I am a vocalist and I feel the same way toward Jeff Buckley. He could hit & hold basically any note we wanted, as long as he wanted, with power/delicacy, vibrato, & clarity. I don't feel like I get discouraged, knowing that I'll never sound as good as he did, just keeping him as a goal to strive for and a source of enjoyment & inspiration. I think your satisfaction with your playing should be measured on a scale proportional to your ability; as your skill improves, your expectations should as well, but not beyond that to your ultimate goal.
Agreed- it's great to have people you admire and look up to. The great thing about music is that you don't have to be Tommy Emmanuel or Jeff Buckley. You can just be yourself and find joy in the act.
I am a vocalist and I feel the same way toward Jeff Buckley. He could hit & hold basically any note we wanted, as long as he wanted, with power/delicacy, vibrato, & clarity. I don't feel like I get discouraged, knowing that I'll never sound as good as he did, just keeping him as a goal to strive for and a source of enjoyment & inspiration. I think your satisfaction with your playing should be measured on a scale proportional to your ability; as your skill improves, your expectations should as well, but not beyond that to your ultimate goal.
Agreed- it's great to have people you admire and look up to. The great thing about music is that you don't have to be Tommy Emmanuel or Jeff Buckley. You can just be yourself and find joy in the act.
denpries wrote:
I am a vocalist and I feel the same way toward Jeff Buckley. He could hit & hold basically any note he wanted, as long as he wanted, with power/delicacy, vibrato, & clarity. I don't feel like I get discouraged, knowing that I'll never sound as good as he did, just keeping him as a goal to strive for and a source of enjoyment & inspiration. I think your satisfaction with your playing should be measured on a scale proportional to your ability; as your skill improves, your expectations should as well, but not beyond that to your ultimate goal.
He is one of my idols. Unfortunately, every time I get inspired to pick up the guitar I will realize how far-off I am from his skills at some point again.
I am a vocalist and I feel the same way toward Jeff Buckley. He could hit & hold basically any note he wanted, as long as he wanted, with power/delicacy, vibrato, & clarity. I don't feel like I get discouraged, knowing that I'll never sound as good as he did, just keeping him as a goal to strive for and a source of enjoyment & inspiration. I think your satisfaction with your playing should be measured on a scale proportional to your ability; as your skill improves, your expectations should as well, but not beyond that to your ultimate goal.
I had the good fortune to shoot with Tommy last year (2021) for some promo images of the UDO Roesner DaCapo amp and Tommy. He was super fun to work with and it was awe-inspiring to listen to him play during the session.
https://www.brandonjacksonphot...
https://www.brandonjacksonphot...
I saw Tommy live a couple of days ago (for the 4th time). He blew me away once again. Everyone should see his show--it's well worth it.
I saw Tommy Emmanuel some years ago in Coventry UK with my son. This guy's personality is as beautiful as his guitar playing. Just amazing. Thanks Tommy
What a great recording. Down low in the mix, far into the background, you can hear him tapping his foot or perhaps his guitar, keeping time.
Proclivities wrote:
I don't think he meant for anything to "happen" other than a song. I imagine it's intended to be more meditative than goal-oriented.
Written after Tommy visited the Lewis and Clark trail head in Oregon. He had no idea who they were, being Australian, read about the expedition, and wrote this song.
I don't think he meant for anything to "happen" other than a song. I imagine it's intended to be more meditative than goal-oriented.
Written after Tommy visited the Lewis and Clark trail head in Oregon. He had no idea who they were, being Australian, read about the expedition, and wrote this song.
this is actually one of his easier songs to play. I've dabbled and one day will do it
Bill thank you for playing all these Australian artists.
t0m5k1 wrote:
Me too.
I don't say this much about music publicly but for some reason this track made me cry.
Instant 10 for that.
Thanks RP for exposing me to yet another musician I'll avidly follow.
Me too.
Greyerwrit wrote:
Mike Bloomfield and Eric Clapton, presumably among many others, considered quitting guitar when they heard Hendrix. John Mayer said, "Who I am as a guitarist is defined by my failure to become Jimi Hendrix. However far you stop on your climb to be like him, that's who you are."
Consider this: Hendrix was not even a Certified Guitar Player, unlike Emmanuel, John Knowles, Jerry Reed, Steve Wariner and Paul Yandell.
Neither you nor I will surpass any of them or Chet Atkins, nor the thousands of amazing guitarists who can barely make a living doing it.
In the end, it's between you, your guitar(s) and the people you choose to share it with. It puts a smile on your face, every now and then? Keep at it. Send me a sound clip if you want.
Love this, thanks for sharing. As a mediocre guitar player it's just what I needed to hear today.
Mike Bloomfield and Eric Clapton, presumably among many others, considered quitting guitar when they heard Hendrix. John Mayer said, "Who I am as a guitarist is defined by my failure to become Jimi Hendrix. However far you stop on your climb to be like him, that's who you are."
Consider this: Hendrix was not even a Certified Guitar Player, unlike Emmanuel, John Knowles, Jerry Reed, Steve Wariner and Paul Yandell.
Neither you nor I will surpass any of them or Chet Atkins, nor the thousands of amazing guitarists who can barely make a living doing it.
In the end, it's between you, your guitar(s) and the people you choose to share it with. It puts a smile on your face, every now and then? Keep at it. Send me a sound clip if you want.
Love this, thanks for sharing. As a mediocre guitar player it's just what I needed to hear today.
stratzippy wrote:
I just watched his TEDxMelbourne appearance, and boy do I appreciate his craft much more now.
+1 to 8 on this track, and probably others too when I hear them next.
LLRP!!
i think to appreciate Tommy Emmanuel you need to see him live and from there base your perspective of his playing. He's such a nice person and great stories (including one in particular about the last time Chet Atkins played guitar)
I just watched his TEDxMelbourne appearance, and boy do I appreciate his craft much more now.
+1 to 8 on this track, and probably others too when I hear them next.
LLRP!!
Silvervanman wrote:
Everyone gets to talk, even if they can't play (and even when it pisses me off). The amazing thing to me is that less than 1% of ratings were less than 5. That's the first time I've seen anything like that.
Anyone who thinks this is worth less than a 9 come out & show us your masterful guitar playing.
Everyone gets to talk, even if they can't play (and even when it pisses me off). The amazing thing to me is that less than 1% of ratings were less than 5. That's the first time I've seen anything like that.
denpries wrote:
Mike Bloomfield and Eric Clapton, presumably among many others, considered quitting guitar when they heard Hendrix. John Mayer said, "Who I am as a guitarist is defined by my failure to become Jimi Hendrix. However far you stop on your climb to be like him, that's who you are."
Consider this: Hendrix was not even a Certified Guitar Player, unlike Emmanuel, John Knowles, Jerry Reed, Steve Wariner and Paul Yandell.
Neither you nor I will surpass any of them or Chet Atkins, nor the thousands of amazing guitarists who can barely make a living doing it.
In the end, it's between you, your guitar(s) and the people you choose to share it with. It puts a smile on your face, every now and then? Keep at it. Send me a sound clip if you want.
He is one of my idols. Unfortunately, every time I get inspired to pick up the guitar I will realize how far-off I am from his skills at some point again.
Mike Bloomfield and Eric Clapton, presumably among many others, considered quitting guitar when they heard Hendrix. John Mayer said, "Who I am as a guitarist is defined by my failure to become Jimi Hendrix. However far you stop on your climb to be like him, that's who you are."
Consider this: Hendrix was not even a Certified Guitar Player, unlike Emmanuel, John Knowles, Jerry Reed, Steve Wariner and Paul Yandell.
Neither you nor I will surpass any of them or Chet Atkins, nor the thousands of amazing guitarists who can barely make a living doing it.
In the end, it's between you, your guitar(s) and the people you choose to share it with. It puts a smile on your face, every now and then? Keep at it. Send me a sound clip if you want.
Proclivities wrote:
I don't think he meant for anything to "happen" other than a song. I imagine it's intended to be more meditative than goal-oriented.
I keep waiting for him to find the Northwest Passage. What a rip-off!
I don't think he meant for anything to "happen" other than a song. I imagine it's intended to be more meditative than goal-oriented.
I keep waiting for him to find the Northwest Passage. What a rip-off!
I don't say this much about music publicly but for some reason this track made me cry.
Instant 10 for that.
Thanks RP for exposing me to yet another musician I'll avidly follow.
Instant 10 for that.
Thanks RP for exposing me to yet another musician I'll avidly follow.
He is one of my idols. Unfortunately, every time I get inspired to pick up the guitar I will realize how far-off I am from his skills at some point again.
jeremyleo wrote:
Seen him in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Equal experience.
I love this track. Really like hearing the foot tap in the background as well. I saw Tommy here in Ottawa a couple years ago (in a church - great venue). My life changed after that show.
Seen him in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Equal experience.
Anyone who thinks this is worth less than a 9 come out & show us your masterful guitar playing.
Just added this to my Tidal - not even his top track on it.
Stopped me in my tracks-beautiful.
That's an RP jam gem 
a run of 2 Australians, very nice.
This is pretty awesome, on a Friday evening in the UK, tbf I'd never heard this before. Goes well with the Merlot.
I thought for a hot second that this was an acoustic cover of Shawn Colvin's Shotgun Down The Avalanche.
So beautiful.
Kansas' "Dust in the Wind" begas as nothing more than a finger-picking exercise by Kerry Livgren, until his wife urged him to do something with it. He presented it to the band after nearly wrap-up of "Point of Know Return". Jaws fell.
Proclivities wrote:
I don't think he meant for anything to "happen" other than a song. I imagine it's intended to be more meditative than goal-oriented.
Proclivities wrote:
I don't think he meant for anything to "happen" other than a song. I imagine it's intended to be more meditative than goal-oriented.
He's great in concert, talented, diverse.
Just picturing the finger work.
petersparadise wrote:
I don't think that one should compare one artist with another. Same as all the needless superlatives: "best guitarist ever", "worlds-best", ...
Best comment ever. :p
I don't think that one should compare one artist with another. Same as all the needless superlatives: "best guitarist ever", "worlds-best", ...
Best comment ever. :p
Most of the T.E. stuff ranges from okay to very good, but this one is just a masterpiece.
Saw him in Victoria BC... The city has a soundtrack with him and from another stellar concert.... Carlos Nunez!
road tripping through anywhere scenic...
Johnw1 wrote:
Indeed...
very peaceful
Indeed...
Proclivities wrote:
I don't think he meant for anything to "happen" other than a song. I imagine it's intended to be more meditative than goal-oriented.
It might surprise you to learn that many artist are not attempting to "go" anywhere (not you Proclivities). Rather they try to create an experience. This does not involve a destination for their work.
I don't think he meant for anything to "happen" other than a song. I imagine it's intended to be more meditative than goal-oriented.
very peaceful
Would've seen him in April if it wasn't for this damn pandemic!!!
mistermerp wrote:
I was getting "Carolina in my Mind."
Anyone else hearing 'Shotgun down the avalanche'? Either way, I like it.
I was getting "Carolina in my Mind."
How can this not lift your soul?
I love hearing Tommy's foot tapping. Makes this godlike performance more human :-)
One of very best contemporary guitarist, thank you RP for playing this 
mistermerp wrote:
Yes! That's it. I keep humming a fragment of a chorus I couldn't quite identify and that was it! Have a thumbs up! :)
Anyone else hearing 'Shotgun down the avalanche'? Either way, I like it.
Yes! That's it. I keep humming a fragment of a chorus I couldn't quite identify and that was it! Have a thumbs up! :)
stratzippy wrote:
i think to appreciate Tommy Emmanuel you need to see him live and from there base your perspective of his playing. He's such a nice person and great stories (including one in particular about the last time Chet Atkins played guitar)
I agree. He is a wonderful performer, so natural. This song is superlatively beautiful! (Is that an adjective?) . i think to appreciate Tommy Emmanuel you need to see him live and from there base your perspective of his playing. He's such a nice person and great stories (including one in particular about the last time Chet Atkins played guitar)
Beauty!
OK, is Shotgun Down the Avalanche a common or universal tune? Because this is virtually the acoustic guitar version of the song voiced by Shawn Colvin, who for all I know got it somewhere else.
Such a pretty song. Absolute candy.
mistermerp wrote:
Good call. I heard another melody in there but couldn't place it.
Anyone else hearing 'Shotgun down the avalanche'? Either way, I like it.
Good call. I heard another melody in there but couldn't place it.
Anyone else hearing 'Shotgun down the avalanche'? Either way, I like it.
misterbearbaby wrote:
I don't think that one should compare one artist with another. Same as all the needless superlatives: "best guitarist ever", "worlds-best", ...
This meeting of the Tommy Emmanuel Fan Club is hosted by Radio Paradise....
He's 'pretty good' but not in the same league as Almeida or Charlie Byrd I'm afraid. His picking is just not that rich. Anyway, I get "full" of solo guitar picking after 20 minutes somehow... even if it's technically excellent. I like Don Ross- more soulful, and more eccentric players like Kottke or Hedges... different styles.
He's 'pretty good' but not in the same league as Almeida or Charlie Byrd I'm afraid. His picking is just not that rich. Anyway, I get "full" of solo guitar picking after 20 minutes somehow... even if it's technically excellent. I like Don Ross- more soulful, and more eccentric players like Kottke or Hedges... different styles.
I don't think that one should compare one artist with another. Same as all the needless superlatives: "best guitarist ever", "worlds-best", ...
bentonian wrote:
I don't think he meant for anything to "happen" other than a song. I imagine it's intended to be more meditative than goal-oriented.
Nice enough, but nothing happens. Meh
I don't think he meant for anything to "happen" other than a song. I imagine it's intended to be more meditative than goal-oriented.
Nice enough, but nothing happens. Meh
Always listen to this driving through the Columbia Gorge!
This meeting of the Tommy Emmanuel Fan Club is hosted by Radio Paradise....
He's 'pretty good' but not in the same league as Almeida or Charlie Byrd I'm afraid. His picking is just not that rich. Anyway, I get "full" of solo guitar picking after 20 minutes somehow... even if it's technically excellent. I like Don Ross- more soulful, and more eccentric players like Kottke or Hedges... different styles.
He's 'pretty good' but not in the same league as Almeida or Charlie Byrd I'm afraid. His picking is just not that rich. Anyway, I get "full" of solo guitar picking after 20 minutes somehow... even if it's technically excellent. I like Don Ross- more soulful, and more eccentric players like Kottke or Hedges... different styles.
Agree with the previous review - you have to go and see this guy live. Not only is he amazing and will simply blow you away - he comes over as such a delightful guy. The whole evening was simply a delight.
If you have not seen Tommy Emmanuel in concert, then you simply must. Must. The word "virtuoso" is so often over-used, but in Tommy's case, he truly is that. Anything that can possibly be done on an acoustic guitar, he has explored, defined, mastered. The title of this song is aptly named not for those virtues, but of his. Go see him in concert. You will be forever grateful that you exist on this earth at the same time as he.
Under the name 'Lewis & Clark" (I assume it's the same song) the song gets a rating of 7.8. Had to put in a 10 to get the initial rating of 6 for this version of the name up a bit. 
I love this track. Really like hearing the foot tap in the background as well. I saw Tommy here in Ottawa a couple years ago (in a church - great venue). My life changed after that show.
We live about 5 miles from the Lewis & Clark Trail. . .
I went off and watch a couple of utube videos. This guy makes my fingers bleed just watching him.
One of my favourite Tommy Emmanuel songs.....
FogAudio wrote:
Yeah, Thanks Bill!!!!!
Every day I listen to RP I am once again inspired by the fact that there is a tremendous amount of undiscovered (to me) music! Thanks Bill, like it!
Yeah, Thanks Bill!!!!!
Excellent stress-relief music.
The acoustic guitar has to be the finest instrument ever invented (although sometimes the electric gives it a run for its money!).
The acoustic guitar has to be the finest instrument ever invented (although sometimes the electric gives it a run for its money!).
Intro made me look at the TV, wondering if Dead Wood was on.
#8
#8
Very nice!
FogAudio wrote:
amen!
Every day I listen to RP I am once again inspired by the fact that there is a tremendous amount of undiscovered (to me) music! Thanks Bill, like it!
amen!
Very Chilli Manilli these last few, Bill. I need to put on a felt hat and draw a few from my clay jug.
Every day I listen to RP I am once again inspired by the fact that there is a tremendous amount of undiscovered (to me) music! Thanks Bill, like it!
I liked this song 4 notes into it......
I had the privilege of seeing Tommy live a week ago. This is something not to be missed. He is simply inhuman in his skill, and very humble about it. His performance is wonderful, his songwriting is great and his interpretation of songs he covers is insanely good. I'm no weeper but his "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" brought tears to my eyes. You can see him up close and personal on Youtube, you will get the idea that he's too talented for a single person, and seeing him live makes you realize that Youtube doesn't do him justice.
Am I going on and on? Yes. He's worth it.
Am I going on and on? Yes. He's worth it.
Hmmm . . . now I'm glad I didn't switch off after Flogging Molly came on . . .
jjbix wrote:
I think you mean "crack" staff.
"Crack" as an adjective would be "Excelling in skill or achievement; first-rate: a crack shot; a crack tennis player."
"Crack" as a verb, and its past tense, "cracked," could mean "to have a mental or physical breakdown."
I totally agree, I trust Bill and his cracked RP staff to find good music that isn't getting it's due on the other airwaves and he rarely disappoints (only occasionally when he plays Davey Byrne way way too much :) )
I think you mean "crack" staff.
"Crack" as an adjective would be "Excelling in skill or achievement; first-rate: a crack shot; a crack tennis player."
"Crack" as a verb, and its past tense, "cracked," could mean "to have a mental or physical breakdown."
Step out of the fast lane for a breather.. very nice. Whats the rest of the CD like?
Off on another chicken-egg odyssey: Tommy Emmanuel or Mark Knopfler (from Sailing to Philadelphia)
Would fit nicely before RP favorite No Myth.
I totally agree, I trust Bill and his cracked RP staff to find good music that isn't getting it's due on the other airwaves and he rarely disappoints (only occasionally when he plays Davey Byrne way way too much :) )
Limpopoking wrote:
Limpopoking wrote:
Pleasant! Never heard of him. This is why RP has become my home.
Pleasant! Never heard of him. This is why RP has become my home.
limnoguy wrote:
Thanks for the SRV advance warning. I'll go find something else to listen to once this, which gets a 7, is over.
A nice change from the previous Yes and U2. I was hoping it was a format switch, but alas we are back with SRV. Stevie Ray Vaughan - Pride and Joy
Tommy Emmanuel - Lewis & Clark
U2 - Desire
Yes - Heart Of The Sunrise
Tommy Emmanuel - Lewis & Clark
U2 - Desire
Yes - Heart Of The Sunrise
Thanks for the SRV advance warning. I'll go find something else to listen to once this, which gets a 7, is over.
Ntropy wrote:
I'm not the first but I agree with the rest of the statement. Think I'll warm up my coffee.
I guess I'm the first. Hmmm, this is nice and soothing on a crazy day at work.
I'm not the first but I agree with the rest of the statement. Think I'll warm up my coffee.
Wow, I'm really diggin this. Never heard of this guy. I'm intrigued. 
A nice change from the previous Yes and U2. I was hoping it was a format switch, but alas we are back with SRV.
Stevie Ray Vaughan - Pride and Joy
Tommy Emmanuel - Lewis & Clark
U2 - Desire
Yes - Heart Of The Sunrise
Ntropy wrote:
I was the first to rate, but after 5 seconds of the song, it's difficult to rate and to give comments. 
So now 5 
7
I guess I'm the first. Hmmm, this is nice and soothing on a crazy day at work.
I'll left the honour to you
I was the first to rate, but after 5 seconds of the song, it's difficult to rate and to give comments.
So now 5 7
i like this description of his music: "the eddie van halen of contemporary acoustic guitar."
I guess I'm the first. Hmmm, this is nice and soothing on a crazy day at work.