Les and Tommy talk about different guitar players and Tommy plays a song with Les and also Tommy plays his rendition of "Over the Rainbow " for Les Iridium 1/12/09 Lespaul.org
Tommy Emmanuel is the only guy I can think of who can single handedly entertain, captivate and mesmerise you like no other. The sheer charisma and personality of the man coupled with his virtuosity is what makes him so unique. We are so blessed and fortunate to be living with him in this age.
What a gem Tommy Emmanuel is. I've seen people display superhuman performances on an electric guitar, but rarely do i see superhuman guitar work performed on "ACOUSTIC" the way Tommy Emmanuel does. God put magic on him, no doubt!
When you have this talented, drop dead gorgeous bass player behind you shaking her head as Les Paul is looking at you in awe, you know you’re in good company! What a delight to hear this individual for the first time. Wow!!!!
I can pretty much guarantee; from the cleaners to the bar staff, from the patrons to the musicians: Everyone in that club stopped what they were dong, closed their eyes. And went into a special dream all their own, listening to this!
... why then, oh why... do I get a lump in my throat every time I here Tommy's arrangement of "Over the Rainbow". It has got to be the most beautiful solo instrumental of this tune ever played.
Yep, and T. is more than just one of the best guitar players to walk the planet... he's a real, natural *comedian* too! He has perfect comedic timing, which his audiences adore.
Tommy has such genuine love and difference for Les, the room was jocular and celebratory but when Tommy began to play there was an immediate silence of admiration for the song and rendition.
I have watched quite a few of Tommy's perfomances on video . This one though shows the love that Tommy is giving Les here . Its simply his finest playing I have ever heard !
I took my son to see Tommy this summer (his first concert). Front row (elbos on the stage), meet and greet and a memory that we will always have. Class and the benchmark for 99.9% of others to only hope to follow. Pure Amazement.
Getting that kind of reaction of pure delight and amazement out of Les Paul @ 12:34 must have just made Tommy's career. And he deserves ever bit of it. I can't even imagine.
"Tommy Emmanuel" is what you get when 1) you come from a musical family, 2) you're a gifted child prodigy, 3) your _mother_ plays, and can help you learn, 4) your parents give you nothing but heartfelt encouragement, 6) your brother plays as well as you do, creating sibling rivalry, 7) you're performing for a living, from a very young age, 8) as a teen, you're continually in touch with Chet Atkins by letter - Big Dreams make you practice!, 9) God gives you huge hands, 10) you don't fall prey to drugs or booze, 11) _nothing_ is more fun to you than playing an acoustic guitar - *practicing* for hours, even into your elder years, and 12) you're humble and a gentleman.
You are absolutely correct. I only discovered him a few years ago on a TED show. What a marvelous person and performer. He told the story about writing Chet as a boy and getting a reply. Bravo to Chet and look what he helped birth. A truly great guitar player.
He did actually get stuck on the drugs bandwagon, but he met an old woman who managed to turn him to Christianity and cleanse him of his drug addiction. And ever since them he’s been drug and alcohol free :)
This is the best of all of these videos of Les sharing the stage with another guitarist. This one feels like two equals, though I thought Tommy was a bit nervous in a couple bits of his playing. This made my day, and thanks for that.
Super homage to Chet Atkins & Merle Travis from Les & Tommy both! And Wes Montgomery & Judy Garland & so many others he worked & jammed with in his life.... Belated, but R.I.P., Les Paul!
WHAT A TREAT!!!!! Les Paul is an absolute darling. Loved his stories. AND to hear him honouring our Tommy - SENSATIONAL. Thank you so much for sharing.
...i would trade 30 years of everything i have learned on guitar and musicianship in general....to have 5% of Tommy Emmanuel's natural musical gift and knowledge.... only guy that I would sell my soul to be like ........ damn
Bernard Litwin ------ Tommy is not only insanely good........he plays really really pretty MUSIC......not just notes......notice no one is couching or talking while he plays......it's just too beautiful to interrupt
Got to meet him backstage at a show and played him a few bars of a fingerstyle tune...he was awesome very very appreciative of his fans. Made my life actually
I saw and heard Tommy in Omaha a couple years back at The Holland Performing Arts Center, a room so nice for musicians and music lovers even Tommy commented on the acoustics. I wish everybody could have heard it.
seeing how Tommy had Les and the band mesmerized in the groove he setup and their reaction at the end , like they just came out of a dream is high praise indeed
The stage banter is priceless... ...and Tommy's musical offering of "Over the Rainbow" to Lester is Sacramental. What a Blessing to guitarists, and music-lovers, and lovers of this tune, it is to get to see this.
Thank you for this.I get lost in songs like that.Tommy and Les together are awesome.enjoyd the references to Chet and Merle.Im just blown away at this.
when I watch Tommy I'm not sure whether to pick up my guitar and practice or just take it out and run it over with a truck...he is above and beyond ANY musician I have ever listened to.
Wow! For those of you just popping through, there is a beautiful version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow at about the 8min mark in the video. Truly a great performance. If you like the guitar at all you will like this. It fun to listen to the OG guys talk about "back in the day" but really, check out this musically elegant and emotional performance. Thank you for posting it!
not too sure if just thousands of hours of hard work could even get you close to what Tommy did right there and then. WOW!! So much SOUL! Kudos! I think Les Paul would have loved to jam together had he been in better condition. ;) for the love of guitar, the passion for music!
Tommy Emmanuel is the only guy I can think of who can single handedly entertain, captivate and mesmerise you like no other. The sheer charisma and personality of the man coupled with his virtuosity is what makes him so unique. We are so blessed and fortunate to be living with him in this age.
Check out Troubleclef also. Same mezmerazation.
What a gem Tommy Emmanuel is. I've seen people display superhuman performances on an electric guitar, but rarely do i see superhuman guitar work performed on "ACOUSTIC" the way Tommy Emmanuel does. God put magic on him, no doubt!
Only Tommy can leave Les Paul speechless.
I just recently discovered these Les Paul videos and the first thing I noticed watching this one is how much respect Les extends to Tommy.
When you have this talented, drop dead gorgeous bass player behind you shaking her head as Les Paul is looking at you in awe, you know you’re in good company! What a delight to hear this individual for the first time. Wow!!!!
I can pretty much guarantee; from the cleaners to the bar staff, from the patrons to the musicians: Everyone in that club stopped what they were dong, closed their eyes.
And went into a special dream all their own, listening to this!
The mutual respect there is just so beautiful.
Indeed, and Les would die later that year. RIP Les.
how can someone so perfect at what he does be so humble?
Maybe the best virtuoso guitarist alive; a true genius. He never ceases to amaze, and I've been playing for over 50 years...
... why then, oh why... do I get a lump in my throat every time I here Tommy's arrangement of "Over the Rainbow". It has got to be the most beautiful solo instrumental of this tune ever played.
me too for some reason....
You're not alone feeling that way ...
i just cried....
I agree
Left her in TEARS! My God. What a rendition.
Tommy is a total gentleman... kind... intelligent... incomparable artist
So was Les.
Yep, and T. is more than just one of the best guitar players to walk the planet... he's a real, natural *comedian* too! He has perfect comedic timing, which his audiences adore.
Gregory Fischer 👍👍👍
Tommy has such genuine love and difference for Les, the room was jocular and celebratory but when Tommy began to play there was an immediate silence of admiration for the song and rendition.
Very well said.
It is no easy task to blow the socks off Les Paul.... I believe Tommy came as close as anyone else right there.... absolutely beautiful.
Dear god in heaven that was the most exquisite rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow Tommy has ever done. Les made him better just by being there.
capital G
I think your right , it happens
oh ya , its GOD
I have watched quite a few of Tommy's perfomances on video . This one though shows the love that Tommy is giving Les here . Its simply his finest playing I have ever heard !
#Fact That made me cry
I took my son to see Tommy this summer (his first concert). Front row (elbos on the stage), meet and greet and a memory that we will always have. Class and the benchmark for 99.9% of others to only hope to follow. Pure Amazement.
Great chat. Tommy's playing makes me wanna cry he is so darn good and plays with such heart.
Getting that kind of reaction of pure delight and amazement out of Les Paul @ 12:34 must have just made Tommy's career. And he deserves ever bit of it. I can't even imagine.
Tommy is one amazing artist..great sport as well. Was cool Les just sitting there with his mind completely blown by that performance.
wow, layin' tribute at the legend's feet, I can't imagine the honor...
Tommy worked hard and gave his best to Les Paul,and that love is deep.
Yes.. and such a beautiful tribute it is!
I'm crying...
The joy Les had there was so fun to see..
Tommy is a prodigy. Les Paul must be so proud
To know because of him
We have great guitar players who really know their instruments.
"Tommy Emmanuel" is what you get when 1) you come from a musical family, 2) you're a gifted child prodigy, 3) your _mother_ plays, and can help you learn, 4) your parents give you nothing but heartfelt encouragement, 6) your brother plays as well as you do, creating sibling rivalry, 7) you're performing for a living, from a very young age, 8) as a teen, you're continually in touch with Chet Atkins by letter - Big Dreams make you practice!, 9) God gives you huge hands, 10) you don't fall prey to drugs or booze, 11) _nothing_ is more fun to you than playing an acoustic guitar - *practicing* for hours, even into your elder years, and 12) you're humble and a gentleman.
You said it all!
Béla Scialoja You skipped 5)
You are absolutely correct. I only discovered him a few years ago on a TED show. What a marvelous person and performer. He told the story about writing Chet as a boy and getting a reply. Bravo to Chet and look what he helped birth. A truly great guitar player.
All that is nothing .. it's only the gift of God.. only..
He did actually get stuck on the drugs bandwagon, but he met an old woman who managed to turn him to Christianity and cleanse him of his drug addiction. And ever since them he’s been drug and alcohol free :)
Wow. Perhaps the last video taken of Les on stage - he died later that year at age 94. Amazing.
Thank God, literally, that this fabulous, historic meeting of two greats, occurred before Les passed.
I hear Tommy play and I just want to cry.. the guy is a phenom..
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This is the best of all of these videos of Les sharing the stage with another guitarist. This one feels like two equals, though I thought Tommy was a bit nervous in a couple bits of his playing. This made my day, and thanks for that.
Always severe depth in Tommy Emmanuel's playing. Such a delight to hear and watch.
Thanks man. Very interesting site to follow!
Super homage to Chet Atkins & Merle Travis from Les & Tommy both!
And Wes Montgomery & Judy Garland & so many others he worked & jammed with in his life....
Belated, but R.I.P., Les Paul!
So great! Astounding playing of "Over The Rainbow" by Tommy Emmanuel. And... such a fun conversation!
Words cannot describe. Unbelievable.
Once Les got a few good stories out Tommy played an historical live performance there.That could have been cut straight to disc. One take, flawless.
What a gift. One of my fav songs to play on harmonica...that is exactly how i picture it when i play. thank you.
tommy playing Somewhere Over the Rainbow: that's about as beautiful as a guitar can sound.
Ges X yes ... lespaul.org
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Thank you for that Chris.
Genius doesn't begin to describe Les or Tommy. Gifted? Savant..., more likely. So enjoyed that..., thanks again.
The girl on the bass was loving this,awesome ❤️❤️❤️👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
She had to wipe her eyes...
That's Nicki Parrott, great bass player and very fine singer - check out her stuff on CZcams
I didn't notice her! LOL!
WHAT A TREAT!!!!! Les Paul is an absolute darling. Loved his stories. AND to hear him honouring our Tommy - SENSATIONAL. Thank you so much for sharing.
tears rolling down my face Over the Rainbow beautifully done...
Thank you Chris for sharing such great videos! Tommy Emmanuel's take on Over the rainbow is the best I have ever heard/seen! beautiful!
...i would trade 30 years of everything i have learned on guitar and musicianship in general....to have 5% of Tommy Emmanuel's natural musical gift and knowledge.... only guy that I would sell my soul to be like ........ damn
when i'm lost for words you know that something extraordinary just happened.
He's so good it's ridiculous.
It is ridiculous....I could practice 24/7 for 30 yrs and not get close .......a true talent for arrangements too.
Bernard Litwin ------ Tommy is not only insanely good........he plays really really pretty MUSIC......not just notes......notice no one is couching or talking while he plays......it's just too beautiful to interrupt
Got to meet him backstage at a show and played him a few bars of a fingerstyle tune...he was awesome very very appreciative of his fans. Made my life actually
I saw and heard Tommy in Omaha a couple years back at The Holland Performing Arts Center, a room so nice for musicians and music lovers even Tommy commented on the acoustics. I wish everybody could have heard it.
Raw emotion in Tommy s playing....beautiful..timing gorgeous..👍👍
Watch this awesome video every day ❤️👍
This gets me every time, thanks for posting! Two of the best ever!
such a treasure in these tough times. Thanks Les.
Stunning performance by Tommy Emmanuel. Thanks so much for uploading these vids.
Tom Gillitt lespaul.org
seeing how Tommy had Les and the band mesmerized in the groove he setup and their reaction at the end , like they just came out of a dream is high praise indeed
Tommy E ,,,,God given talent,,,and a good guy to boot,,,,,
My god that's superb playing from Tommy there!!!
Thank you so much for uploading this!!
Thank you for this... such a gift
I always cry watching these.😭
That was great Chris! Thanks for the Video!!
Wonderful moment, thanks 4 posting.
The stage banter is priceless...
...and Tommy's musical offering of "Over the Rainbow" to Lester is Sacramental.
What a Blessing to guitarists, and music-lovers, and lovers of this tune, it is to get to see this.
It was a heart felt love offering to Les for sure!
Only Les Paul could simply namedrop around a dozen (other) country and jazz legends in passing when telling some little personal anecdote.
Tommy playing "Somewhere..", right there, is so sublime, I was bawling my eyes out! Why?
Tommy you have a lot of class sir👍🏻
Thank you Chris.
Love Tommy! Not only an amazing musician; a great entertainer with a great sense of humor and a huge heart.
legendary guitar playing and guitar stories, what can be better than this?
Greatest guitarist ever. Paganini would be amazed just like Les Paul at this guy's talent.
Charles Duckett Jr. Lespaul.org
watching these two great guitarist together is truly a gift
How I wish I'd been there! Amazing!
I don't think I've ever enjoyed watching a video as much. I could go on watching them chatting for ever.
What more can be said than what others have posted here. Simply superb!
I saw Tommy play this live in Cambridge, England, a few years ago. He is a stunning player.
wowow I got a little teary....my mom loves Over the Rainbow because she is reminded of her mom
this inspired me to add this and "world of imagination" to my quarantine set list
I've been to a guitar camp with Tommy teaching. I love this man. A true gentleman. Amazing experience I had and many students.
Love Les Paul. What a dude...Tommy!! Wow, just great commitment to the instrument. Fab!
When I heard him play his song Ruby's Eyes I was hooked.
I just love Tommy. He didn't want to joke around that much because he's so focused on what he's about to play.
omg just speechless. Best of the best
When Les Paul sits quietly and listens to you play a song like he did here then you're really fucking doing something special
That sounds so magical.!! Awesome 👌
Thank you for this.I get lost in songs like that.Tommy and Les together are awesome.enjoyd the references to Chet and Merle.Im just blown away at this.
Over the Rainbow is out of this world!
Brought tears to my eyes, so beautiful.
Amazing performance for a legend, fit for a king!
God bless 'im! Rest in Jesus, Les Paul and you too, Mary Ford.
when I watch Tommy I'm not sure whether to pick up my guitar and practice or just take it out and run it over with a truck...he is above and beyond ANY musician I have ever listened to.
Keith Benedict lespaul.org
Keith Benedict just threw mine in the river
Keith Benedict -just smile and enjoy. Then in a couple of days you can play your guitar, but don’t listen to Tommy first.ok?
Certified guitar player!
Keith check out Naudo Rodrigues videos. Imo Tommys best overall but believe Naudo is best fingerstylist ever.
Mr Paul was crippled with arthritis,,,but could still play better than most..
Absolutely enthralling. Some of the prettiest playing I have ever heard.
oh man....Tommy Emmanuel has always been the consummate professional, but this performance was truly breath-taking. Bravo!
Truly blessed from GOD above. ✝️ AMAZING.
Wow! For those of you just popping through, there is a beautiful version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow at about the 8min mark in the video. Truly a great performance. If you like the guitar at all you will like this. It fun to listen to the OG guys talk about "back in the day" but really, check out this musically elegant and emotional performance. Thank you for posting it!
I love to hear your beautiful music Everytime..dear Tommy
Thank you so much....
OMG i have died and gone to heaven,,,what a beautiful version of over the rainbow,,,,just incredable
Alan Shillington lespaul.org
great web page ,have been through most of it already...very multi talented man was lestor
Bloody awesome ❤️❤️❤️
Tommy gives to all. Thank you
Makes a grown man cry!!!!❤
Simply SENSATIONAL.... Thanks Tommy
So thats what is the result of endless hours of practice. You get good, really good. Awesome work Mr Emmanuel.
my mind is blown.
A true and tested musician
I've never had that much a liking for "Over the Rainbow" - rather hackneyed I suppose - but now I do. Those harmonics!!!
oh my, how lovely was this...
lulu winke lespaul.org
Wonderful!
That was beautiful...
not too sure if just thousands of hours of hard work could even get you close to what Tommy did right there and then. WOW!! So much SOUL! Kudos! I think Les Paul would have loved to jam together had he been in better condition. ;) for the love of guitar, the passion for music!