Written by: Geoff Tischman

Listen to Tommy Emmanuel on Stereo Embers The Podcast

Of course I understand what the word precision means, but to actually see it in action brings it to a whole new level of comprehension.

Tommy Emmanuel is the physical embodiment of precision. The Australian guitar legend played The Capitol Theatre in New York the other night (5/18) and he played with such exactitude and finesse, it was utterly mind-blowing.

In what has to be one of the most riveting live performances I’ve seen in a long time, Emmanuel held court by playing a captivating set in front of an utterly spellbound audience.

Numbers like “Deep River Blues” and “Angelina” were just brilliant and the surprises kept coming in the form of a Beatles medley of “Please Please Me” / “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” / “Day Tripper” / “Lady Madonna” and an elegant cover of “Blue Moon.”

Accompanied by Larry Campbell, Teresa Williams and Chris Jacobs, Emmanuel was genial and gracious and proved that one of the best guitar players on the planet is also one of the best storytellers.