(Review by Ron Ainsborough)
The definition of 'jazz or not jazz', discussion raises it head once again after going to this concert, but as many a person has said before me 'there are only two kinds of music, good or bad!' Well this concert was 'good music' without a doubt.
The concert featured Tommy Emmanuel and Martin Taylor playing solo and as a duo for two sets about an hour each, playing to a near sell out audience at The Sage.
I have seen and heard Martin Taylor before so I already knew he is a world class acoustic guitar musician, but with just being made aware recently of Tommy Emmanuel and never ever having heard him play live (I did check him out on YouTube though!) , we awaited to see him with great anticipation.
Boy! we were not disappointed! The Aussie fretman was absolutely sensational, playing every genre of music from jazz to popular music, including a medley of Beatles songs, jazz standards, calypso music and 'classical gas' together with his own, and Martin Taylor's, compositions.
The technique and musicianship required to simultaneously create the multi sounds encompassing 'rhythm, harmony and melody', seems unbelievable yet the beautiful sounds he is making are from a SOLO artist, without the use of pedals etc, and it's all happening on the stage in front of you.The dynamics of his music are phenomenal and I know it's a cliché but it has to be said,'you would think their were several guitarists playing with him' to obtain the complex beautiful sounds that he creates.
From the very beginning of the concert to the end I was on the edge of my seat wondering what incredible guitar sounds are you going to hear next, I have never heard or seen guitar musicianship (from both musicians I might add) of that calibre before. A wonderful concert!!!!
Having said all that, I must not sidetrack Martin Taylor in any shape or form. Most, if not all, of what I have said applies to Martin Taylor as well, because he was every bit an integral part of the concert, who made an enormous contribution to the evening.
The duo renditions were breathtaking and exquisite. The sounds Martin Taylor made whilst playing his 'calypso' composition were created by inserting a piece of cardboard in to the sound box of the guitar giving a percussive sound,and also during the same number Tommy Emmanuel demonstrated that by tapping his guitar with his hands in a 'conga drum style' (I believe the name for a congo drummer is a 'conguero'),the 'conguero Tommy Emmanuel' played a most wonderful and exciting, strictly percussive solo which had to be seen to be believed.
Ron Ainsborough
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