Search - Tommy Emmanuel :: Midnight Drive

Good But Not Great

03/02/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this CD based on positively glowing feedback I'd heard from some people I know about a recent concert by Tommy Emmanuel. In the concert he played solo guitar, so I was expecting a solo guitar CD.Rather than a solo guitar, on the CD Mr. Emmanuel plays with a number of other talented musicians (guitarist Larry Carlton among them) and the overall feeling of the CD is light jazz at times along the lines of some of what Lee Ritenour has done, and at times a bit along the line of what Peter White has done.Having said that, there is some good playing on here, although most of the songs themselves are nothing I would rave about. I'm not a big fan of some of the funkier style on a few songs, but there are some pretty arrangements here -- "Villa de Martin", "Stay Close to Me", "No More Goodbyes". Also on the CD is Sting's "Fields of Gold" and Mr. Emmanuel's cover of that beautiful melody does not disappoint. In general, the softer pieces featuring his acoustic guitar playing over the ensemble come across as the better efforts.Apparently Tommy has other CDs out that are more along the lines of solo acoustic guitar than ensemble work. Based on this CD, he is a talented guitarist, but the arrangements by and large don't allow him to give full outlet to his talents. I'll probably purchase other CDs by him which feature his solo work, but overall wouldn't purchase another featuring ensemble work like this one."

Simply Amazing!

Triguy | Spring Hill, Florida United States | 07/28/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I first saw Tommy Emmanuel on television about eighteen months ago. I'd never heard of him, but let me tell you - after hearing him play guitar, it's for certain Tommy Emmanuel is a name I'll never forget. You know how it is when you hear music from an artist that is so exciting you can't wait to tell all your friends? This guy is one of those artists.A Who's Who list of musicians gathered to support him on this
all-instrumental CD. The opening track entitled "Can't Get Enough" immediately displays his slick acoustic steel string guitar work, while guest guitarist Larry Carlton shows some nice electric chops as well. The following track, the Spanish-flavored "Villa De Martin" shows Tommy's dexterity on nylon string guitar. I'm listening to this cut as I'm writing this review and man, this guy has some tasty licks.The title cut features some nice bass work from Nathan East, but is a little too "smooth jazzy" for my tastes. To each his own, as they say. "Stay Close To Me" is a soft love song with some nice low-key saxophone accompanyment from Warren Hill. "Reggie's Groove" highlights some nifty blues acoustic guitar with sharp electric fretwork from guest artist Robben Ford."No More Goodbyes" is along the lines of "Stay Close To Me"; very relaxing indeed. "The Inner Voice" starts off with some weird synthesizer programming but gets on track quickly. Tommy injects some nice harmonics about halfway into the song that really caught my ear."Drive Time" is simply georgeous. It's one of those songs that makes you feel so relaxed you almost fail to notice how masterfully the guitar work is presented. "Fields Of Gold" is a cover of Sting's beautiful ballad and is done splendidly. Here, Tommy wisely holds back and lets the sheer beauty of the melody prevail. The final cut, "Song For Nature" is the "busiest" track on the album, starting with some pretty piano work from Randy Goodrum. There is a more prominent saxophone presence from Warren Hill and some background voicing as well.Okay, if he's so great, why only four stars? Simply put, this guy is a guitar monster and he definitely holds back here, going with more of a low-key ensemble approach on this album. Therefore, guitar disciples familiar with some of his previous work may be disappointed.However, if smooth jazz is your thing and blazing guitar riffs are not, bump this CD up to five stars because it is sure to please. Are there weak moments on this record? Perhaps, but still a very worthwhile purchase."

Midnight Drive~Tommy Emmanuel

Andy Pomeroy | Loveland, Ohio United States | 01/04/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A friend put this CD on Chistmas day and I was blown away. I thought I had heard almost every great guitarist at one time or another and was pleasantly surprised that Tommy Emmanuel had gotten under my radar. The production value is good and the interplay between the acoustic and electric guitars is very intresting. In most instrumental guitar recordings the ego of the guitarist is evident, but here he blends his style with the fine players who accompany him and comes up with a refreshing melody driven work of art. If you are into guitar playing that is clean without being contrived and still a vital part of the whole this CD is one to put along side the other greats in your collection."