July 24 -- Lisner Aud., Washington, DC

[Groucho]

Tommy -- I feel odd calling him that -- but Mr. Emmanuel doesn't work either! -- anyway -- he was in Washington, DC on July 24. I'm a new convert to the faithful and I was totally mesmerized when I caught him on PBS. I had to go see him when he came to town.

I had the chance to meet him before the show and he was very kind and gracious and couldn't have been nicer to us. He's a wonderful, great man and an amazing talent.

The show opened with a set by Troy Cassar-Daley who was very good and a wonderful surprise. I hadn't heard him before but he played a great guitar and has a wonderful voice. He was on for about 30 minutes.

Tommy followed and just dazzled the audience. He had us standing and shouting and applauding till our hands were sore. He is great on everything you see him on -- but in person -- it's different because you're a part of it all. The energy (hope you don't mind my using that word) was just amazing. It was quite an amazing experience. The kind you don't soon forget. I can't recommend it highly enough.

People went nuts when he did the Beatles medley -- and he did the new song -- the piece inspired by a meeting with Native Americans -- and Little by Little -- and a whole list of others that were just fabulous.

He's the kind of guy you wish was playing at the club down the street so you could go see him every week! He's an inspiration for me and so many others -- a true treasure!

Just to show you the impact he had on me -- I have been buying everything TE related I can find -- and I'm trying to see if I can get the funds together to pick up a Maton guitar. Oh -- and he's got me playing and practicing my guitar again. I feel infused with a new spirit -- a new appreciation for music that I was afraid I had lost. I'll be forever grateful to him for that.

Peace,

Ron

[Gene]

Welcome aboard, Ron.

Most of us on the forum have gone through the same baptism you just went through.

Reading your story reminds me of my own life-changing moment, and how I had to learn everything I thought I knew about the guitar all over again. I discovered the thumb pick, and perhaps a little bit about life along the way.

I saw Tommy last night in Birmingham, along with Troy and surprise guest John Knowles. John is one of the other select few to be adorned with the letters CGP after his name, and rightfully so. He and Tom perfectly compliment each other's styles. John plays on a few of the cuts on Tommy's soon-to-be released "Little By Little" CD.

The thing about Tommy is - he just keeps getting better, which is mind boggling - because every time I hear him I swear it just can't get any better.

By the way, you'll love owning a Maton, especially if you play through a PA or acoustic amp. Get one with the AP-Mic pickup if you can afford it.

Cheers,

Gene

[Groucho]

Thanks for the welcome! It's much appreciated!

I fully understand what you mean about relearning everything about guitar. It's as if -- all the stuff I used to do -- just ain't good enough no more! YIKES!

It'll take a lot of work -- but I feel like I've been stuck at home reading the same book over and over again -- and got sick of reading -- and then went to town and discovered a library!

It's like there's a huge mountain of work to study and try to master -- piece by piece.

Now -- let's see -- where to begin -- which ones are the easy ones? (grin!)

Peace,

Ron