Review: Tommy Emmanuel ‘Accomplice Two’
By Martine Ehrenclou
Accomplice Two by the two-time Grammy nominated acoustic guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel, serves up a gourmet feast of collaborations between the master himself and some of the best acoustic guitarists and multi-instrumentalists in the world today. An impressive roster of guest musicians and singers join Emmanuel for 16 tracks of bluegrass, country, folk and blues. Accomplice Two is set to release April 28th via CGP Sounds, and follows Emmanuel’s 2018 Accomplice One album.
Accomplice Two is a lively mix of new takes on enduring classics and brand new originals from the great Tommy Emmanuel. He enlisted top-tier musicians, many of whom are Grammy winners, such as Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Jamey Johnson, Jorma Kaukonen, Michael McDonald, Jerry Douglas, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, David Grisman, Raul Malo and more.
And to hear Tommy tell it, “My accomplices on this album are all in a league of giants to me.”
You don’t have to be a guitar fan to love Tommy Emmanuel. One glimpse of his live shows and you’ll see what the fuss is about. He’s an engaging storyteller and comedian who just happens to be one of the greatest guitar players in the world. Emmanuel infuses that spirit, that sense of adventure from his live shows into Accomplice Two with the help of top tier musicians who are more than happy to play and sing with him. Who wouldn’t? He loves what he does and the same goes for his collaborators.
There’s nothing like hearing superb musicians having the time of their lives playing together. And that’s what you find on Accomplice Two. Produced by Emmanuel, the album is alive with joy and tremendous energy, songs with an emphasis on melody and mood.
A nod to Emmanuel’s Bluegrass hero Doc Watson, the album kicks off with Tommy’s duet with bluegrass superstar Billy Strings. A two-song medley, “Doc’s Guitar” segues into “Black Mountain Rag” in a dazzling musical conversation between these two acoustic maestros.
“White Freight Liner Blues” (Townes Van Zandt) with roots multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter Molly Tuttle, is just as mind blowing as the opening track. But more than marveling at the guitar wizardry, this music is a blast to listen to. It’s joyful. Tuttle puts her country vocal spin on this tune while both guitar players display dizzying acoustic fingerpicking. An up-tempo gem, you can’t help but get swept up. I know I did.
Even though the album kicks off with a bluegrass celebration, there’s something for everyone on Accomplice Two. “Precious Time” showcases singer/songwriter and virtuoso mandolinist Sierra Hull on this Emmanuel original instrumental. Together they venture into more of the melody-driven vibe we’ve come to know from Emmanuel.
Tommy Emmanuel is one of five people ever named Certified Guitar Player (CPG) by Chet Atkins. Along with two Grammy nominations, Tommy has earned two ARIA Awards from the Australian Recording Industry Association, repeated honors in the Guitar Player magazine reader’s poll including their cover story, cover feature for Vintage Guitar, Music Radar’s reader’s poll placing #1 in the Top Best Acoustic Guitarists in the World and many more.
As if there wasn’t enough on this record, “Son of A Gun” featuring Richard Smith, yet another virtuoso acoustic guitarist playing with Emmanuel, reveals beautiful melodies along with dazzling acoustic guitar. An Up-tempo number, it’s slightly reminiscent of “Classical Gas,” which Emmanuel performs live to this day, playing three guitar parts simultaneously, one of his trademarks.
Michael McDonald is one of Tommy’s favorite singer/songwriters. Written by McDonald and Dennis Morgan, McDonald’s vocals are honeyed, warm, and rich with emotion on “Someone Like You.” Tommy’s acoustic guitar riffs compliment the song in a way you might not expect with McDonald’s instantly recognizable voice.
A beautiful melodic ballad “Mama Knows,” highlights Jerry Douglas who is known for his dobro and lap steel brilliance. A Tommy original, it has his signature melody stamp. Emmanuel has a way with melody for sure, which in part makes him so easy to listen to even if you’re not into ogling his guitar chops.
This review would not be complete without mentioning “Seven Come Eleven” featuring bluegrass mandolin master David Grisman. Another jaw-dropper, it’s uplifting and fun. You can’t help but close your eyes and envision Grisman and Emmanuel performing this jazz classic turned bluegrass beauty live. These two are completely in sync, as if they could finish each other’s sentences. And maybe they do.
Highly recommended.
Pre-save Accomplice Two HERE
Watch “Doc’s Guitar/Black Mountain Rag”
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