“All I've known since I was a little kid is hard work, and the only time success comes before work is in the dictionary.”
It's modest, even humble wisdom legendary Australian guitar maestro Tommy Emmanuel dispenses ahead of his appearance at Bluesfest as well as a run of national dates this April.
In the wake of touring the 'Heart Songs' album he released in January with fellow Certified Guitar Player (CGP) John Knowles, moving house to California after living in Nashville for 15 years and any other number of commitments, Tommy, as always, finds time for a visit to Australia.
Even at this stage of what has been an extensive and illustrious career, stepping onto the Bluesfest stage remains a highlight, particularly in the year of the festival's 30th anniversary.
“There's not many just solo guitar players who walk out with an acoustic guitar and play at a festival that big,” Tommy says.
“It's a monumental, daunting task but I love it. I'm used to it, but just the thought of that is a daunting task.
“I’ve played at every festival around the world that you could name, I've played them, and some of them are massive. But Bluesfest has a particular feeling because it's one of the most successful festivals in Australia and to be a part of that in my home country is a great, great feeling.”
The past year has been one of tears and turmoil for Tommy, whose brother Phil – also a brilliant guitarist – passed away in May of 2018; on the morning we speak, Tommy learns that another legend of the music industry and a close friend of his, Jim Dunlop, has also slipped into the great gig in the sky. “Oh really?”
The shock is evident in his voice. “Jim lived in Napa in California and every time I played in the Napa [Valley] Opera House he was always there. He would always bring a hundred thousand samples of all his latest stuff for me and he'd just give it to me, he was so generous. May he rest in peace, that's for sure.”
As the one-year anniversary of Phil's death approaches, Tommy reflects warmly on the relationship he and his brother shared, especially with music. “I think of him every day of course, and I still hear his voice in my head because it's so present,” he says.
“I can still remember getting calls where the phone would ring, I'd pick it up and a voice would say 'hey idiot, get over here I've got something to show you', and that's how he'd talk to me,” Tommy laughs.
“Then he'd just hang up and I'd have to go over to his place. He'd have all this stuff worked out and he'd say 'here, this is how you do this' and he'd show it to me. That's what he was like – everything he learned he handed on.”
Passing on the knowledge he has so diligently acquired remains a key motivator for Tommy, just as his mentors handed theirs on to him. “I'm following in the footsteps of so many wonderful people, including my brother,” Tommy says.
“He set a great example in that area; Chet Atkins and people like George Benson who have become close friends, they're incredibly generous people and they showed us how to live properly.”
Tommy Emmanuel 2019 Tour Dates
Fri 12 Apr - Cairns Performing Arts CentreSun 14 Apr - Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre
Tue 16 Apr - Mandurah Performing Arts Centre
Wed 17 Apr - Perth Concert Hall
Thu 18 Apr - Arts Centre Melbourne
Sat 20 Apr - Bluesfest (Byron Bay)
Sun 21 Apr - Sydney Opera House
