Customer Reviews

Midnight Drive

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

Had the good fortune of seeing Tommy Live in NYC as a Opening act for Robbin Ford. He blew me away. He made one instrument sound like he had a 5 piece band behind him. Most incredible acoustic guitarist I've ever seen. The audiance was hypnotized. It was his first and as far as I know his only trip to the states...I went back the second night..and who did I run into but Sting...at the bar..we chatted a bit and he told me he was a big fan of Tommys and I believe a good friend. Was an increible night. This man is an unbelievable talent. Buy this and Journey you will be amazed.

We have nearly all of Tommy's music. This is typical of most of his CD's -- guitar along with other instruments accompanying. This CD is primarily jazzier acoustic -- more "Tommy" style that some of his other, more rock-type CDs. It's lovely for those mellow days, when you're in the car for the umteenth time, or even for quieter parties. If you want pure solo guitar you will not get it here, but as usual this album is crafted extremely well. Recommended, as I do all his others.

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.

Many great guitarists are known for their particular style. Django Reinhardt for jazz, Robert johnson for blues, Chet Atkins for finger-style and Joe Satriani for shred. It's unlikely however, that each of these guitarists is proficient in all styles. Not so with Tommy Emmanuel. Tommy is without question the greatest guitarist EVER TO HAVE LIVED. His prowess and musicianship are of a standard that any budding or professional axe-man would cut off their fingers for. What further seperates him from the pack is his inherent ability to create songs and melodies with total perfection. His songs on this as well as his other albums invoke a level of emotion and pure listenability, that anyone with a love for beautiful music can appreciate. Not since Chet Atkins modestly gave himself the title 'certified guitar player', has any guitarist on the planet so much deserved that title as Tommy Emmanuel.

Excellent melodic guitar work. You can play it for hours and not get bored. Tommy has done a good job mixing Larry Carlton's style into "Can't Get Enough"; it sounds like the Larry of Steely Dan years. The "Villa De Martin" cut has two faces: feels like a Bob James piece and then moves into a Marc Antoine riff, definitely fresh! The rest of the CD is just as enjoyable.

Tommy Emmanuel is truly one of our greatest and most-talented contemporary guitarists. He hails from Australia, and is a long-time, devoted guitarplayer. A true master, as heard here, his memorable works include "Midnight Drive", "Villa De Martin", and his guitar rendition of Sting's "Fields of Gold". Wow! Creative and truly impressive!

I too bought this CD on all these rave reviews, but I have to agree with the reviewer from Missouri. This is good, but a bit like Lee Ritenour-Dave Grusin stuff from the 80's, except just too soft. It's good soft jazz, but a bit too soft for me. There is no challengne to it at all. I'd rather listen to my old Lee Ritenour CDs and hear soft with a kick. This was a disappointment overall. If you are looking for late night seduction and soft background music, this might work.

only heard the one tune . butt it shut the room down as far as the other people in the room talking and other room noise. i could only hear the tune . i first thought carlton then ford then i wasn t sure who. thru research i found tommy E .now im a fan ......!!!!!!