Tommy Emmanuel completes new album in just four days
Tommy Emmanuel, with a career spanning over six decades, shows no signs of slowing down. Known for his tireless work ethic in touring, recording, teaching, and practicing, Emmanuel’s latest album, “Living in the Light,” marks a departure towards his own artistry and songwriting after years of collaboration-centric records – making it his first authentic solo project in a decade.
In a conversation with Q104.3 New York’s Out of the Box with Jonathan Clarke, Emmanuel reveals that the creative process for the new album flowed effortlessly, resulting in a record that was recorded and mixed in under a week.
While the album features a mix of cover songs and original compositions, Emmanuel emphasizes the new material he penned, sharing that he completed the recording and mixing of the entire album within a concise four-day timeframe, driven by the necessity of meeting his deadlines.
Emmanuel attributes the swift completion of the album to his co-producer and engineer, Vance Powell, praising his technical skills that allowed Emmanuel the freedom to focus on delivering his best performances.
Reflecting on the recording process, Emmanuel expresses his delight in creating the album, highlighting the direction he is moving towards and the genuine essence of the music. He adamantly states, “It’s extremely unpretentious. Here are the songs, here’s the story, here it is being played.”
In addition to detailing the making of “Living in the Light,” Emmanuel shares anecdotes about his encounters with mentor Chet Atkins, his musical journey influenced by Eric Clapton, his admiration for Billy Strings, and a humorous incident involving Les Paul during a session at the Iridium.
To catch a glimpse of Emmanuel’s musical prowess, viewers can enjoy his live performances of “Black and White into Color” and “The Entertainer” from a studio session.
Despite more than six decades in the industry, Tommy Emmanuel’s dedication to his craft and enthusiasm for creating music remain unwavering. With “Living in the Light,” Emmanuel showcases his evolution as an artist, delivering a collection of songs that embody his authentic artistry and songwriting, which continues to captivate audiences worldwide.