GUITAR VIRTUOSO TOMMY EMMANUEL RECEIVES
GRAMMY® AWARD NOMINATION
FOR “BEST COUNTRY INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE”

December 12, 2006 -- TOMMY EMMANUEL c.g.p. (certified guitar player) has garnered a nomination for the 49th Annual Grammy® Awards in the “Best Country Instrumental Performance” category for “Gameshow Rag/Cannonball Rag” from his critically acclaimed Favored Nations Acoustic album, THE MYSTERY, which was released August 22.

"It's the greatest honor of my life and it's a dream come true. I appreciate being in such great company."

-- Tommy Emmanuel

Emmanuel—who currently resides in Nashville, but is an Australia native--is no stranger to the Grammy community. His work with Chet Atkins on the 1997 album THE DAY FINGER PICKERS TOOK OVER THE WORLD (Sony Music) scooped up a nomination for “Best Country Instrumental Performance” for the track “Smokey Mountain Lullaby.” “Walls” from THE MYSTERY was penned by a Grammy-nominated duo of Pam Rose and Mary Ann Kennedy—whose tunes have been recorded by Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, and others—along with co-writer Randy Sharp.

A finger style guitarist inspired by the legendary Chet Atkins (who became one of Emmanuel’s biggest fans, called him “probably the greatest finger-picker in the world today” and gave him the title c.g.p.—certified guitar player), Emmanuel can simultaneously play multiple parts, much like a pianist does with his left and right hands. But his astounding technique isn’t just for show; Emmanuel uses it to organically blend folk, country, jazz, and other influences in his highly personal, emotive compositions.

THE MYSTERY has racked up immense critical acclaim, as well as praise from fellow music artists and music lovers, since its release. To wit:

“Last night I hosted a private performance of a man who I think is the most amazing talent I have ever seen. All my cynical friends were blown away. His name is Tommy Emmanuel and he is an amazing guitarist. But that is not to describe him. He is an extraordinary entertainer. A virtual magician of the guitar. I urge you to see him.”
-- Eric Idle, Actor/Director/Writer

"Quite simply one of the most inspired and inspiring steel-stringers on the face of the planet."

-- Jude Gold, Guitar Player

“Tommy Emmanuel is unquestionably one of the most gifted artists of our time.”
-- Jim Ohlschmidt, Acoustic Guitar

“Emmanuel is capable of a dizzying array of harmonic effects, off-hand ornamentation, hammer-ons and pull-offs and just about anything else you can do on an acoustic guitar. But while it's the technique that amazes, it's the songs that keep drawing you back with his intricate melodic invention.”
-- John Diliberto, “Echoes” Host (Public Radio International & XM Satellite Radio)

In touring news, having completed a massive U.S. tour this past summer, Emmanuel is currently performing in Europe through December 15. He’ll then be landing back in the U.S. for additional performances starting February 2. The U.S. dates begin with his annual four-day “TommyFest” exposition in Elizabethtown, KY. “TommyFest” began several years ago in Kentucky, with Emmanuel headlining and showcasing other performers. In addition to the live shows in the evening, guitar workshops and classes are held during the day.

A complete list of tour dates can be found on Emmanuel’s official website.

www.tommyemmanuel.com
www.favorednations.com

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CONTACT:
Amanda Cagan
ABC Public Relations
818 990 6876
acaganpr@aol.com

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