Paramount Presents: Tommy Emmanuel, CGP with special guests The String Revolution

December 14
8:00 PM

The Paramount Theater

215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall
Charlottesville, VA 22902

The real-time exuberance Tommy Emmanuel brings to every note of every song he plays is palpable and infectious. His fans are in love with his unbounded talent as a guitarist of multitudes, his ability to play three parts at once, always with pure heart and real soul. He is a true virtuoso. But he seems as delighted always with the magic of the music as the audience, if not more, and his joy illuminates everything.

It's one thing to play these multi-dimensional arrangements flawlessly on an acoustic guitar. But to do it with that smile of the ages, that evidence of authentic, unbridled delight, is an irresistibly infectious invitation to feel his music as deeply as he does. "The joy," he says, "is there always because I'm chasing it through music. Seeing the surprise in peoples' eyes is worth living and working for… I can't help but play to the people with all my heart, which is overflowing with joy of being in that moment that I've worked all my life for. And here it is!"

Now comes Accomplice Two, the long-awaited sequel to 2018's Accomplice One. It shares the same exuberance, diversity, and sense of adventure as the first album, with a great range of artists. This album features rock legends Michael McDonald, Jorma Kaukonen, and Little Feat; bluegrass superstars such as Billy Strings, The Del McCoury Band, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Sierra Hull, and David Grisman; country icons such as Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jamey Johnson, and Raul Malo; and guitar heavyweights like Yasmin Williams, Larry Campbell, and Richard Smith. The first single, "White Freight Liner Blues," is out now and features the Grammy Award-winner and claw hammer guitarist, Molly Tuttle.

Starting out on electric guitar, Tommy was inspired to go acoustic by his hero Chet Atkins, who represented the purity of one man, one guitar, and unlimited passion for serving the song. Eventually Tommy met his hero and started a lifelong friendship which shaped Tommy's music forever. Chet welcomed Tommy into guitarist knighthood by bestowing upon him the coveted title of CGP (Certified Guitar Player), an honor awarded only to four other humans ever. Chet and Tommy also recorded an album together, The Day Finger Pickers Took Over the World. Receiving the love and esteem of Chet lifted Tommy into a different realm. Because, as Chet recognized instantly and told the world, musicians like this don't come along that often; pay attention to this man. And people have paid attention, from sold out shows all over the world to multiple Grammy nominations, ARIA Awards, IBMA Awards, and countless "Best Acoustic Guitarist" wins in numerous music magazine readers polls…. the world is taking notice.

The String Revolution

Grammy Award® winning guitar trio The String Revolution is an innovative and dynamic instrumental guitar band that pushes the boundaries of contemporary music. Composed of three virtuoso guitarists, they are renowned for their electrifying performances, blending different genres and styles to create unique arrangements and a captivating sound. Their intricate melodies, mesmerizing harmonies, and astonishing guitar skills have earned them a dedicated following and critical acclaim worldwide.

The band includes former Randy Rhoads student Janet Robin (named in the "Top 50 Acoustic Guitarist bonus list" by Guitar Player Magazine, 2017), who is also an acclaimed touring guitarist with the likes of Lindsey Buckingham, Meredith Brooks, Air Supply and many more; award-winning and Master of the Arts Austrian guitarist Markus Illko; and Cuban multi-instrumentalist and guitarist Rober Luis.

They are especially known for re-imagining iconic songs- such as "Billie Jean," "Rocketman," "Englishman in New York," and "Crazy Train," which featured longtime Billy Idol Guitarist, Steve Stevens. In 2023, they arranged a very unique version of the Cash classic, "Folsom Prison Blues." The track features a guest appearance by the legendary guitarist, Tommy Emmanuel and was produced by Johnny Cash's son, John Carter Cash at Cash Cabin Studios. The recording recently won the 66th Grammy Award® for "Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella."

With memorable songs, unique arrangements, and exceptional musicianship, The String Revolution is no doubt a new force in the world of music and guitar performance.

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