Went down for dinner and a little music for dessert. You could search for the right words for a very long tome after watching Tommy Emmanual play. And they would all fall short. Those guitars are extensions of his limbs. Magical.

Bought one of his concert videos.

He got a standing ovation before he began to play.

Mentioned he was selling out in Asia where he had never played before. Said it was the impact of the internet. utube.

Great night.

Stuart

I put Tommy Emmanuel and Laurence Juber in the same exalted category: Pure Musical Magic! Any chance to see either play is a gift from the Guitar Gods.

Wasn't aware that Lawrence Juber was anywhere near his category, though I'm just getting to know all the players as I've just been playing 18 months, so excuse the ignorance.

I did go to see Pierre Bensusan last year and enjoyed that reasonably. He isn't really my style, but he's quite a player. Andrew Sheppard of CBC radio and from Winnepeg opened for him (playing a lowden 010). I enjoyed Andy and have his album. About half of his songs are quite amazing. Of course he's not in Tommy's league, but that's ok, very few people are.

Stuart

Tommy and Laurence are certainly different, but both are virtuosos, and that is no exaggeration. Tommy may be the more pyrotechnic, but Laurence's playing is none the less impressive in my book. When I listen to these players I just sit back, amazed. And I'm not easily amazed.

I'm coming down to CA in August. As far as..well you know, healdsburg. There is a vantage store near santa rosa that I think I'll stop at to try an old Larson Bros guitar that looks interesting, but it does have a 1 14/16 nut, which may be a tad wide.

May see if one or two other stores pop up on the way.

Will make a point to go see Laurence next time he's around.

Stuart