CartierFamily REACTS: Tommy Emmanuel "Classical Gas" [Mason Williams]

[@nikto-ky4kx]

Guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel-a Chet Atkins protégé and one of only five guitarists honored with a “Certified Guitar Player” or C.G.P. award by the guitar legend

[@lyngusrobb5323]

Too many young people don't even know who Chet Atkins is.

[@jcstato9048]

​@@lyngusrobb5323 well go and tell 'em then!

[@Hope...M]

I know the name Chet Atkins and I think he was one of the biggest country stars from we back in the early Grand Ole Opry days. I don't know any songs but if I heard one I might. I'm glad I learned about this man above video. Instant fan!!! 💯

[@lyngusrobb5323]

@@Hope...M very cool! I'm no Chet expert-thats my Dad. He loves Chet. Chet is a guitar virtuoso (as intimated in the thread). He's playing is the stuff of legends...solo and collabs. He's also known for being a huge Nashville producer and star maker- he's known for what was come to be called the Nashville Sound. Many, many people found success because of Chet. (He even made Charlie Pride a star!) Definitely worth checking out.

[@Hope...M]

@@lyngusrobb5323 I'm literally going to go look for a documentary on KZbin about Atkins after I send this to you. Thank you ✌️💯🙏

[@ebenclukey7293]

All of the guitar greats like Chet Atkins, Roy Clark, Les Paul , Jerry Reed and others all stated that Tommy is the best to ever do it.

[@grantman1148]

+1,000 for the Jerry reference!

[@Endlessroad865]

First met Tommy in Nashville in the summer of 1998. He told me the story of how he first heard Chet Atkins on the radio, when he was seven or eight years old, and was just blown away by what he heard. I only half jokingly, told him if he was ever in East Tennessee, to give me a call and I would show him where Chet grew up. So one morning in March of 1999 I got a call, and the voice said: “ I’m not sure you remember me, but this is a Tommy Emmanuel. I’m on tour with my good friends Jethro Tull in Lima Peru, and my flight home takes me through Houston. Is there anywhere close to Knoxville? I said by Australian standards, yes. He then ask if he could stop in for a visit. Anyway, he ended up staying with us for three days and we put together an impromptu show for the local guitar Society and you can only imagine the reaction! Though his skills on guitar are unsurpassed, what you probably don’t know, is how much of a down to earth, genuine person he is. Simply one of the greatest talents and best all-around person you’ll ever meet!

[@grantman1148]

What an amazing anecdote. Wow!

[@mandy6505]

One of Australia’s greatest Aussie guitar legends. I’ve seen him live and he’s exceptional!

[@bobdown6235]

During one of Tommys concerts he asked if there were any guitar players in the audience. A voice piped up from the back of the hall and said, "not anymore"

[@daveguitarnowski4402]

I was at that show (doesn't matter where it was, lol)

[@georgeibrahim7945]

Tommy is an Australian legend, one of the greatest ever

[@jamesc264]

Tommy Emmanuel is simply rated as the best acoustic guitar player in the world.

[@SvenAnarki]

I love how he's actually playing THE VENTURES!

[@johnr8820]

One of the greatest guitar players in the world…you have to respect someone who takes so much time to be on a journey to master their craft…

[@steamyconceptsmail3208]

Tommy Emmanuel is one of the greatest guitar players ever. I enjoy him not just for his virtuosity but the sheer joy he emanates while playing. Simply the best.

[@mattprendergast280]

I saw him live this evening!

[@MultiMorgaine1]

I saw him live in Melbourne Australia 3 weeks ago, 28 May 2023..... waited so long for the opportunity wow the man is sweet lovely humble and an amazing talent...... thanks to Tommy for all the beauty he has brought into this world ❤

[@7884golfguru]

Tommy bro can play awesome as well

[@7884golfguru]

@@MultiMorgaine1yep an Aussie legend ,his bro Phil is a guitarist with incredible sound,check phil

[@socratesfriend745]

Nope roy clark

[@mrnobody9104]

that is one of the finest examples of guitar gymnastics our eyes will ever see.

[@sidsimon5844]

Tommy is 65+. He picked up a guitar when he was 5 yrs old and never put it down.. Watch Tommy and his brother Phil in duet.

[@fulltiltgonzales]

The thing about Tommy Emmanuel playing acoustic guitar is that acoustics are way harder to play than electrics - they are less forgiving when you miss a note. He's incredible.

[@ThePerro]

I’ve seen Tommy Emmanuel 4 different times in concert and each time is like seeing him for the first time. Amazing guitarist that always puts on a show

[@Let_Jesus_Rescue_You]

Roy Clark, Glenn Campbell, & Django Reinhardt...check out their accustic playing!

[@andywalker8064]

So glad you guys got a taste of Tommy's genius! He's a remarkable human. 👍😎❤

[@pennyantewest]

I've been around for a very long time, old enough to be your grandmother or possibly great-grandmother. Your search for the best guitar player will never end because there is NO greatest guitarist. Each master guitarist, whether on electric or accoustic guitar; whether it be classical, jazz, blues, country, folk or rock; whether they played in this century or before, all bring their own unique flavor to the music. This is not only true for guitarists, it's true for all masters of every instument. I respect and love them all but it is the ones who innovate that thrill me the most.

[@davidbentley145]

Tommy is just as awesome on electric as well...acknledge to be one of the very best! We are fortunate to have talent in the world Ty brothers

[@warrenbridges1891]

David Bentley Plus he played drums in the 1980s band Goldrush, with his brother Phil on guitar.

[@sixslinger9951]

there isn't a guitar player alive, worth their salt, that doesn't respect Tommy Emmanuel. He is a master and all self taught.

[@439tab]

A great young acoustic guitarist is Billy Strings. There is a video of him doing a show with Tommy Emmanuel at a festival. Another phenomenal duo is Frank Vignola and Vinnie Raniola. They were in a trio with Tommy Emmanuel for several years and did this incredibly fast gypsy jazz.

[@nickhill8612]

Yes!!!

[@angelbulldog4934]

Billy rocks it out sideways! 💞

[@nickhill8612]

@@angelbulldog4934 Facts 💯💯

[@sydneyevans2637]

Too bad Billy never got to meet and jam with Chet. I think there would have been great chemistry and mutual admiration.

[@grantman1148]

Saw Tommy, Frank, and Vinnie in Atlanta years ago. Memorable concert. If you're into Gypsy Jazz, you must get to know Joscho Stephan.

[@RyneMurray23]

Tommys brother Phil Emanuel was also an amazing guitar player who played more electric guitar. He unfortunately has passed away.

[@Laraine3]

He used to play support for his late, big brother Phil who was arguably better. They were the finest duo on the planet bar none. They were self taught starting from when they were respectively 4 and 6 years of age. To see them live on stage was fire. 🔥

[@nickpower-fj9bu]

He was once questioned on being one of the greatest guitarists in the world… he said he wasn’t even the greatest in his family!

[@djmelo91]

Got the pleasure of meeting him and doing a course nearly 12 years ago. Honestly such an amazing guy and he is UNREAL in person.

[@Katrina2446]

He is my all-time favorite guitarist. So many songs ya gotta listen to.

[@loisrogers9042]

It might surprise you to know that Charro, the silly cutchi cutchi woman, is a classical guitar virtuoso. The persona she's more known for was a way to get recognized. Please try to find one of her guitar performances ❤

[@kawonnowak]

Do you know the young French guitarist Tina S who recorded a cover of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata back in 2016? If you haven't heard her, I think it would make excellent viewing. Seriously.

[@pianoekket]

I've seen him live twice. Unbelievable experience! One of the greatest guitar players in history, and such a humble man. Got to have my picture taken with him and an autograph on one of my guitars after he played a little bit on it.

[@gravelsandwich]

I just saw tommy play live in concert last Sunday night, he's truly amazing! He's also very humble.

[@olicorrivo3289]

YEP. I think its time to let you guys know about my man Roy Clark, the Bruce Lee of guitar playing. This guy's strumming hand was so fast that the cameras of the time could only make it look blurry when he was really going at it. Check out - Malaguena (The odd couple). On first impression, you'd think his right hand is just picking the chords really fast (which is impressive on it own), but its actually really precise and you can barely make out the little pauses and blurry bounces he makes with his wrist.

[@jasonjames5153]

But it has to be the acoustic odd couple version!

[@michaelwaller7365]

I was going to recommend the same. Thanks.

[@hectorchavez3405]

Clark was amazing , but nobody’s better than Tommy , another one is Jose Feliciano , and he’s blind.

[@tlockerk]

How have I never heard of this guy!!! Thanks, he is fabulous!!

[@geoffsullivan7902]

Practice……just like running…..ya gotta keep doing it every day to get this level of mastery.❤️

[@richardharris8745]

one of the goats self taught which makes him even more special

[@CathyReglin-qz4vf]

One of the best instrumentals. Listen to the recording by Mason Williams. Moving

[@RyneMurray23]

Tommy is an absolute legend🔥

[@annanardo2358]

He's on fire alright....get those fire extinguishers ready before everything goes up flames...😎😎

[@jaredsantos5003]

As a lifetime guitar player I really appreciate this. What an amazing talent. Anyway, I love you guys and the different stuff you all bring to react to. I watch the Cartier Family basically every day.

[@jeffreyjacobs390]

BEST HANDS - Hand Down ! Tommy cannot be bested by any guitarist on the planet in acoustic ..... and likely a terror on a slab body powered up as well. Incredible. jj

[@robby1816]

Tommy heard (on the radio) songs played by multiple guitars, thinking it was just a single guitar, so he taught himself to play like he heard. Notice how he uses his thumb over the neck to keep the base, while his fingers move like lightning to play the rest... freaking awesome.

[@faithnyou1732]

Tommy Emmanuel is amazing. This particular performance is a cover of the original “Classical Gas”, composed, recorded and released in 1968 by the original artist Mason Williams. The song was a huge hit in the late 60s, and was considered a very complex acoustic guitar piece. That being said, Tommy Emmanuel more than exceeds greatness with this piece! Thanks for the reaction, guys! ✌💙✌

[@jayj8664]

he may be great but this cover is horrible

[@Rays_Bad_Decisions]

@@jayj8664 I kinda agree there's much better versions

[@patticrichton1135]

@@jayj8664 I AGREE with you, I think this cover is horrible too, playing it way too fast, it sort of destroys the beauty of it.

[@ChristyBrown-kc1st]

So glad y’all reacted to this because I hadn’t yet seen it myself. This is a great song! I taught this to myself on piano in high school and also did a jazz dance performance to it my senior year of HS. It’s a fun one! I’m going to check him out. When you guys are debating who’s the best, keep in mind that the acoustic guitar is much, much more difficult to play than electric. This dude is incredible!

[@b20f08]

All credit for Mason creating one of the classic guitar tunes. Tommy has simply expanded the original through his own mastery of the instrument and in most cases enhanced what Mason created. If anything Mason would be honoured that Tommy has given his own interpretation with his mastery and virtuosity. If I ever created something as iconic as Classical Gas and someone like Mike Dawes or Sungha Jung happened along and cast their own interpretative genius upon it, I would be so floored and humbled that they can see the same possiblities that Mason felt when he created his masterpiece. Kudos to Tommy, a living legend on the steel string guitar. And keep entertaining with your reaction, guys. You are most entertaining.

[@alasdairfinlayson]

Just trying too hard. Doesn't flow like the original. Can't deny his skill, but the original much more musical

[@winstonmitchell5605]

Saw him in Atlanta several years back. Unbelievable guitarist.

[@annanardo2358]

He tore up that guitar. Will it survive ? He's the flash !! Thanks for sharing this incredible video of high speed music !!😃😃

[@kerseysguitarukulele1097]

I heard trumpets in there hahah - Tommy is an Australian legend

[@DjNikGnashers]

I saw him live here in the UK, and it was like being tied to the front of a train for 90 mins. He doesn't waste half his set chatting, it's a none stop attack of amazing guitar goodness.

[@mrssriplo1]

I think the reason Tommy is considered the best is because he's so good at so many genres and he's really fantastic at both acoustic and electric although acoustic is his bread and butter. I just spent a week with him in Iceland for a guitar camp he hosted and got to play on stage with him in front of the other instructors and students. It was amazing. There are a bunch of videos of him on my channel.

[@WilliamsDad1989]

A buddy of mine just did that with Tommy in Nashville, Tennessee ( USA ) not too many months back and also said it was amazing.

[@mrssriplo1]

@@WilliamsDad1989 I might have met him in Nashville then! What's his name?

[@WilliamsDad1989]

@@mrssriplo1 I never mind bragging on my friend 🙂 www.youtube.com/@JimAndrade

[@shenebraskan4945]

Mason Williams not only a gifted musician, but also a writer for the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.

[@SheenaRea]

Tommy is one of the best concerts you will ever see. 🎸🎶🎶

[@bazinga9473]

We've been to Tommy Fest a couple of times in KY and about 10 years ago, I got my husband a workshop class where he and about 10 others got to sit down and play guitar with/learn from Tommy. That same weekend, I had also scored us front row - center tickets to one of the concerts. It was an incredible trip! I highly recommend seeing him live!

[@ACoustaDC]

I'm glad the one brother had a fire extinguisher because Tommy lights it on fire.

[@toddradke8441]

I've seen Tommy live 8 times and it never gets old. He is the best in the world!

[@mataform]

This song classical gas is the backdrop to my life and my family.

[@mathsunmasked56]

I saw Tommy live back in the early 90's. Fantastic!

[@paulajolly9962]

Saw Tommy Emmanuel in concert a couple of months ago: absolutely incredible musician! His Beatles Medley is my fave!! I also love his version of Slow Dancing in a Burning Room duet with Mike Dawes. Richard Smith is another outstanding finger style/acoustic guitar player that is worth checking out.

[@DavidSmith-xh5ou]

It would be nice to be able to entertain yourself like this guy

[@JohnWarner-lu8rq]

.... been listening to this guy for years.

[@erickvermeulen9734]

That was sneaky, incorporating that in this great song, love it.

[@zeee149]

'While my guitar gently sleeps' is the Prince performance that you're looking for lads!! With Jeff Lynne, Stevie Winwood, Tom Petty and Dhani Harrisson (George Harrison from the Beatles son, on acoustic guitar) : ) It is one of Prince's greatest live (cameo) performances!! I Like your reaction vids, keep it going!

[@melrest3453]

Ha! This is my moms fav song! I’ve heard it a billion times. I’m still always impressed.

[@HelloImNotJohnnyCash]

going to see him play on sunday.. this guy not only slays on acoustic but is magical on the electric guitar as well. As was his brother Phil..

[@HelloImNotJohnnyCash]

also. he can play this stuff whilst holding a conversation.. its bloody amazing.

[@joethabroyles1211]

❤❤❤ amazing. My dad played this and said he would only do it justice in heaven.

[@faith.s_mom]

I LOVE seeing you guys expand your musical genres~ this one was pure magic!!!

[@Mostly_Peaceful_Irish]

The look one all of your faces hearing this for the first time reminded me of when I heard it for the first time. 👏

[@LukeLovesGOD]

Dan Vask, sings his own Amazing Grace rendetion. Please play this song ull b blown away by the end. Heavy metal/hard rock singer . From Brazil but sings in english usually be ready to be blown AWAY!!! Its FIAH!!!❤😢😊

[@fabianrudberg]

"I heard trumpets in there" is the best f**** comment!! haha! Thank you for that! Made me laugh!

[@theghost6412]

Tommy is arguably the greatest Acoustic Guitarist in the world. Revered by everyone in the industry. He does play electric, but he prefers his acoustic. He had an older brother Phil who was even better than he was, if that can be believed, but he prefered the Electric Guitar but also played the Acoustic. Perfect polar opposites that accentuated each other whenever they played together. Their concerts and gigs together was something rare to witness as they just harmonised and played off each other. He is not just any guitarist, if you listen carefully he plays Lead, Rhythm and Bass all at the same time without looping in a studio.

[@kenkahuna]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJqUfaKBm9eWqrc

[@auatimiriau9543]

Australian Legend

[@jobrinn1449]

Hes killing this song! Awesome!

[@lastrada52]

The hit song "Classical Gas" was originally written and performed by guitarist Mason Williams in 1968 with a full orchestra -- against songs by the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, the Supremes, James Brown, the Four Tops & other masterful artists. Mason was just a comedy writer for The Smothers Brothers CBS TV show. He blew everyone's mind with his playing. Even a young Tommy.

[@tad1111]

Wow!!!! I've never heard of him he's amazing!!!! I'm speechless. Thanks guys. 😊

[@gilballmes9709]

Mason Williams, the composer of that song, was the head writer for "The Smothers Brothers" show in the 60's. He introduced "Cassical Gas" on the show.

[@juscallmegrumpy2395]

Saw Tommy a couple of times when some local players brought him to Baton Rouge and did a couple of shows there. Just him on a stage kept me hypnotized.

[@Convisis]

Literally one of the greatest to ever do it.

[@jolenewitzel7919]

One of my favorite instrimentals. ❤

[@ChicagoJ351]

He’s a world class guitar player. Elite level expert.

[@thearab59]

No TV in outback Australia growing up, Tommy listened to music on the radio. He did not know about bass guitars, and thought guitar and bass guitar parts came from the same instrument. So he taught himself to do that. Brilliantly. Imagine his surprise. Imagine everybody else's surprise!

[@llewodcm20]

Creativity thrives with deprivation

[@Pete-n4t]

I met Tommy in nashville. I told him I was a struggling guitar player. He said yea me too. Great musician great man.

[@georgeguydish2648]

Love the homage to "Walk don't Run" and Saturday Night's Alright for fighting" in the middle

[@stevendavis1912]

That was awesome ... There are so many great guitarists , and this was one of them ... check out Eric Johnson or Stanley Jordan , I've been playing for a long time , and still I am humbled and surprised on just how many great ones there are ...thanks for the video

[@annikahallberg4453]

First time I saw him was on tv showed one of his concert, had no idea who this man was before that, but he’s incredible, have had the fortune to see him live two times, the first was outside on a soccer plan the second time it was in Gothenburg concert hall. Examples on other songs too see are Somewhere over the rainbow, Pink Panther theme, House of the Rising Sun, Beatles medley, Mombasa, Ruby’s Eyes, Angelina, Guitar Boogie, Amazing Grace.

[@profoundsamurai745]

I’m seeing him next week. Great timing on this vid. Tommy is a beast

[@peterg219]

Tommy's neck (& mind) bending technique is performed on a Maton guitar. Maton is an Australian manufacturer of some of the best sounding axes (guitars). Tommy has always done Australia proud. Glad you liked it. Check out Tommy's "!2 Blue Blues" & "Guitar Boogie". Cheers from Sydney, AU.

[@netmeg]

Mason Williams composed it, and it was a radio hit some time in the 60s or 70s (I disremember). Then Jim Stafford performed it on solo acoustic guitar on his summer replacement show and suddenly everyone was playing a solo acoustic version. It's one of my favorites. Tommy Emmanuel's version is actually something of a mash-up with some other famous riffs. If you look closely at the condition of his guitar, you can ascertain how he plays it. Also, you should look for some Roy Clark. He plays an acoustic guitar like nobody else. And he also plays fiddle and some other instruments. That Prince performance was the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's tribute to ex-Beatle George Harrison, with a bunch of musicians (including George Harrison's son) playing Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." Prince had never heard the song until Tom Petty called him about doing the tribute, and he (Prince) never showed up for the dress rehearsal - just told them not to worry about it and he'd fill in at the end. Here's the re-mastered version; it's better than the one you may have seen first: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3PNdmpobMatoKM

[@marcusrokocakau4020]

Prince at his classic best...

[@patrickarlaud4677]

Speaking of Roy Clark have you ever seen the episode of the Odd Couple? Roy Clark plays Malaguena! It's amazing!

[@netmeg]

@@patrickarlaud4677 Yep. There are several good videos of Clark playing Malaguena out there, and that's one of 'em.

[@patrickarlaud4677]

@@netmeg it is so nice to meet people who appreciate awesome music!

[@mataform]

Thank you for the link. Brilliant.

[@ko4otv43]

Tommy is the man!!

[@_Julaine]

I had forgotten about this song. The song by Mason Williams with the full orchestra in the background was so popular long ago. It was played on the radio all the time on the rock FM station when all there was was radio.

[@tannonwraith4692]

This man is the shit. Great selection if your a fan of guitar.

[@professornuke7562]

When you drive out of the car park of Bunnings, Box Hill Victoria Australia (hardware store, Australian equivalent of Home Depot) near where me(slap double bass and vocals)and my best mate (guitar and vocals, main songwriter) live, you nearly drive into the factory where that guitar was made. The Maton factory. Tommy has had a long endorsement with Maton Guitars, and that's a good thing. As you can see, like Willy Nelson, and Django Rheinhardt before him, he can drive a guitar to distruction just making it make the sounds he needs it to.

[@patriciameadows3703]

The best! I saw him live in Waco, Texas. Fabulous!

[@Bryanpjc]

Ok, so George Benson has to be on the list of GOAT guitarists. His Take Five Live video is unreal. Benson's unreal.

[@petemedium2185]

Yep. Tommy Emmanuel is a genuine rags to riches Australian talent that, even today, is ignored by most Americans. At least you guys gave him an airing.

[@MrMarkPelle]

Now hear the greatest singer of all time. Johnnie Farnham, The Voice live Another unbelievable Australian artist.

[@BAGIGI1218]

Prince - Play that funky Music , Hollywood Swinging, Fantastic Voyage live [2011] you're gonna LOVE it!

[@jasonremy1627]

I saw him live last year at the Carolina Theater in Durham. Amazing show. He's thoroughly entertaining.

[@wright1776]

Wow! I live in Durham. I hope he comes back!

[@BassMatt1972]

I have met Tommy twice (we have a mutual music friend) and seen him perform, outdoors through a large PA.. He played in his family band with his brother Phil (R.I.P.), who was more the "lead guitarist"! FYI Tommy found the Lord many years ago and he says it saved his life.. He is amazing, a beautiful man with love in his heart. (And Im an Atheist)

[@michaelboley4428]

Pick-n and a grin-n Hey my dudes how about some Monster Magnet Power Trippin or Sammy Hagar Heavy Metal

[@XavierPace-sz4si]

I've been watching him a long time since the 90s the greatest one as all time

[@forakermm]

My mom played this song all the time. It’s such a GREAT song!! ❤️❤️

[@EnglandsLastPatriot]

Tommy has always been a master of the acoustic:0

[@annroman4561]

Talent is real

[@xivaKenpachi]

Once you see the fire extinquisher, you cannot unsee it. This guy knew tommy was 🔥🔥🔥 Tommy is the kind of guy you give your song to, and he comes back with it added all the other frets you didnt use into your song and makes it sound subliminal enough to burn your guitar.

[@johnlambiase4702]

Finally you guys got to him. You should hear his "Guitar Boogie" He had a Brother named Phil and you should look up their videos. Also you need to check out the "Innitiation" He uses his guitar as a drum.