Guitar Teacher REACTS: Richard Smith "The Entertainer"...WOW!

[@RyanChenMusic]

Some background, John Knowles originally arranged the song for Chet, which then won a Grammy. But that arrangement only did the first two sections. Everyone who learned that arrangement, including Tommy, didn’t think to arrange the rest of the song…until Richard did! That’s why Tommy keeps pointing to Richard during the second half-he’s emphasizing that Richard is doing more than the famous Chet recording, which no one else has done!

[@jerrylanglois7892]

Yes, even chet said about richard, '' he plays everything I do, only better ''.

[@goatsandhose4540]

I don't see why no one arranged the 2nd to parts! Eventhough they're less iconic they're amazing

[@Zefukwa]

@@goatsandhose4540 they harder

[@cokxi]

the arrangement played by paolo hermosin is really good too.

[@Rider-hh9it]

Classical guitarist extraordinaire John Williams recorded the complete version in 2005. Richard Smith and John Williams are both great.

[@carlhartt8346]

When Tommy Emmanuel gets excited at someone else playing a tune... like he's just absolutely giddy watching some kind of magic show - you know something special must be happening.

[@russellkane9439]

Tommy is pointing richard smith at the beginning of the C part because... usually nobody plays it... it is a forgotten part by the 99 per cent of the players

[@JackFlaps]

I think you have to be a guitar player to fully appreciate how damn good he really is.

[@turnip1744]

And a good one at that!

[@johnmoor86]

Exactly…. Someone that doesn’t know just can’t know the level of difficulty

[@philjones6054]

I've been playing for over 45 years, and Richard Smith simply blows my mind. He's a true genius!!!

[@johnmoor86]

@@philjones6054 man that’s the smoothest playing maybe ever. Him and Tommy Emanuel are the best guitar players to ever pick a string.

[@non_brewed_condiment]

Or at least a fan of the ice cream truck, surely

[@peterdefrankrijker]

Richard Smith is the king of understatement: in walks this dad, looking as if he’s coming in to buy a quart of blinker fluid for the Chevy, sits down, straps a guitar under his armpit and suddenly… the world stops turning and points their ears to heaven. What a fantastic guy. And he’s so relaxed, making jokes with his guitar. Top of the bunch.

[@argetect2847]

Love how pumped this guy gets on guitar. Makes me feel good. I like seeing people enjoy the things they enjoy.

[@dmeenkster]

Missed the best part, at the end of the video, someone comments, "now Richard will play something hard."

[@Guitargate]

NO!

[@libation2473]

It was Jim Nichols

[@LeoWal01]

lol!

[@herculiessonofzeus8878]

@@Guitargate As amazing as that was, Tommy himself still tops that imo. What do you think ? kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5e4iYOna56EmLM&ab_channel=CAFlyersfan

[@gwh0]

@@herculiessonofzeus8878 Nope not better, just different. It's Tommy playing Tommy. Richard Smith is playing Joplin. That's why Tommy says "no-one can do that".

[@renkessler5476]

That woman fanning herself in the background I believe is Richard Smith's wife, cellist Julie Adams. They do some fabulous duets.

[@tinlizzie37]

He's lulling the audience and slowly hypnotizing them! Such a wonderful talent !

[@usp.4073]

It’s refreshing to see this reviewer who is his own right an accomplished player and understands theory well, and is so excited and humbled by true genius. Good on you, much respect!

[@iansmith3457]

Indeed. I’ve watched 2 or 3 of this likeable guy’s reviews. Normally after a few minutes he plays along which is impressive especially when he’s watching someone like Emmanuel. But here he just hasn’t got a clue has he. Tells you something about how good a performance this really is I think

[@moodfm5673]

10k dislikes

[@usmcbrat2]

Richard played here a few years ago at a local venue in our small town. The promoter dropped the ball and almost nobody came. There were only about 40 of us in the audience, and the performance was amazing. I was a little embarrassed for him, as I know he's one of the top echelon guitarists in the world, and he deserved a packed house. He was so very friendly and unassuming. Wonderful to mingle with. Of course I bought "one of everything" at the swag table. :)

[@captainkangaroo4301]

The “Lady With A Fan” in the background is Richards wife Julie Adams, an outstanding Cellist.

[@Guitargate]

Very cool.. Thanks!

[@walterbordett2023]

There are some cool YoutTube vids of them performing together.

[@tommygordon5125]

Yeah , they duet sometimes , that's a treat live too.

[@klavier1us]

It may interest you to know this YT video is now pushing 9.4 Million hits. I was among the fortunate to see this live from a front row perch. The room was hot bc it was small and packed it's the Kirk Sand room at CAAS. Don't miss the other videos featuring TE, Richard Smith & Jim Nichols working it together.

[@R.L.KRANESCHRADTT]

"LUCK" is too small of a word. How fortunate to be in there... and in the front row no less.

[@klavier1us]

@@R.L.KRANESCHRADTT Right you are. Perhaps all the more so because the schedule for Kirk’s room was very impromptu and competing with at least 7 scheduled performance locations, just steps away , plus jams that could crop up anywhere onsite. Bon chance and circumstance indeed. If you watch the Swing 42 video, I’m the overjoyed requester who called the tune that my friends obliged me by playing. If there’s a better way to express my good fortune than that reaction in the moment- I’m still looking for it😁‼️

[@commonsense7754]

15m these days

[@TruckinSongster]

Between Tommy's excitement and your look of AWE and near giggle fits... I was BEYOND entertained!!!! Congrats on the barn btw!

[@DjNikGnashers]

Richard Smith is a living legend. To see a very good player such as yourself, blown away, and in awe, at Richards ability, is a wonderful thing. First time I watched this I wanted to smash my guitar up, but the more times I watch the more it drives me to be better.

[@ianson3]

I saw Richard Smith do The Entertainer just tonight. Didn’t miss a note. I should mention that he also did Jerry Reed, Chopin, Mozart, Guy Van Duser, Gounod, Merle Travis, some originals…this is not just guitar wizardry but world-class musicianship regardless of instrument.

[@Thesongstaysthesame]

I like that you highlight the little Nuances of great guitar players and don’t try to simplify or criticize what they’re doing, rather point them out to a maybe not so experienced listener or player. Thank you for that. Classy.

[@R.L.KRANESCHRADTT]

Thank God it's recorded on video..... otherwise nobody would ever believe it. Richard Smith has the best 'hands' on the guitar of anyone.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Hard to imagine, but on one day Richard could not play this piece, he worked on it, really superb!

[@coryCuc]

So glad you did this song! Absolutely amazing. There are other people who play this song on acoustic, but here RS plays it in a room full of people, no rehearsal, no re-takes, no editing etc...Absolutely brilliant.

[@tgbedini]

I met Richard over 20 years ago. He was traveling as a trio with his two brothers, doing a variety of jazz influenced music, including some Django style stuff. He was terrific as a plectrum lead player, and he's even better as a soloist. Just a terrific musician.

[@rickschucker9697]

Richard, I’ve been following you for two decades, thank you for sharing your gift from God with us! 💝

[@alanbarton7431]

I saw Richard play in Southport UK just 3 weeks ago, he played The Entertainer and did not disappoint. A true guitar genius who can turn any tune into a masterpiece. 👏👏👏

[@garyguest1999]

Brilliant. Thanks for sharing.

[@grasscutter1919]

Wow I got chills and your reaction, your excitement and awe is contagious. Feels like having an incredible experience with a good buddy. Love this video review. Keep em coming.

[@S8NSAYS]

Being fairly new to your channel, I can't explain how much I appreciate the joy that I watch you experience when you watch amazing musicians. I also feel a profound appreciation for witnessing this kind of greatness, that only gets deeper as I get older. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@Guitargate]

Thank you and glad to have you !!

[@JimmyDRoberts]

I'm pretty new myself and I just love, love, LOVE this channel and Michael. Thank you so much.

[@WildwoodSon]

Spectacular performance; good choice!

[@bowdinkle]

I'm just here to brag that I got to see him perform this live last night 🤩🩵 Getting to see Richard Smith and Tommy Emmanuel play together live...priceless

[@jordanevans7544]

I wish you all the best for 2021! I’m an electrician at a naval shipyard and I was talking to another guitar player at work and we both watch your videos! Lol

Over the past several years I've watched this performance by Richard Smith at least 100 times and each time I'm completely blown away. He's just that good.

[@raeyner]

This man's guitar playing gave me goose bumps and made me feel a little warm in the face; as far as I'm concerned, he is a magician.

[@aidanbroekman6994]

I know no one will probably see this or care, but I took it upon my self to learn this and I put in hours a day and it’s been 4 days so far and I can play it almost perfect now. Anything is possible with enough practice.

[@brianhelgerson3870]

Be Grateful...I like the message on your shirt. I'm grateful for the time and energy you put into your content. I'm grateful that you are so able and willing to share your enthusiasm, joy and love for music with all of us like minded people. Musicians are the moody ones, the sensitive ones, and we feed on bringing happiness to others through music. With the world they way it is right now .and I need to tap out of the negative ..I'm grateful for the soul food you serve to elevate my spirit. Your channel is a great place to eat !!!

[@kdavis63]

I watched this video ages ago, it blew me away...Mahalo!!!!

[@jackvillan5151]

I remember the first time I heard this it gave me chills, the eighth time...more chills. Really makes you appreciate the raw beauty of what you’re hearing

[@Jamesftd]

My favourite part is when he let's the arpeggios sing in that classical style just between the bounce of the bass notes, just unbelievably satisfying!

[@TheRedeye6]

Just watching his left hand move is fun. It's like he's dancing.

[@dennisjohndreher7258]

These fingerstyle guys are in a class of there own

[@World-as-i-c-it]

He is one of the best of the best! Talented man for sure! The cord changes and speed at which he makes, is insane.

[@daf827]

The reactions of Tommy and Michael are priceless. Awestruck, just like all of us. You can only look, listen, and laugh at how incredibly good this Richard’s performance is.

[@braxtonnelson7422]

Actually, there are three great guitarists in the room... along with Richard Smith and Tommy Emmanuel is Jim Nichols (to Tommy's left). I've watched this entire performance by the three of them more than once, and it is a finger-picking dream! Richard Smith played on stage with Chet Atkins when he was 11 years old (a video of it is on KZbin). Also, the lady fanning herself seen in the frame with Richard is his wife, Julie Adams, who is a great cellist in her own right. There are videos on here with Richard and Julie playing duets... well worth watching (and listening to!).

[@merdus69]

Richard also has such a warm, full tone. Incredible.

[@jerbear1601]

What I like the most about your channel Michael is that it isn't about you, it is about the pure enjoyment of the music and the greats that inspire all of us. Please do one on Joe Satriani for me soon. Cheers!

[@davetaylor4741]

I love that video with Richard. I am a bad guitar player. But can appreciate the complexity and technical ability in this performance. The video is enhanced by having a great guitar player paying homage to Richard. This in itself tells you what a wonderful performance it is. And the comment at the end, that you didn't show, from the other guitar player. He says. Now Richard will play something difficult. Cracks me up. Have watched it many times. Just fantastic.

[@jankrijt]

I watched Richard play this a couple of hundred times; music heaven! But wat I really like in YOUR video is the pure admiration and happiness in your eyes and voice and body language! That my friend expresses a joy in guitar music wich can hardly be put in words. Besides that, you have Terrence Hills eyes! Thanx for sharing. You have made an old man happy!

[@robertlee8042]

He renders to the song. He doesn’t murder a song like other players do.

[@brianp6818]

The speeding up and slowing down, it's called rubato. It's where you disregard the strict tempo and let how you feel about the music guide the ebb and flow. It shows a great deal of mastery over the piece, as you are no longer thinking about what your fingers are doing (too much) but working on the fullest expression of the music. I am currently working on this arrangement of piece and it is an absolute pain in the arse. If I can play it as half as good as Richard I'll be happy.

[@ronaldjspolar1501]

Nice job pointing things out to us. Yes, Richard is extraordinary.

[@jacobstrause8061]

I absolutely love this, I first watched Chet play this on KZbin, before I even knew who Richard smith was. And after I watched Richard smith play the entertainer, I have never since then been that impressed in my life. We as guitar players strive to be as good as the greats and hopefully we all get there someday. I love how you react to your videos, you say what everybody is thinking and hit all the details right on the head...

[@DUGGER1947]

When Chet would play, it was perfection realized. With Richard, it's perfection realized -- on STEROIDS!

[@samstamos427]

Didn't expect to get "stung" this morning. The first time I heard this "ragtime" style piece was in the movie "The Sting". A great flick. "The Entertainer" is a 1902 classic piano rag written by Scott Joplin. I immediately sought out the original video of Mr. Smith's performance and there is one with the musical notation and tab detailing the complexity and varying time signature modulations. The guitar is Richard Smith Model acoustic-electric nylon-string guitar by luthier Kirk Sand from Laguna Beach, California. (wikipedia) It comes with a selection of tone woods.

[@Voluvr]

You're right Michael. I appreciate your recognition of perfection that makes time stand still.

[@peterlorenzo866]

By his take I think you mean his interpretation, which is wonderful

[@JS-jf7gv]

Seen this dozens of times. Never gets old.

[@PuddletownDave]

I had the pleasure of meeting richard smith several years a ago when he headlined a small festival out here in the nw. We were one of the opening act bands and he watched our set. Talk about pressure playing guitar in front of one of your idols. Hes very down to earth and oh so talented. You can tell he put the hous in. The guy can play anything.

[@howfdupare_you1529]

I love watching you noodling before each reaction as much as i do your perspective on each song. One of my favorite guitar channels on you tube. Rock on brother!

[@johndawson6975]

awesome.. thanks for show,,,more people need to discover him

[@jonathanmoran8932]

Rich will always be the best in the room, every time. Let that sink in. His knowledge of what the possibilities of guitar are unrivaled. Richard is playing on another level at this time, Tommy knows it. Everyone that plays knows it. Not to mention his range of both genre and guitar style. Always smiles when he’s done too!

[@DaZ403]

WOW is right! Thats goosebumps for anyone who loves real talent

[@stephen25uk]

I saw Richard with his brothers in the early 1980s in an almost empty theatre in Lowestoft, England. It was mesmerising, the greatest fingerstyle guitarist on the Planet performing for virtually just me and my wife. I will never, ever forget it. I took up playing the guitar as a result and what pleasure it has given me. I wish I could thank him personally.

[@robsmith8052]

We remember that gig. 4 people in the audience and 2 stayed in the bar for 10mins after we started the second half!! 😆 It's so nice to know that the audience we did have really appreciated it. Thank you.

[@NashvilleTuneStream]

Hey Stephen.. thank you so much! Im so glad you enjoyed it! Richard here, and your words are very much appreciated! There’ll be a lot more online videos very shortly..

[@stephen25uk]

@@NashvilleTuneStream Thanks Richard. I look forward to seeing them. Best wishes.

[@ThePereubu1710]

Not recommending as a reaction but just for your edification. If you haven't watched "The best jam I ever witnessed" please watch it. It's series of 6, 10 minute KZbin videos from 2018 (I think!). Tommy Emmanuel, Richard Smith, Michael Fix and Stuie French jamming during a break in a guitar workshop in Australia. If you have seen them, I hope you enjoyed them! Peace and good health to all.

[@johnmoor86]

I’ve watched the video of Richard playing this a lot! He is an absolute beast at the soft and he changes his tones so much during the performance that it’s just masterful!!! Definitely a game changer!!!

[@BRO_v1]

Yeahhh this is one I was absolutely waiting for.

[@jakeo1209]

Great reaction. What a pleasure it is to watch Tommy, the legend, appreciate this artistry of that man.

[@mickeyscott7479]

Richard has great feeling in his interpretation.

[@jeffloewi5632]

I must of watch this Richard Smith video 50 times, it doesn't ever get old.

[@julietaylor8495]

Wow beautiful and amazing. Thanks for sharing

[@tylercampbell6272]

I've learned this whole piece and (5:25), you're absolutely right. That pull-off from G to F# on the High E was lethal.

[@booooo666]

Well let's see it bro.. I'm learning it too.. Some parts are harder than others.. Try maple leaf rag or requiem for a marionette (Hitchcock theme) drop d also... The guys on another level.

[@garrettgabriel2285]

He is amazing i could not tell you how many times ive watched that video

[@jasonbroom7147]

It feels like you just went on a journey to a magical place.

[@rainydaylady7563]

Richard Smith has some outstanding guitar pieces but this is my all time favorite. Tommy Emmanuel and Richard are the best of the best. Thanks for bringing this to us. I really enjoy your videos.

[@DarrenRayYagle]

This is my favorite 'interpretation' of this tune! I love the 3rd movement. Thanks Micheal! Good luck with the party barn!!

[@Roylevis]

my all time favorite acustic video/performance. Its mindblowingly godly

You can derive a whole symposium on musical theory from this piece and interpretation. Beautiful.

[@simon-oy6um]

He was just loving what he was doing 😅😅😊❤

[@billregan1981]

One of my favorite compositions ever. Love the movie The Sting and this is used for the soundtrack. Amazing to play the guitar like the piano. For a piece like this it seems the piano would be much easier.

[@lucasmunson6835]

Saw Richard Smith at my university a few years ago. Absolutely outstanding.

[@williamlosch]

I’ve been obsessed with this video/version for awhile now! Cool to see your reaction too. I got to see Tommy E twice and am forever thankful for the experience; don’t pass up an opportunity to do so!

[@TepidTake]

Ah, the Mandelbrot set. Interesting overlap between technically difficult guitar and mathematics.

[@jacobw.8554]

If you like this you should check out classical guitar music. It doesn’t get much attention these days, but it’s very impressive and beautiful if you can come to appreciate it. I wouldn’t call Richard a classical guitarist, but some of the elements of his performance that Michael pointed out are major characteristics of classical guitar.

[@tonestones9445]

You're an exceptional guitarist yourself mate and it was delightful to see your reaction to all the touch, dexterity, feel and complexity of Richards playing. Some of your expressions spoke volumes. Millions of people would pass Richard Smith In the street and have no idea of incredible skill he possesses. Never judge a book be its cover springs to mind.

[@lock4rock]

The interpretation of the song. Awesome.

[@ksgjlg]

Richard played at my house in 2019. I have a friend who is a sought after Joplin piano player who cannot say enough about how accurate Richard's Joplin arrangements are. He is a master.

[@justenfinch5911]

I've met Richard many times. He is an amazing man.

[@bencarignan2711]

He makes it look so effortless.

[@danieljroth11]

Love this because its the kind of thing you could walk into any room in the world and play on your own, and win over the whole place. Free drinks for you, play it again.

[@blodgidonka]

Let's go back and rewind that. 11:37 we see his kid in the background realising, "crap my dad's making a vid"

[@brianjames5685]

That performance has been blowing my mind for months. It was reassuring that it isn't just me that can do little else but laugh. I been playing for 29 years and nowhere near able to nail just one of his moves. Also the dude looks like Harold Bishop from the Aussie soap neighbours if anybody remembers that show?

[@shafersongs]

You nailed it on that one. That was an enormous amount of fun to watch. Thank you. I was not aware of Richard. But I am now.

[@MrTonicAmps]

SOOOO GOOD!! Tommy bowing down was hilarious and loved the look on Richard's face. See y'all tonight on the livestream.

[@cronistamundano8189]

Scott Joplin is already hard enough to play in the piano. The fact that Smith played such an classic in the guitar maintaining the atmosphere of the piece is already breathtaking. I think he plays other Scott Joplin's song in the guitar as well. I've seen a video in wich he play "Pineapple Rag".

[@joshblumer2624]

Seeing this video on your channel put a smile on my face. I've loved this rendition for a long time.

[@matthewlardner5328]

Watching your face,watching a number of geniuses

[@deanhostetter5040]

I saw this a while back Michael. This is amazing. Watch Tommy's reaction. If he is impressed?.............

[@stairfall12345678900]

6:18 The term you're looking for is tempo rubato. And yes absolutely, as you described, it's the essence of classical music, and it's one of the many reasons why every performer will sound different from each other, and even individual performers will sound different from performance to performance.

[@JaxonBurn]

Actually I think the word he was looking for there was 'interpretation', but yes Richard's use of rubato is awesome, as Michael noticed.

[@skinnyga]

The word you are looking for is interpretation..... Amazing video!

[@Guitargate]

This is certainly in the running for the strangest guitar intro I've ever done.

[@curransguitar]

I think the word you’re looking for is “rubato”

[@anthonybrown3198]

That's how she goes sometimes

[@qhgflies]

Sounds like pizza tapes!

[@Darryl_Frost]

I would have used the word cadence to describe this timing modulation.

[@tomosjones3056]

Dude...have you seen Peter Northcote's video of Richard and Tommy?

[@stevelucero9047]

Richard Smith transcends the technical with his version of this... it's simply pure joy to hear.... and Tommy's reactions are the perfect illustration of how this feels to the rest of us....

[@billsmith2212]

I was lucky to see Richard and Tommy on Long Island a few years back . I bought one of Richard's CD's on the spot . Awestruck ! Tuck Andress does some amazing guitar work . It's always great to discover an artist that doesn't have a big name out there . And there are many great talents waiting to be heard !

[@LiveWire_Guy]

Again thank you for the video. I’ve never heard of Richard, but he played this piece (among others) as Tommy’s Fort Lauderdale show this year and you are helping me understand why what I saw was so special.

[@billbinnings4347]

Yes, the words are truly hard to find. I discovered Richard Smith through Tommy's videos years ago and I just have to say that guys like Richard and Tommy have taken the guitar to a completely new level of virtuosity. I was a big fan of Chet, and I went to two of his concerts..."Mr. Guitar" was his moniker. But Chet gave a young Richard Smith the opportunity to play on TV at age 11 and it was obvious that Chet was floored by Richard !! Folks, these kinds of people come along rarely and, thankfully, there seems to be no end in sight for the furtherance of the guitar as an "out-front" instrument that can handle orchestral level music. Watching Richard in this video made me feel like a dog watching the Space Shuttle take off. Arf.

[@jonstephenson5436]

To anybody who doesn’t have the “Fingerpicking Joplin” book by Spencer Doidge, check it out! It opens up some pretty cool ragtime ideas to you. It’s very difficult, but this man makes it look effortless.

[@jasonherrell1990]

You missed the funniest part! After that the guy sitting to Tommy's right says "now Tommy's going to play something hard!" Blahahahahahaha