Les Paul and Tommy Emmanuel - Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Legendary Les Paul and living legend Tommy Emmanuel gather at Iridium Jazz Club / NY on 12.01.2009

[@rico387]

To play for Les Paul, and to see him enjoying your music, must have been humbling. Even for the likes of Tommy Emanuel.

[@aaronmunro5818]

I don't see how this is humanly possible. The skill is otherworldly. Astonishing and so flawlessly beautiful, at times sounding like a harp. Great showman too. Just incredible on so many levels. Thank you for sharing.

[@raymondvaughan6262]

@@danyy8000 hell of a lot of practice years

[@93243badger]

B

[@danyy8000]

@@raymondvaughan6262 yah 👍

[@aaronmunro5818]

@@danyy8000 I could practice for 100 years, locked in a room with Tommy himself, and not be able to play like this. And that’s OK.

[@danyy8000]

@@aaronmunro5818 bro stop the cap 🧢…y’all just overhyping at this point respectfully 😊

[@sabyegrp]

I've played guitar for over 50 years. When I listen to this I cry, for a whole variety of reasons.

[@Jointlock]

me too

[@nicolomacale1947]

❤️

[@maslyndoorco]

I just did the same ..

[@jackdrury18]

same

[@gregd7779]

same for me ...I saw him play this live last year and it indeed brought me to tears as well

[@chasphilpotts1201]

I have seen Tommy play this live a couple of times and still marvel at how good he is. Even the professional musicians on stage are in awe of his playing. A warm and genuine person as well.

[@kevindowney129]

20 years ago my guitar teacher in school told me, "check out Tommy Emmanuel" I thank him to this day

[@williamcole9040]

This bloke isn’t a guitarist….he is a bloody magician ! Magnificent.

[@jerrynkathy]

It's over. Tommy has ascended to a place among musicians in that he sees over them. Short of Mozart composing on the piano, I just don't know anybody else with this sense of interpretation and skill set. The angels themselves are in awe of him.

[@eeboy1778]

I actually believe that there is magic in the world, and things like this are some of it. Incredible……

[@mariotisso]

Agree!

[@phillipmoore1697]

@@mariotisso is going to be nice to ere

[@proculusjulius7035]

Even after passing my O.W.L.S at Hogwarts, I can't get to Tommy's level of enchantment on this muggle musical instrument.

[@mosin9105]

Indeed!

[@Grandpa101]

I’m sure Tommy is an Alien,,sent to Earth to show us how the guitar should be played,,

[@michaeltrombino3888]

I am 63 years young, have been playing acoustic guitar and electric guitar since I was 4..... am blessed to have had a guitar teacher who was a student of Segovia, and the best that I ever was, was poor to fair compared to some of the great guitar players. I have heard many of the greats play, and I know that there are hundreds, to numerous to mention..... but my major desire is to hear you play live. I consider you, if not the best guitar player... because you are so humble and respected, one of the best that I have ever heard! ☺️

[@chokysenge]

There is no single note this gentelman is doing without a deep sense of presence and beauty. Bravo

[@nedflanders5994]

Half a century old. Unquestionably the most beautiful performance I've had the absolute pleasure of enjoying.

[@MichaelMontague]

Priceless! Tommy Emmanuel raises the bar for ALL musicians, but especially for Guitarists!

[@jeffreysimmons1084]

Les Paul seems as impressed as I am. What a master player

[@rustyshimstock8653]

Not a dry eye on the Internet! The expression on the face of the Bass player is something to watch. I had no idea that this classic was composed by Les Paul. Wow on so many dimensions!

[@petersena4773]

He's the greatest guitarist for me.

[@Yngsatchvai]

He reminds me of a neighborhood buddy of mine. We all played guitar but that MF was always 20 steps ahead of everyone. Those harmonics he pulls off at the start are jaw dropping

[@davebrown3230]

That performance leaves me frozen in awe . I think even Les was just amazed .

[@nkdenton62]

Les Paul at the Iridium was one of the hidden treasures of NYC. Saw two shows. He was both entertaining and generous with showcasing other pickers. How intimidating must it have been to play with him sitting there watching. Now I’ve seen Tommy in concert twice as well and he’s a gem as well. I feel fortunate to have been in the presence of such incredible talent.

[@bendover3475]

Born in 1942, so as a child I can say that this music was playing in the background of my early childhood. I guess most of it made an impact on my inner being,because I never deliberately made a decision to tune in to Les and Mary at the age of 6-7-8. At any rate, on those rare occasions,whenever I hear that music I can sing along . “Somewhere there’s music” indeed.Thanks for the beautiful gift from you and especially Les Paul. I have to say that I’m awaiting the arrival of several C. D’s from AMAZON. My family, great grandkids included, will be a captive audience for sure.

[@fingerpickersmith1]

You know it's special when you can make every other musician in the room--including another guitar immortal--put their chins on their hands with a look of sheer bliss on their faces and just let the performance take them away.

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

What a great tribute to Les Paul. Tommy Emmanuel is legend. Maybe the best acoustic guitarist on the planet.

[@williamwilliam728]

WOW, I got teary-eyed watching him feel it and the sound was mindboggling! Isn't the internet wonderful? We get to listen to a work of beauty like we were right there. Thank you for this magical musical journey.

[@muppetbrother]

Les Paul: no one can embellish this piece of music Tommy: hold my beer

[@jeanriff7954]

J découvre ce gars là semaine dernière, fantastique il fait comment? ❤❤❤ bravo le poète, bravo l artiste bravo le musicien .❤❤❤ bravo tommy j espèreque vous aller jouer pour Emmanuel.au ciel.

[@catkeys6911]

He casts a spell with his playing; you can see it on the bass players face (as an example); she is just entranced- her facial expressions closely matched my own emotional response to that beautiful song played so beautifully.

[@7884golfguru]

Cat Keys she’s an Aussie

[@catkeys6911]

@@7884golfguru Maybe. Maybe not. I love Aussies. What's your point?

[@7884golfguru]

Cat Keys no point

[@CosmosMarinerDU]

Her name is Nicki Parrott - from Australia

[@dominadoramor7767]

This tune is already a timeless masterpiece, so it’s very fitting that Tommy gives it a timeless cover - absolutely mesmerizing to watch, and just sheer pleasure to isten to.

[@davewilson4929]

Amen. He's playing that guitar with his whole body. Not to mention his brain I guess!

[@roydedwards]

To impress a legend like Les Paul speaks volumes.

[@bbblacksmith]

The double bass guitar chick behind suns it up. She is mesmerised and in tears by the end at how beautiful it is. Les just stares in awe. A great Aussie guitarist. His brother is as good and prefers electric. The two together, the absolute knowledge of each other, the guitar and what it can do is amazing. Look for Emmanuel brothers or Tommy and Tony Emmanuel.

[@duellingscarguevara]

Phil was Tommy’s brother.

[@andrewoshea35]

Phil has joined the band in the eternal realm. Sadly missed. Tommy is absolutely amazing.

[@CosmosMarinerDU]

Her name is Nicki Parrott - from Australia

[@Masaaki592]

Ive seen Tommy play this before many times in various videos. THIS one made me cry. Playing the song to the man himself. I love how much the Double Bass player in the background loves this. Peace and Love

[@CosmosMarinerDU]

Her name is Nicki Parrott - from Australia

[@bessiebraveheart]

Love Tommy, one of the best accoustic players of all time.

[@NickNicometi]

This is the BEST acoustic performance I've ever seen! Beyond excellent. Damn, did he set The Fret Board high! I need to play this well one day.

[@philcorymusic]

Staggeringly beautiful, go and see Tommy live!

[@BirdYoumans]

On an acoustic no less. Most of us who claim to be musicians are just mere mortals. A very few aren't.

[@oaguilera81]

What a performance in front of a legend. Tommy’s talent is truly out of this world. His dynamics are just unbelievable.

[@johnpappas8553]

Tommy never ceases to amaze me and all those mesmerized by his spectacular artistry on the guitar. Have never seen or heard anything like it. When you hypnotize a whole room with your virtuosity and you leave the great Les Paul, only feet away from you, stunned and awe-struck by your talent, well it doesn't get any better than that! Tommy, you show everyone just how beautiful the guitar can sound. Nobody comes close to you on the 6-string. You ARE the man!!

[@R.L.KRANESCHRADTT]

Thanks so much for posting. I think it's possibly the best rendition of Tommy's version ever recorded... so intimate. The Iridium only sat about 180 people. What an experience to have been there that night it would have been.... Everyone was obviously in awe of his amazing talent, and rightly so.

[@daevaskye]

Not only does Tommy dazzle with the shear brilliance of his amazing rendition of this classic song in front of the composer but his performance is full of charm and effortless to the point he can fully enjoy the experience.

[@callmejeffbob]

Les Paul did not write "Somewhere over the Rainbow". The tune was written by the great Harold Arlen and the lyrics were by Yip Harburg. Arlen died in 1986 and Harburg died in 1981 so they weren't in the audience either. When Les calls it his song, he is just implying that he does a masterful version, which is undoubtedly true.

[@davidlord9217]

A solo of decoration rather than improvisation

[@jean-lucbersou758]

you say " n'importe quoi ! " ....and forget the first time LES PAUL met TOMMY EMMANUEL . LES was absolutely insane and odious . Probably jealous . This song was composed by HAROLD ARLEN . I don't care LES PAUL ' limited guitar playing with terrible tasteless effects .

[@The_Philosopher_King701]

Thanks for posting the song alone without all the banter before hand. Half the fun is watching the bass player, Nicki Parrot's reaction.

[@kimcarignan7154]

Lenny breu

[@dicklindell948]

When you can mesmerize Led Paul, you might be good! :-)

[@shazam6274]

And got the Bass player to climactic ecstasy! 😄

[@enricopav]

One of the best performance of Tommy Emmanuel

[@DeanoPiano]

Both pioneers and virtuosos on their instruments when in their prime, it’s come full circle and it’s so so beautiful to see.

[@loucontino4804]

I've seen Tommy perform as a one man show and left with my jaw hung open. The man is a master on the guitar. And emotes some of the greatest feelings I have known through his playing. Awesome!

[@DjNikGnashers]

Me too, lucky enough to see him live last year. Not only a nice bloke, great performer, but literally the greatest living guitar player currently alive. I felt blessed to have witnessed him.

[@michaelmccoy3284]

I can feel his love and respect for the song Les and his audience! His heart and soul in it all!

[@joecheshul9325]

Tommy Emmanuel is otherworldly . His creative choices are beautifully mind-boggling yet as they embrace one’s heart and soul they are so intimately familiar as if returning to some heretofore unimaginable paradise .

[@XENONEZZ2]

The purity of this performance will live on forever !!

[@josbruls]

Tommy Emmanuel is in a league of his own. Chet Atkins comes close, but the student has outmastered the master.

[@midwesterner2023]

TM had the great opportunity to have CA as an influence and the gifts few people ever receive…….incredible talent. Both are true artists with their instruments!

[@willscoolmusiclist]

Tommy is this world's last living wonder. These words will hold true and there is a lasting sadness to that statement. I sat in a music hall in Brisbane and you played songs and then a song for your daughter who was there and it was something. Thanks mate

[@mikeroullier6875]

Simply beautiful!!! Excellent job Tommy!!! Not very many people can play with that magnitude of feeling!!

[@user-ml1je9gv9o]

What a superb guitarist. A true artist!

[@vls3771]

When stunning melody meets the most expressive musician on guitar in the world the master .... Tommy....

[@peterpowder8546]

Yep. I will be attending his guitar camp this September in Nashville. Went last year. Fantastic time! Tommy is the nicest guy too. His music keeps me busy on the guitar

[@miamiracer]

Magnificent. The lady playing the bass could not stop admiring his beautiful playing!

[@CosmosMarinerDU]

Her name is Nicki Parrott - from Australia

[@gregscupholm254]

Holy crap, this guy is good. Beyond good. He "gets it'. Not that "shredding" the guitar is bad. It can be fun to listen to. But it is far from how you measure a great guitarist. Tommy is the proverbial proof in the pudding.

[@jimmrockford9407]

He can shred too. What non musicians don't understand about this guy is his ability to put his fingers in places not many others on the planet can...and make it look effortless and easy. He has so many thousands of hours sitting alone in a room,as all the greats do,we can never catch up.

[@folez]

A self taught, (by ear) playing musical freight train hurtling down the tracks. You can’t learn this stuff. This is musical genius at its absolute finest. From all of us here in Australia to the rest of the world. Here’s Tommy, and you’re welcome.

[@JoeandAngie]

Have seen him 2x...not enough!!! Once was at the Down Home in Johnson City, TN, where Doc would play a lot and he did Deep Water Blues in honor. He also told a guy on phone to either get off his phone or get out! It. Was. Awesome. (He later apologized...a gentlemen; the phone guy was a selfish, unaware millennial)

[@willywilz]

Completely flawless and simply truly amazing .. my jaw will require retrieving from the floor .. I’m humbled to see and hear such a virtuoso at the top of his game .. thank you 🙏

[@faronroyals3212]

That is the BEST guitar work I've ever heard. THANK YOU SIR...

[@robinpearce5042]

Wonderful wonderful music a true maestro

[@GregoriousGregori9]

As it would sadly & Beautifully turn out, this was also the last song he performed for Les .. What a beautiful memory to have paying tribute to Les by playing his song for him while he was still with us

[@AS-zk6hz]

Truely gifted wonderful musicians. Artists

[@emintezjan172]

Tommy, thanks for doing this piece of music an impossible level of justice. I'm flawed, totally heart struck with delight. Thank you

[@scottym3]

one of the most beautiful renditions I've ever heard. THAT is how to play guitar. I'm 69 YO, got my first guitar at 14, still have about 6 or 7 of them. I will never again tell anyone I play guitar. I will now say i mess around with them. Even a simple E chord played by either of them is far better than I can do. Simply beautiful. Thank you Les and Tommy.

[@ionageman]

I am constantly reminded no matter how many hours a day I practice I will not reach this level of virtuosity in 1 lifetime

[@jamespennington5808]

I never could have imagined how much I needed that.

[@jimtalltheislandbrothers6639]

Years and years of practice and dedication right there. Wow!

[@liamogrady2277]

Brings a response from my eyes such a beautiful piece , God Bless Y’all hope we all can get along better in 2022 we are all humans let’s do the right thing and get along I love everybody peace out

[@clementreid907]

Tommy Emmanuel is beyond extraordinary! What a nice thing to play for Les Paul, too.

[@BlackFoxProduc]

Fantabulous! I saw Tommy in Atlanta ga a few years back...all i can say is wow!

[@JuxChi]

the guitar goes for a smoke break after each song. The one only guitar legend Tommy Emmanuel ❤

[@Fuff63]

Gave me goose bumps. Bravo!

[@thedolphin5428]

I've watched several of Les and Tommy's versions of SOTR. It's really hard NOT to compare the versions or the skill. They each have vastly different styles and sounds; are of different generations. Still, I find Tommy a far greater technician and feeling player than The Great Les Paul. Heaven help us if, when Tommy is 80, some young whipper-snapper comes along and blows HIM away.!

[@MrRbuxton]

Both are truely greats, and in the rear view mirror comes Billy Strings and he's coming fast.

[@mikecrook8434]

Made my eyes water. And very few things do that. Thank you, Tommy.

[@damonhines8187]

Extraordinary, astounding. From a guitar player who once aspired to such fluid and well-articulated melodicism, restrained yet rhapsodic expressivity, Thank you for this.

[@MrJdsenior]

There aren't that many people in the world that can actually make a guitar sing. Tommy is one of them. And for anyone that hasn't seen it, if you want to see Tommy, all the stops pulled, look up his classical gas. It is insane.

[@gerrymcguire7521]

That was mesmerizing

[@malcarrasco4153]

Wow that's so amazing and so beautifully played! Love it Tommy Emmanuel!!

[@pedrogustavodeandrade9665]

Que maravilha! Que arranjo! Transformou sua guitarra numa harpa!

[@martypaxton7668]

Can't find the words . So good

[@michaelgoodpaster5875]

The worlds greatest living guitar master

[@robertwynkoop7112]

Without doubt. Most of the important artists, of the last few hundred years certainly, are under appreciated and unknown during their lifetimes

[@tomvera10]

Tommy is a genius with composing notes and phrases.

[@robbiepoulin920]

I have chills listening to this and can only imagine Les saying "I'm passing the baton"

[@markrogers7546]

This arrangement transforms the song into a very emotive ballad. Nobody plays like Tommy Emmanuel.

[@plod9645]

There's Tommy and there's Phil , then there's Tommy n Phill , privileged to see them individually and together , Bilambil and the Port of Call :)

[@zedwolf1589]

If you're going to have someone play your song and have it come out way better then you ever thought it was probably Tommy Emmanuel

[@sandraevans4082]

wonderful, would like to see the face of Les Paul

[@paulofreire7520]

Wonderful! Txs for sharing this. Priceless 👍🏻

[@DWilliams-ce8nb]

Wonderful performance. But I am still baffled by the magnificent chord choices Eva Cassidy makes in her version of Over the Rainbow.

[@DuncanEduardo]

Me too. She was incredibly original

[@diosdadolacorteofboracayis2788]

Incredibly magical! ❤

[@owenmcgee8496]

Nice. I have a dvd of a Emmanuel concert that I never think of watching, but this video reminds me that I probably should. I'm pretty sure I enjoyed it more than the little I've heard of him on record. He's a great live performer.

[@7884golfguru]

Owen McGee go see him live,Tommy is awesome

[@annmayor2442]

Supreme technique and wonderful musical taste

[@tazzarman]

ON ANOTHER LEVEL,BEST EVER,NO ONE CAN SAY HE AINT THE BEST ,I WISH I HAD THE SKILL OF TOMMY.

I Cry! TOO!

INCREDIBLE !!Only! A GOD!! GIVEN ANGEL COULD PLAY LIKE THIS!!

[@colinchristensen6603]

Sharing the stage with Les made guitar gods like Brian May (my favourite) and Ritchie Sambora so nervous they could barely play. Tommy paid tribute to LP with this song but did it his own way, and that was a truly spellbinding performance.

[@davidduke9771]

Les Paul thinks.." why do I even bother?"... welcome to the club Les😂😂

[@4brens]

Truly phenomenal

[@phyleneamuso1051]

Mastery wears a smile. Just perfect!

[@arlos21]

Bravo Maestro ,❤️

[@davidbarker2566]

He even makes it sound like a harp at one point

[@timflynn2136]

Tommy was Bestman for my friends Steve and Lori. Got to play a little guitar for him at a BB que . Very nice guy.

[@s.n965]

Congratulations

[@jamesbaskerville9800]

Even the other musicians are shaking their heads at this performance wondering how this is possible!