Tommy Emmanuel Jazz Duet Album with Martin Taylor on the Horizon

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, May 14^th world-renowned Australian "Fingerstyle" phenomenon Tommy Emmanuel and Britain's jazz icon Martin Taylor release their highly anticipated duets CD, titled "The Colonel & The Governor," on Mesa/Bluemoon Recordings.

This CD re-creates jazz classics from masters such as Django Reinhardt, Karl Krass, and Eddie Lang.  Standards like Jersey Bounce, The Nearness of You, and Lullaby of Birdland are presented in arrangements that allow both guitar masters to, as Emmanuel says, "fly their own our kites."  And Fly they do on this recording where the camaraderie is undeniable and the level of playing is light-years beyond impressive.  Both Emmanuel and Taylor also contributed original compositions to the project. 

"It was a fun and challenging record to make.  It's honest and in-your-face playing. Martin swings like a member of the Basie Big Band and phrases like a pioneer of jazz," says Emmanuel.

Taylor and Emmanuel and had an instant chemistry. "Martin and I go back to the early 90s when I first saw him on TV in Australia. I was so amazed by his playing, I rang the TV station and they gave me his hotel details," recalls Tommy. "I immediately rang him and invited him to play with me at a beautiful theatre in Sydney.

I have learned so much from Martin, as he comes from a jazz background and I come from a country and rock background. We both have a strong love of melody and arrangements that allow our playing to interweave effortlessly. Sometimes it feels like time stands still when we are playing together.  Martin once introduced me on stage as 'the abominable showman' - I have always called him The Governor."

For this release, Taylor played his signature Maestro jazz guitar, while Emmanuel played his 1930 Martin 017 Mahogany guitar, his Godin 5th Avenue guitar and his Maton custom EGB808 guitar.  

Both Emmanuel and Taylor are "men of letters".  Tommy Emmanuel is an honorary Kentucky Colonel, a CGP (Certified Guitar Player), an Order of Australia Medalist (AM) and the holder of an honorary Masters Degree (MA).  Martin Taylor is a M.B.E. (Member of the British Empire) and holder of two Honorary Doctorate degrees.

TRACK LISTING

I Won't Last A Day Without You
Jersey Bounce
Bernie's Tune
A Smooth One
True
Heat Wave
One Day
Lullaby of Birdland
The Nearness of You
Down at Cocomos
The Fair Haired Child
Secret Love
Wonderful Baby
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free

The album was recorded and produced by Kim Person.

Tommy Emmanuel Spring/Summer 2013 Tour Dates:

For further tour-date information go to http://www.tommyemmanuel.com/tours

SOURCE Mesa/Bluemoon Recordings