Guitar Virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel Receives Grammy Award Nomination For 'Best Country Instrumental Performance'

LOS ANGELES (Tommy Emmanuel Official Website) - TOMMY EMMANUEL c.g.p. (certified guitar player) has garnered a nomination for the 49th Annual Grammy Awards in the "Best Country Instrumental Performance" category for "Gameshow Rag/Cannonball Rag" from his critically acclaimed Favored Nations Acoustic album, THE MYSTERY, which was released August 22.

Emmanuel-who currently resides in Nashville, but is an Australia native-is no stranger to the Grammy community. His work with Chet Atkins on the 1997 album THE DAY FINGER PICKERS TOOK OVER THE WORLD (Sony Music) scooped up a nomination for "Best Country Instrumental Performance" for the track "Smokey Mountain Lullaby." "Walls" from THE MYSTERY was penned by a Grammy-nominated duo of Pam Rose and Mary Ann Kennedy-whose tunes have been recorded by Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, and others-along with co-writer Randy Sharp.

A finger style guitarist inspired by the legendary Chet Atkins (who became one of Emmanuel's biggest fans, called him "probably the greatest finger-picker in the world today" and gave him the title c.g.p.-certified guitar player), Emmanuel can simultaneously play multiple parts, much like a pianist does with his left and right hands. But his astounding technique isn't just for show; Emmanuel uses it to organically blend folk, country, jazz, and other influences in his highly personal, emotive compositions.

In touring news, having completed a massive U.S. tour this past summer, Emmanuel is currently performing in Europe through December 15. He'll then be landing back in the U.S. for additional performances starting February 2. The U.S. dates begin with his annual four-day "TommyFest" exposition in Elizabethtown, KY. "TommyFest" began several years ago in Kentucky, with Emmanuel headlining and showcasing other performers. In addition to the live shows in the evening, guitar workshops and classes are held during the day.