Tommy Emmanuel, CGP

Two-time GRAMMY nominee Tommy Emmanuel CGP is one of the world’s most respected musicians. With a professional career spanning five decades, Tommy has garnered hundreds of thousands of loyal fans worldwide.

His unusual talent and life are common lore in Australia: born into a musical family, Tommy got his first guitar at age 4 and was taught by his mother. He quickly learned by ear, with no formal instruction, and has never read music. By age 6 he was working as a professional musician in the family band (variously named The Emmanuel Quartet, The Midget Surfaries and The Trailblazers). By the age of 10, young Tommy had already played his way across Australia.

In the 1970s, Tommy was in high demand as a session player and sideman: he played on recordings for Air Supply, Men at Work and dozens of other popular bands and artists, as well as thousands of commercial jingles and tunes. Some of his most notable appearances were on the Air Supply hit singles “Lost in Love,” “All Out of Love,” “Every Woman in the World,” and “Now and Forever.” Tommy soon became known as one of the best modern guitarists in Australia. In 1985 he joined one of the decade’s biggest Australian rock bands, Dragon, and recorded the platinum-selling album Dreams of Ordinary Men. It is for his successful solo career, however, that Tommy is best known.

In the 1980s, Tommy finally met and got to play with his hero, Chet Atkins, in Nashville, TN. From that magical moment forward, Atkins took him under his wing, and the influences are evident throughout Tommy’s music: in his personal philosophy, technical precision, virtuosic improvisations and unusually broad repertoire (encompassing not only country and bluegrass, but pop, jazz, blues, gospel, even classical, flamenco, and aboriginal styles). Tommy speaks of his mentor with the love and gratitude of a son, and his dream of recording with Chet Atkins came true in 1996 when the pair made an album titled “The Day The Finger Pickers Took Over The World” for which Tommy received his first GRAMMY award nomination.

Chet honored Tommy with the title of “Certified Guitar Player” (CGP) for his contribution to guitar music, a very rare distinction shared by only four other people in the world. After an amazing performance with his brother Phil at the Sydney Olympic Games Closing Ceremony, the world wanted to know who this mysterious Australian guitar virtuoso was. In 2001, Tommy released his first solo-acoustic album, ONLY and his popularity has grown by leaps and bounds aided by a non-stop touring schedule and increasing exposure in the media.

His album The Mystery earned him another GRAMMY nomination, and in 2008 Guitar Player Magazine and Acoustic Guitar Magazine named him Best Acoustic Guitarist and Gold Medalist in the in the Readers’ Choice and Players’ Choice Awards. Guitar Player’s 2010 Readers Choice awards named him Best Acoustic Guitarist for the second time.

Tommy Emmanuel is an honorary Kentucky Colonel, a CGP (Certified Guitar Player), an Order of Australia Medalist (AM) and the holder of both an honorary Masters Degree (MA) and more recently an honorary Doctor of Arts (DR) from Charles Sturt University in Australia in recognition of his commitment to rural Australia and his contribution to music education.

Julian Lage

Guitarist Julian Lage expands his horizons on View With A Room, a collection of 10 compelling original compositions that marks his second release for Blue Note Records. Having established a home base with his brilliant and deeply attuned trio of bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Dave King—most recently heard on the guitarist’s acclaimed 2021 Blue Note debut Squint—Lage casts his gaze outward to discover new orchestrational possibilities with the addition of six-string icon Bill Frisell, who adds his inimitable voice to this absolutely stunning album.

Hailed as one of the most prodigious guitarists of his generation and “highest category of improvising musicians” (New Yorker), Julian Lage has spent more than a decade searching through the myriad strains of American musical history via impeccable technique, free association and a spirit of infinite possibility. The California-born New York-based musician boasts a prolific resume on his own accord in addition to collaborating with Gary Burton and John Zorn, as well as duo projects with Nels Cline, Chris Eldridge and Fred Hersch, among others.

Larkin Poe

Larkin Poe, the dynamic sister duo known for their electrifying blend of Southern rock, blues, and Americana, emerges once again onto the musical landscape with their eagerly anticipated album, ‘Bloom’. Following their Grammy-winning success with ‘Blood Harmony’ in 2024, the duo has ventured deeper into their musical journey, crafting a collection of songs that resonate with introspection, authenticity, and a profound connection to their roots in American music.

The album “Bloom” marks a significant evolution in Larkin Poe’s creative journey. All the songs were born from collaborations between Megan, Rebecca, and co-producer Tyler Bryant, reflecting a synergy that extends beyond mere musical partnership. As Rebecca observes, “‘Bloom’ is about finding oneself amidst the noise of the world, about wholeheartedly embracing the flaws and idiosyncrasies that make us real.” This theme of self-acceptance is central to the album’s narrative: celebrating individuality against a backdrop of contemporary blues and rock influences.

Reflecting on the album’s thematic core, Megan explains, “In one way or another, pretty much all of the songs on this album are about finding yourself, knowing yourself, and separating the truth of who you are from societal expectations.” This sentiment permeates through the first song, “Mockingbird”, a contemplative piece on personal growth and staying true to oneself amidst life’s twists and turns. Rebecca adds, “‘Mockingbird’ is a tender reflection on the perpetual journey of becoming. When viewed through a reductive lens, the inevitable countless missteps I’ve taken in my life can feel disheartening — but looking too long in the rearview can be harmful to one’s future. Choosing to find the hidden meaning in the pitstops and messy detours that life sometimes demands has felt like a very important perspective shift.”

Known for their sincere songwriting, the Lovell sisters place a spotlight on storytelling with ‘Bloom’. Each track unfolds like a chapter, with lyrics that wind deeper and deeper towards the heart of Larkin Poe. Rebecca reflects, “Songwriting takes center stage with this record; the lyrics hit home in a real way.” Their influences from ‘70s Southern rock are unmistakable, yet woven into a modern context that feels simultaneously nostalgic and fresh. The album’s lead single, “Bluephoria”, captures the essence of Larkin Poe’s genre-bending exploration. Rebecca describes, “It’s a rock ’n’ roll rumination on the duality of the human experience, where suffering and joy intertwine to create meaning.” With lyrics inspired by blues legend Furry Lewis, the track exemplifies their ability to blend personal narratives with universal themes; while the riff-heavy, psychedelic-flavored musical underpinnings make it primed for take off into the stratosphere on the live stage.

Another standout track, “If God Is A Woman”, melds lush sonic landscapes with lyrics that ground listeners in contemporary questions through the blues-soaked sounds of the Mississippi hill country; while the gritty rock anthem and punk energy of “Pearls” addresses the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a digital age where public personas are under constant scrutiny. It’s a testament to Larkin Poe’s willingness to confront modern realities while staying true to their musical heritage

Closing the album is “Bloom Again”, a poignant love song in the style of the Everly Brothers, showcasing the sisters’ harmonies in a deeply personal light. Megan fondly recalls, “One of our friends and heroes, Mike Campbell suggested we write a song following in the footsteps of Phil and Don Everly to showcase our sister harmonies; we took his counsel to heart, and ‘Bloom Again’ was born.” It’s a fitting finale that leaves listeners with a sense of catharsis and a desire for more

With their distinctive blend of poetic lyricism, masterful instrumentation, and soulful harmonies ‘Bloom’ not only cements Larkin Poe’s status as musical innovators, but also reaffirms their commitment to crafting meaningful, soul-stirring music. As modern torchbearers of American roots music, the Lovell sisters continue their journey of self-discovery and celebration of the authentic self. With this album, Larkin Poe invites us to bloom alongside them, embracing the beauty of growth and the richness of their American, musical heritage.

Parker Hastings

Parker Hastings is a 22 year-old fingerstyle guitarist/singer/songwriter from Central Kentucky where there is a deep heritage of country, folk, and bluegrass music. He began learning the guitar at age 6, playing the music he enjoyed listening to on the radio. His whole mindset of playing guitar changed when he went to his first Tommy Emmanuel concert when he was just 8 years old. He is very active in promoting thumbpicking and fingerstyle guitar, incorporating the traditional sounds into his music. Parker is continuing to grow as a musician, singer, and songwriter, making a “thumbprint” with his original music. He has had many opportunities to share his music with audiences in a venues around the country, opened for other artists such as Tommy Emmanuel, Jerry Douglas, Ben Rector, Loren Barrigar & Mark Mazengarb, and more. He has also collaborated with some of the best musicians in Nashville at shows like the Jerry Reed Tribute and Chet Atkins Appreciation Society Convention. His style ranges anywhere from Glenn Miller to James Taylor, Chet Atkins to Earth Wind & Fire, his own original music, and much more! He enjoys bringing a fresh sound to old classics, making them new again. He has won numerous guitar contests, one of them being the International Home of the Legends Thumbpicking Competition, as well as the Wayne Henderson Festival Competition in June of 2018. He is an alumni of Belmont University in Nashville, TN, calling Nashville his home base. Parker is currently working on his third studio album, set to be released in early 2023

John Knowles, CGP

John Knowles has worked with the world’s finest fingerstyle and classical guitarists including Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Lenny Breau, Tommy Emmanuel and the Romero Family. John’s Gorilla Song (co-written with his son Jay) is an international hit with recordings by Raffi and XUXA.

John is a highly regarded teacher, known for his publications and workshops including a recent Artist Residency at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Thousands of guitarists around the world are learning from his publications including his FingerStyle Quarterly.

John’s work has won a Grammy and two Emmy nominations. In 1996, Chet Atkins awarded John the first Honorary CGP (Certified Guitar Player) degree and in 2004, John was inducted into the National Thumb Picker’s Hall of Fame for the second time. John earned his PhD in physics from Texas Christian University in 1968.

“When I lead a workshop, I bring a tune or two we can all learn, but I especially enjoy hearing what other players are working on… their arrangements or compositions. As we work together, I look for ways to share what I’ve learned… and how I work. We have so much to learn from each other.

John Pizzarelli

Guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli has been hailed by the Boston Globe for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz.” Established as one of the prime contemporary interpreters of the Great American Songbook, Pizzarelli has expanded that repertoire by including the music of Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Antônio Carlos Jobim and the Beatles. In addition to being a bandleader and solo performer, Pizzarelli has been a special guest on recordings for major pop names such as Natalie Cole, Kristin Chenoweth, Tom Wopat, Rickie Lee Jones and Dave Van Ronk, as well as leading jazz artists such as Rosemary Clooney, Ruby Braff, Johnny Frigo, Buddy DeFranco, Harry Allen and, of course, his father Bucky Pizzarelli. He won a Grammy Award in the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album category as co-producer of James Taylor’s American Standard in 2021. A radio personality who got his start in the medium in 1984, Pizzarelli is co-host, alongside wife Jessica Molaskey, of Radio Deluxe with John Pizzarelli. He has performed on America’s most popular national television shows such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Conan, and Great Performances, as well as the talk shows of Jay Leno, David Letterman, Regis Philbin and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Scott Sharrard

American music courses through Scott Sharrard’s heart and soul. From the farm to the

church and the back porch to the roadhouse, Sharrard makes music that is rooted in the soil.

All of the styles that he cherishes — rock & roll, rhythm & blues, country, folk, gospel, country, jazz –whisper in one voice, like a sweet-talking lover.

Playing, collaborating, telling stories, connecting with fans: this is what he calls “my happy place.”

“I love being a mentor, a shepherd, a music director,” Sharrard says at his studio on Harlem’s West Side. “The concept of community is magical to me. The rest is just noise.”

“I think of myself as a facilitator, the way Quincy Jones served every artistic situation. He was intuitively guided by the music and that enabled him to capture each artist’s singular vision.”

Since 2019, Sharrard has been the lead singer and guitarist for Little Feat, preserving the magic of the group’s beloved guiding light, the late Lowell George, and reimagining that energy with his own mojo. As a co producer and singer/guitarist/songwriter, Scott has worked on two Little Feat recordings to date. Live at The Ryman (2022) was a riveting, Grammy-nominated PBS special, with star turns from Eric Church, Jamey Johnson, Tommy Emmanuel and Marcus King. and Sam’s Place(2024) received a Grammy nomination for Blues Album of the Year.

Sharrard is also guided by the angels who surround Gregg Allman. Sharrard served as Allman’s music director, band leader and producer for many years; their partnership culminated in the Grammy-nominated Southern Blood in 2017. “My Only True Friend,” an indelible song which Sharrard and Allman wrote for the album, also received a Grammy nomination for Americana Song of the Year.

But Sharrard and Allman were more than collaborators. They were also confidants and best friends.

“Gregg’s spirit is always near to me,” he says.

On Substack, Sharrard celebrates his boundless love for music in “Scott Sharrard’s Endless Road.” The column, which has generated thousands of followers, has helped him to further define his voice as a writer and music historian.

As a guitarist, Sharrard has shared the stage with gurus and gunslingers like Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes, Tommy Emmanuel and Hubert Sumlin. Relix put it this way: “From Manhattan to Memphis to Muscle Shoals and back again, Sharrard has stamped his ticket and his mark on the past, present, and future of record-making in rock&roll.”

Sharrard is extremely passionate about social and political causes; he has the Rolodex and the repertoire to make philanthropic music lovers rejoice. He’s a frequent musical director for charity events organized by Justice Aid, Live Nation and impresario Peter Shapiro.

“Music is the ultimate celebration of community,” he says.

Sharrard is working with a number of artists on their new album projects, which he expects to complete for his Theo Productions company in 2025. His partner in the creative process is longtime collaborator and recording engineer, Charlie Martinez. Their partnership has been flourishing for more than 20 years. Martinez has also worked with such artists as Steely Dan, the Rolling Stones and Little Feat.

“Today’s artists have puzzles to figure out,” Sharrard notes. “They want to write great songs and create great arrangements. They don’t want to make AI music. And that’s my job, to help them chart a path without losing the magic of the tactile, authentic creative process that made all the timeless records we love.”

Sharrard is also turning his attention to film and TV scoring and composition. He points to Robbie Robertson’s collaboration with director Martin Scorsese as a template for his own musical imagination and collaborations in the visual medium. Sharrard scored the third season of the CBS-TV show Walker, Texas Ranger, and he’s excited about a new show in development with reality show pioneer and director C. Russel Muth which explores the connections between food and regional music.

Sharrard enjoys teaching guitar through the intimate Truefire platform, now the world’s largest resource for online guitar instruction. Additionally, he hosts individualized sessions for guitar, songwriting, vocals and record production on Zoom.

Back in the day, Sharrard made three albums as the leader of the Chesterfields, a boundary-busting rock-and-soul band formed in Milwaukee and later based in New York City.

Since then, he’s made six solo albums, including Saving Grace, which was recorded at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals and climbed the Billboard Blues chart in 2018. The album featured the Swampers and the HI Records Rhythm Section, and Taj Mahal’s standout vocal on “Everything A Good Man Needs,’ which Sharrard composed with Gregg Allman. The music on Saving Grace will always be close to his heart.

“It’s like the old timers say, ‘Take care of the music and the music will take care of you.’”

Sharrard’s most recent solo album, Rustbelt, was released in 2021 and may be his most intimate and personal collection of originals. Backed by Scott’s live band, the project also features his good friends Bill Payne, Charlie Drayton, Catherine Russell and Amy Helm.

“The creative process is my one true obsession,” he reflects. “In my heart of hearts, I’m a collaborator. My favorite day is when I never have to look at the clock in the studio.”

Once upon a time, Sharrard was touted by visionaries like Atlantic Records’ founder Ahmet Ertegun who promised him rock stardom. Older and wiser now, he puts a premium on musical teamwork. His pal and legendary booking agent, Johnny Podell calls him “the Questlove of rock&roll.”

“Johnny’s teasing, of course. But in the service of my life’s goal, he’s not entirely wrong.”

Richard Smith

Richard started playing the guitar at age 5 and has never looked back. Focusing early on with the fingerstyle guitar of Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed, he began transcribing classical music, Jazz, the gypsy style of Django Reinhardt, bluegrass, ragtime and the blues to Sousa marches. Now a seasoned performer in his forties with thousands of performances worldwide to his credit, Richard has become renowned worldwide for his mastery of instrument and for his knock-out entertaining shows.

Anthony Snape

Anthony Snape is a captivating singer-songwriter celebrated for his soulful vocals and evocative storytelling, often drawing comparisons to Ed Sheeran and Jason Mraz. With electrifying performances across Europe, the U.S., and Australia, he has shared the stage with legends like Tommy Emmanuel, including two sold-out shows at the Sydney Opera House in 2023. Anthony’s music has been featured on Saturday Night Live and Good Morning America, and his co-writes include tracks for Emmanuel’s Billboard-topping album Accomplice One. A dedicated champion of songwriters, Anthony’s artistry spans five acclaimed albums, with a sixth on the way. His unique blend of raw talent and forward-thinking innovation continues to captivate fans worldwide, solidifying his reputation as a dynamic force in independent music.