Phil Emmanuel's 'Thunderbird Legacy' takes flight
Phil Emmanuel album launch with star-studded line up pay tribute to his life’s work and last recording
"The finest work that Phil, The Wiz, has ever done" -Tommy Emmanuel
For ONE night only, a magnificent collection of Australian musical talent celebrates the music,and the life, of guitarist Phil Emmanuel, and the posthumous release of his final recording, Thunderbird Legacy.
Brother and famed international guitarist, Tommy Emmanuel, said he was excited about the release of his brother’s album.“ I think Thunderbird Legacy is Phil’s best work and I know his fans, and guitar fans, are going to love it too,” Emmanuel said
In 2017, Phil Emmanuel hit Diamond Valley Studios with his band, guest guitarist Jacob Funnell and producer/musician Parris Macleod. The eclectic session included favourite tunes, cinema themes, and new original songs.The result was Thunderbird Legacy, finally mastered by Don Bartley the day before Phil sadly passed away in May 2018. The guitarist had been excited about the recording and had been planning future productions.
On Wednesday 24 April, Thunderbird Legacy will be officially released with a spectacular concert event, featuring an extensive line up of some of Australia’s finest established and emerging musicians, paying tribute to the much-loved guitarist.
Phil's former studio band,and a selection of special guests, including daughter, singer-songwriter guitarist, Jesse Emmanuel, all feature in the star-studded concert line up. Joining the bill are many of the young guitarists mentored by Phil during his long career. A special set of guest players together with Phil’s band will bring to life the music of Thunderbird Legacy.
Producer and musician Parris Macleod said the show would demonstrate an extraordinary depth of Australian musical talent. “We will have amazing young guitarists, one after another, taking to the stage,” Macleod said. “Phil's generosity, and the time he would give to young and promising guitarists, was second to none. It’s no surprise that many of these amazing players are achieving so much. I believe the state of emerging guitar talent in Australia owes a large debt to Phil’s passion in inspiring young musicians.
The final word belongs to his brother. “I’m looking forward to this launch and this chance to hear this work, live and played faithfully by his friends and peers, who I know will put their heart into the music. This will be an amazing night, an authentic tribute to his legacy, and I look forward to seeing you all there in Nambour,” Tommy Emmanuel said
For tickets, click here
Featured Artist Line up - The Bostocks, Hussy Hicks, Dean Ray, Jamie "Floorboards" Bryen, Josh Needs, Chad Morgan, Barry Charles, Chontia, The Phil Emmanuel studio band (Featuring Robbie Bostock and Jacob Funnell), Louie Shelton, Phil Manning, Jesse Emmanuel, Tommy Emmanuel
The Band
Mark Kennedy -Drums
Bruce Kerr -Bass
Matt Hanley -Guitar
Andrew Toner -Acoustic Guitar
Parris Macleod -Keys
Mykl Lozin –Violin
Guest Musicians
Domenico Taraborrelli -Accordion
Nik Davey -Double Bass
Gary Ward -Bass
Robert Oliver - Percussion/drums
Caroline Trengrove -Violin
Brannon Crickmore –Violin
The Phil Emmanuel Studio recording band:
Jacob Funnell-Guitar
Parris Macleod-Keys
Brad Wenham-Electric Bass
Tom De Voss-Drums