Song Review: Tommy Emmanuel with Bryan Sutton and Ross Holmes - “Mr. Bojangles” (Live, Aug. 31, 2024)
There was no flashiness - just thoughtful, low-key soloing and rhythm work to unlock the latent melancholy inside Jerry Jeff Walker’s “Mr. Bojangles.”
Instrumental save for Tommy Emmanuel taking a couple of passes at the refrain as his unrehearsed, Aug. 31 performance with fellow guitarist Bryan Sutton and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band fiddler Ross Holmes reached its conclusion, this version is breathtaking in its subtlety. It’s powerful without exerting power; virtuosic without betraying virtuosity.
It seems to call for a proper studio version; however, the magic of this performance lies in its off-the-cuff presentation and likely could not be recreated. Thankfully, someone had the good idea to capture this “Bojangles” as it unfolded during Emmanuel’s guitar camp in Nashville, making another iteration unnecessary.
Grade card: Tommy Emmanuel with Bryan Sutton and Ross Holmes - “Mr. Bojangles” (Live - 8/31/24)
9/11/24
