[nostatic]

I've been lucky enough to see many amazing live concerts. But a few stand out, and frankly a handful have been rather transformative. If you have a chance...catch these people as at some point they all go away (as we all do).

First, Tommy Emmanuel. Possibly the best show I've ever seen. Just one guy and a guitar. But the sheer joy that he brings to the room is palpable. And he does make a joyful racket



Second, Hiromi. While I love the current trio with Anthony Jackson and Simon Phillips (also highly recommended), the first time I saw her was solo and my mind was blown. I literally was crying when she played "A Place to Be" - it was unbearably beautiful. Actually she was crying too - don't know that I've seen another musician who was more in the moment than her.



No BS - no dancing, no videos, no posturing. Just joy, sorrow, and every other emotion in-between found in the notes and the space between them.