Some background, John Knowles originally arranged the song for Chet, which then won a Grammy. But that arrangement only did the first two sections. Everyone who learned that arrangement, including Tommy, didn’t think to arrange the rest of the song…until Richard did! That’s why Tommy keeps pointing to Richard during the second half-he’s emphasizing that Richard is doing more than the famous Chet recording, which no one else has done!
Richard Smith is the king of understatement: in walks this dad, looking as if he’s coming in to buy a quart of blinker fluid for the Chevy, sits down, straps a guitar under his armpit and suddenly… the world stops turning and points their ears to heaven. What a fantastic guy. And he’s so relaxed, making jokes with his guitar. Top of the bunch.
When Tommy Emmanuel gets excited at someone else playing a tune... like he's just absolutely giddy watching some kind of magic show - you know something special must be happening.
Tommy is pointing richard smith at the beginning of the C part because... usually nobody plays it... it is a forgotten part by the 99 per cent of the players
It’s refreshing to see this reviewer who is his own right an accomplished player and understands theory well, and is so excited and humbled by true genius. Good on you, much respect!
Indeed. I’ve watched 2 or 3 of this likeable guy’s reviews. Normally after a few minutes he plays along which is impressive especially when he’s watching someone like Emmanuel. But here he just hasn’t got a clue has he. Tells you something about how good a performance this really is I think
It may interest you to know this YT video is now pushing 9.4 Million hits. I was among the fortunate to see this live from a front row perch. The room was hot bc it was small and packed it's the Kirk Sand room at CAAS. Don't miss the other videos featuring TE, Richard Smith & Jim Nichols working it together.
@@R.L.KRANESCHRADTT Right you are. Perhaps all the more so because the schedule for Kirk’s room was very impromptu and competing with at least 7 scheduled performance locations, just steps away , plus jams that could crop up anywhere onsite. Bon chance and circumstance indeed. If you watch the Swing 42 video, I’m the overjoyed requester who called the tune that my friends obliged me by playing. If there’s a better way to express my good fortune than that reaction in the moment- I’m still looking for it😁‼️
Richard Smith is a living legend. To see a very good player such as yourself, blown away, and in awe, at Richards ability, is a wonderful thing. First time I watched this I wanted to smash my guitar up, but the more times I watch the more it drives me to be better.
Wow I got chills and your reaction, your excitement and awe is contagious. Feels like having an incredible experience with a good buddy. Love this video review. Keep em coming.
I wish you all the best for 2021! I’m an electrician at a naval shipyard and I was talking to another guitar player at work and we both watch your videos! Lol
Being fairly new to your channel, I can't explain how much I appreciate the joy that I watch you experience when you watch amazing musicians. I also feel a profound appreciation for witnessing this kind of greatness, that only gets deeper as I get older. Thanks for doing what you do.
I like that you highlight the little Nuances of great guitar players and don’t try to simplify or criticize what they’re doing, rather point them out to a maybe not so experienced listener or player. Thank you for that. Classy.
Richard played here a few years ago at a local venue in our small town. The promoter dropped the ball and almost nobody came. There were only about 40 of us in the audience, and the performance was amazing. I was a little embarrassed for him, as I know he's one of the top echelon guitarists in the world, and he deserved a packed house. He was so very friendly and unassuming. Wonderful to mingle with. Of course I bought "one of everything" at the swag table. :)
So glad you did this song! Absolutely amazing. There are other people who play this song on acoustic, but here RS plays it in a room full of people, no rehearsal, no re-takes, no editing etc...Absolutely brilliant.
Be Grateful...I like the message on your shirt. I'm grateful for the time and energy you put into your content. I'm grateful that you are so able and willing to share your enthusiasm, joy and love for music with all of us like minded people. Musicians are the moody ones, the sensitive ones, and we feed on bringing happiness to others through music. With the world they way it is right now .and I need to tap out of the negative ..I'm grateful for the soul food you serve to elevate my spirit. Your channel is a great place to eat !!!
@@Guitargate As amazing as that was, Tommy himself still tops that imo. What do you think ? ruclips.net/video/5fUXPq69QbQ/видео.html&ab_channel=CAFlyersfan
@@herculiessonofzeus8878 Nope not better, just different. It's Tommy playing Tommy. Richard Smith is playing Joplin. That's why Tommy says "no-one can do that".
I absolutely love this, I first watched Chet play this on RUclips, before I even knew who Richard smith was. And after I watched Richard smith play the entertainer, I have never since then been that impressed in my life. We as guitar players strive to be as good as the greats and hopefully we all get there someday. I love how you react to your videos, you say what everybody is thinking and hit all the details right on the head...
I love watching you noodling before each reaction as much as i do your perspective on each song. One of my favorite guitar channels on you tube. Rock on brother!
I met Richard over 20 years ago. He was traveling as a trio with his two brothers, doing a variety of jazz influenced music, including some Django style stuff. He was terrific as a plectrum lead player, and he's even better as a soloist. Just a terrific musician.
I saw Richard play in Southport UK just 3 weeks ago, he played The Entertainer and did not disappoint. A true guitar genius who can turn any tune into a masterpiece. 👏👏👏
I watched Richard play this a couple of hundred times; music heaven! But wat I really like in YOUR video is the pure admiration and happiness in your eyes and voice and body language! That my friend expresses a joy in guitar music wich can hardly be put in words. Besides that, you have Terrence Hills eyes! Thanx for sharing. You have made an old man happy!
I’ve been obsessed with this video/version for awhile now! Cool to see your reaction too. I got to see Tommy E twice and am forever thankful for the experience; don’t pass up an opportunity to do so!
I'm just here to brag that I got to see him perform this live last night 🤩🩵 Getting to see Richard Smith and Tommy Emmanuel play together live...priceless
I love that video with Richard. I am a bad guitar player. But can appreciate the complexity and technical ability in this performance. The video is enhanced by having a great guitar player paying homage to Richard. This in itself tells you what a wonderful performance it is. And the comment at the end, that you didn't show, from the other guitar player. He says. Now Richard will play something difficult. Cracks me up. Have watched it many times. Just fantastic.
I saw Richard Smith do The Entertainer just tonight. Didn’t miss a note. I should mention that he also did Jerry Reed, Chopin, Mozart, Guy Van Duser, Gounod, Merle Travis, some originals…this is not just guitar wizardry but world-class musicianship regardless of instrument.
I’ve watched the video of Richard playing this a lot! He is an absolute beast at the soft and he changes his tones so much during the performance that it’s just masterful!!! Definitely a game changer!!!
Loving this channel. Thanks for all your content. At the end of the day it’s refreshing to watch these videos and enjoy the intricacies and beauty of music.
The speeding up and slowing down, it's called rubato. It's where you disregard the strict tempo and let how you feel about the music guide the ebb and flow. It shows a great deal of mastery over the piece, as you are no longer thinking about what your fingers are doing (too much) but working on the fullest expression of the music. I am currently working on this arrangement of piece and it is an absolute pain in the arse. If I can play it as half as good as Richard I'll be happy.
I remember the first time I heard this it gave me chills, the eighth time...more chills. Really makes you appreciate the raw beauty of what you’re hearing
What I like the most about your channel Michael is that it isn't about you, it is about the pure enjoyment of the music and the greats that inspire all of us. Please do one on Joe Satriani for me soon. Cheers!
Didn't expect to get "stung" this morning. The first time I heard this "ragtime" style piece was in the movie "The Sting". A great flick. "The Entertainer" is a 1902 classic piano rag written by Scott Joplin. I immediately sought out the original video of Mr. Smith's performance and there is one with the musical notation and tab detailing the complexity and varying time signature modulations. The guitar is Richard Smith Model acoustic-electric nylon-string guitar by luthier Kirk Sand from Laguna Beach, California. (wikipedia) It comes with a selection of tone woods.
Again thank you for the video. I’ve never heard of Richard, but he played this piece (among others) as Tommy’s Fort Lauderdale show this year and you are helping me understand why what I saw was so special.
Well let's see it bro.. I'm learning it too.. Some parts are harder than others.. Try maple leaf rag or requiem for a marionette (Hitchcock theme) drop d also... The guys on another level.
I had the pleasure of meeting richard smith several years a ago when he headlined a small festival out here in the nw. We were one of the opening act bands and he watched our set. Talk about pressure playing guitar in front of one of your idols. Hes very down to earth and oh so talented. You can tell he put the hous in. The guy can play anything.
5 месяцев назад
Over the past several years I've watched this performance by Richard Smith at least 100 times and each time I'm completely blown away. He's just that good.
Actually, there are three great guitarists in the room... along with Richard Smith and Tommy Emmanuel is Jim Nichols (to Tommy's left). I've watched this entire performance by the three of them more than once, and it is a finger-picking dream! Richard Smith played on stage with Chet Atkins when he was 11 years old (a video of it is on RUclips). Also, the lady fanning herself seen in the frame with Richard is his wife, Julie Adams, who is a great cellist in her own right. There are videos on here with Richard and Julie playing duets... well worth watching (and listening to!).
I know no one will probably see this or care, but I took it upon my self to learn this and I put in hours a day and it’s been 4 days so far and I can play it almost perfect now. Anything is possible with enough practice.
You're an exceptional guitarist yourself mate and it was delightful to see your reaction to all the touch, dexterity, feel and complexity of Richards playing. Some of your expressions spoke volumes. Millions of people would pass Richard Smith In the street and have no idea of incredible skill he possesses. Never judge a book be its cover springs to mind.
I saw Richard with his brothers in the early 1980s in an almost empty theatre in Lowestoft, England. It was mesmerising, the greatest fingerstyle guitarist on the Planet performing for virtually just me and my wife. I will never, ever forget it. I took up playing the guitar as a result and what pleasure it has given me. I wish I could thank him personally.
We remember that gig. 4 people in the audience and 2 stayed in the bar for 10mins after we started the second half!! 😆 It's so nice to know that the audience we did have really appreciated it. Thank you.
Hey Stephen.. thank you so much! Im so glad you enjoyed it! Richard here, and your words are very much appreciated! There’ll be a lot more online videos very shortly..
Richard truly is one of a kind. Of all the Joplin rags Richard has arranged, 'The Entertainer' is actually one of the easier ones! I had the pleasure of meeting him and he personally showed me his arrangement of 'The Cascades' by Scott Joplin which if you haven't yet watched is absolutely phenomenal and one of the hardest songs I've ever had to learn. As a Ragtime enthusiast I can say fairly confidently that Richard has some of the most accurate guitar transcriptions for Scott Joplin pieces out there. I also recommend checking out 'Pineapple Rag' and 'The Ragtime Dance'!
Awesome by R Smith.. 👌😘 I always love his interpretation in every piece he plucks is unique dude.. 👌😘 Thanks for sharing this Iconic piece of Rag time.. 🙏Warm cheers.. 🙏😘
6:18 The term you're looking for is tempo rubato. And yes absolutely, as you described, it's the essence of classical music, and it's one of the many reasons why every performer will sound different from each other, and even individual performers will sound different from performance to performance.
This is one of my favourite pieces and considering it was composed on piano is adapted for guitar just takes it to another level. This is another amazing RUclips vid of a classical guitar doing his rendition.
Its hard to express how sick this guy is playing. Its sure fun to watch. I love he looks around at Tommy and all because he knows he is a bad baaaad man playing that song and he is doing some cool sh*t.
The reactions of Tommy and Michael are priceless. Awestruck, just like all of us. You can only look, listen, and laugh at how incredibly good this Richard’s performance is.
That performance has been blowing my mind for months. It was reassuring that it isn't just me that can do little else but laugh. I been playing for 29 years and nowhere near able to nail just one of his moves. Also the dude looks like Harold Bishop from the Aussie soap neighbours if anybody remembers that show?
Yes, the words are truly hard to find. I discovered Richard Smith through Tommy's videos years ago and I just have to say that guys like Richard and Tommy have taken the guitar to a completely new level of virtuosity. I was a big fan of Chet, and I went to two of his concerts..."Mr. Guitar" was his moniker. But Chet gave a young Richard Smith the opportunity to play on TV at age 11 and it was obvious that Chet was floored by Richard !! Folks, these kinds of people come along rarely and, thankfully, there seems to be no end in sight for the furtherance of the guitar as an "out-front" instrument that can handle orchestral level music. Watching Richard in this video made me feel like a dog watching the Space Shuttle take off. Arf.
I was lucky to see Richard and Tommy on Long Island a few years back . I bought one of Richard's CD's on the spot . Awestruck ! Tuck Andress does some amazing guitar work . It's always great to discover an artist that doesn't have a big name out there . And there are many great talents waiting to be heard !
This video has lead me down a rabbit hole of music that brought me to a group named Future Rhythm Quartet. Please do a reaction to one of their songs. The guitarist and violinist are amazing!
One of my favorite compositions ever. Love the movie The Sting and this is used for the soundtrack. Amazing to play the guitar like the piano. For a piece like this it seems the piano would be much easier.
I can't tell you how many times I've watched this video. The fact is just about anyone could play this song. There's even a free tab out there. All you got to do is download the tab in practice it every day for maybe two or three million years and you have it nailed.
Man.. I mean when I first watched that video.. it was mesmerizing.. did not no why.. but I kept watching it again and again day after day.. I thought that it was just me.. well it seems it was not just me ! A masterpiece really
Listen to Richard Smith Pineapple Rag, and notice halfway thru when he drops E way down to another octave? And keeps going.After that if you're not dribbling, listen to Richard Smith Cherokee Shuffle, and listen to his triples at the end. :)
One of my favourite youtube vids to watch, Richard actually was national finger style champion at one time too, and forever if we're honest!, hence Tommys comment, just sublime!
Someone on the original video tried to argue that this is intermediate level playing and that something like Lindsey Buckingham's "Never Going Back Again" was a more difficult piece. Now I'm not saying that "Never Going Back Again" is easy to play...but if anyone thinks this is intermediate and not truly expert level, they are missing not only the base difficulty of it, but so many other things. Consistency of his play, legato bass line while stacatto melody, perfect crescendos and decrescendos and dynamic control in general, keeping multiple melodic parts moving perfectly while jumping around all over the fret board quickly, and on top of it all, the fact that he plays it so effortlessly and most of the time not even looking at his hands. This is an expert level piece played by one of the best guitarists, while being praised by one of the best guitarists. Nothing but admiration for this.
Rich will always be the best in the room, every time. Let that sink in. His knowledge of what the possibilities of guitar are unrivaled. Richard is playing on another level at this time, Tommy knows it. Everyone that plays knows it. Not to mention his range of both genre and guitar style. Always smiles when he’s done too!
Ha no way! After your Tommy Emmanuel video, I went on a binge of fingerstyle guitarists (including my first encounter with Chet Atkins!), and this video of Richard Smith was one of my favorites! I've watched a dozen times in the last few weeks!
This is a superb performance of a very fine arrangement of one of Scott Joplin's ragtime masterpieces. In this vid of the Entertainer he just nails it and everyone in the room knew it. I think the performance was recorded at CAAS 2016. Richard has performed many fine ragtime pieces and has done a lot of Gypsy Jazz as well. He is a very gifted musician.
Little bit off topic here, cause i am not a guitar player, never tried it. I suffer from severe Depression and Loneliness for a long time, over 3 decades. Pretty much lost the ability to experience joy. Any Joy. And then there is this famous piece of Music that has the most *positive and uplifting* vibes of anything that i have ever heard. And to have it played by one of the greatest, Richard Smith, and appreciated and enjoyed by another one of the greatest, Tommy Emanuel, is a real treat. This is "goosebumps stuff" and always gives me a big smile on my face every single time i hear it.
I have seen someone else play that right in front of me thirty years ago and I was amazed. This may have been more complete, but what I saw was just as impressive to me at that time.
At one of Richard's shows that I attended (a duet with his wife), he ended his performance with a song from his grandfather's record collection.. He played the song, INCLUDING the 'skips' in the 78rpm. Outstanding and Brilliant !
Richard Smith has some outstanding guitar pieces but this is my all time favorite. Tommy Emmanuel and Richard are the best of the best. Thanks for bringing this to us. I really enjoy your videos.
![Guitar Teacher REACTS: Tommy Emmanuel "Classical Gas" [Mason Williams]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/GwyXNZZei6E/mqdefault.jpg)
Some background, John Knowles originally arranged the song for Chet, which then won a Grammy. But that arrangement only did the first two sections. Everyone who learned that arrangement, including Tommy, didn’t think to arrange the rest of the song…until Richard did! That’s why Tommy keeps pointing to Richard during the second half-he’s emphasizing that Richard is doing more than the famous Chet recording, which no one else has done!
Yes, even chet said about richard, '' he plays everything I do, only better ''.
I don't see why no one arranged the 2nd to parts! Eventhough they're less iconic they're amazing
@@goatsandhose4540 they harder
the arrangement played by paolo hermosin is really good too.
Classical guitarist extraordinaire John Williams recorded the complete version in 2005. Richard Smith and John Williams are both great.
Richard Smith is the king of understatement: in walks this dad, looking as if he’s coming in to buy a quart of blinker fluid for the Chevy, sits down, straps a guitar under his armpit and suddenly… the world stops turning and points their ears to heaven. What a fantastic guy. And he’s so relaxed, making jokes with his guitar. Top of the bunch.
When Tommy Emmanuel gets excited at someone else playing a tune... like he's just absolutely giddy watching some kind of magic show - you know something special must be happening.
Tommy is pointing richard smith at the beginning of the C part because... usually nobody plays it... it is a forgotten part by the 99 per cent of the players
Love how pumped this guy gets on guitar. Makes me feel good. I like seeing people enjoy the things they enjoy.
Between Tommy's excitement and your look of AWE and near giggle fits... I was BEYOND entertained!!!! Congrats on the barn btw!
It’s refreshing to see this reviewer who is his own right an accomplished player and understands theory well, and is so excited and humbled by true genius. Good on you, much respect!
Indeed. I’ve watched 2 or 3 of this likeable guy’s reviews. Normally after a few minutes he plays along which is impressive especially when he’s watching someone like Emmanuel. But here he just hasn’t got a clue has he. Tells you something about how good a performance this really is I think
10k dislikes
It may interest you to know this YT video is now pushing 9.4 Million hits. I was among the fortunate to see this live from a front row perch. The room was hot bc it was small and packed it's the Kirk Sand room at CAAS. Don't miss the other videos featuring TE, Richard Smith & Jim Nichols working it together.
"LUCK" is too small of a word. How fortunate to be in there... and in the front row no less.
@@R.L.KRANESCHRADTT Right you are. Perhaps all the more so because the schedule for Kirk’s room was very impromptu and competing with at least 7 scheduled performance locations, just steps away , plus jams that could crop up anywhere onsite. Bon chance and circumstance indeed. If you watch the Swing 42 video, I’m the overjoyed requester who called the tune that my friends obliged me by playing. If there’s a better way to express my good fortune than that reaction in the moment- I’m still looking for it😁‼️
15m these days
Richard Smith is a living legend.
To see a very good player such as yourself, blown away, and in awe, at Richards ability, is a wonderful thing.
First time I watched this I wanted to smash my guitar up, but the more times I watch the more it drives me to be better.
I think you have to be a guitar player to fully appreciate how damn good he really is.
And a good one at that!
Exactly…. Someone that doesn’t know just can’t know the level of difficulty
I've been playing for over 45 years, and Richard Smith simply blows my mind. He's a true genius!!!
@@philjones6054 man that’s the smoothest playing maybe ever. Him and Tommy Emanuel are the best guitar players to ever pick a string.
Or at least a fan of the ice cream truck, surely
Wow I got chills and your reaction, your excitement and awe is contagious. Feels like having an incredible experience with a good buddy. Love this video review. Keep em coming.
I wish you all the best for 2021! I’m an electrician at a naval shipyard and I was talking to another guitar player at work and we both watch your videos! Lol
Being fairly new to your channel, I can't explain how much I appreciate the joy that I watch you experience when you watch amazing musicians. I also feel a profound appreciation for witnessing this kind of greatness, that only gets deeper as I get older. Thanks for doing what you do.
Thank you and glad to have you !!
I'm pretty new myself and I just love, love, LOVE this channel and Michael. Thank you so much.
The “Lady With A Fan” in the background is Richards wife Julie Adams, an outstanding Cellist.
Very cool.. Thanks!
There are some cool YoutTube vids of them performing together.
Yeah , they duet sometimes , that's a treat live too.
I like that you highlight the little Nuances of great guitar players and don’t try to simplify or criticize what they’re doing, rather point them out to a maybe not so experienced listener or player.
Thank you for that. Classy.
Richard played here a few years ago at a local venue in our small town. The promoter dropped the ball and almost nobody came. There were only about 40 of us in the audience, and the performance was amazing. I was a little embarrassed for him, as I know he's one of the top echelon guitarists in the world, and he deserved a packed house. He was so very friendly and unassuming. Wonderful to mingle with. Of course I bought "one of everything" at the swag table. :)
He's lulling the audience and slowly hypnotizing them! Such a wonderful talent !
So glad you did this song! Absolutely amazing. There are other people who play this song on acoustic, but here RS plays it in a room full of people, no rehearsal, no re-takes, no editing etc...Absolutely brilliant.
Be Grateful...I like the message on your shirt. I'm grateful for the time and energy you put into your content. I'm grateful that you are so able and willing to share your enthusiasm, joy and love for music with all of us like minded people. Musicians are the moody ones, the sensitive ones, and we feed on bringing happiness to others through music. With the world they way it is right now .and I need to tap out of the negative ..I'm grateful for the soul food you serve to elevate my spirit. Your channel is a great place to eat !!!
Missed the best part, at the end of the video, someone comments, "now Richard will play something hard."
NO!
It was Jim Nichols
lol!
@@Guitargate As amazing as that was, Tommy himself still tops that imo.
What do you think ?
ruclips.net/video/5fUXPq69QbQ/видео.html&ab_channel=CAFlyersfan
@@herculiessonofzeus8878 Nope not better, just different. It's Tommy playing Tommy. Richard Smith is playing Joplin. That's why Tommy says "no-one can do that".
I absolutely love this, I first watched Chet play this on RUclips, before I even knew who Richard smith was. And after I watched Richard smith play the entertainer, I have never since then been that impressed in my life. We as guitar players strive to be as good as the greats and hopefully we all get there someday. I love how you react to your videos, you say what everybody is thinking and hit all the details right on the head...
When Chet would play, it was perfection realized. With Richard, it's perfection realized -- on STEROIDS!
That woman fanning herself in the background I believe is Richard Smith's wife, cellist Julie Adams. They do some fabulous duets.
I love watching you noodling before each reaction as much as i do your perspective on each song.
One of my favorite guitar channels on you tube.
Rock on brother!
I met Richard over 20 years ago. He was traveling as a trio with his two brothers, doing a variety of jazz influenced music, including some Django style stuff. He was terrific as a plectrum lead player, and he's even better as a soloist. Just a terrific musician.
I saw Richard play in Southport UK just 3 weeks ago, he played The Entertainer and did not disappoint. A true guitar genius who can turn any tune into a masterpiece. 👏👏👏
I watched Richard play this a couple of hundred times; music heaven! But wat I really like in YOUR video is the pure admiration and happiness in your eyes and voice and body language! That my friend expresses a joy in guitar music wich can hardly be put in words. Besides that, you have Terrence Hills eyes! Thanx for sharing. You have made an old man happy!
I’ve been obsessed with this video/version for awhile now! Cool to see your reaction too. I got to see Tommy E twice and am forever thankful for the experience; don’t pass up an opportunity to do so!
Ah, the Mandelbrot set. Interesting overlap between technically difficult guitar and mathematics.
I'm just here to brag that I got to see him perform this live last night 🤩🩵
Getting to see Richard Smith and Tommy Emmanuel play together live...priceless
I love that video with Richard. I am a bad guitar player. But can appreciate the complexity and technical ability in this performance. The video is enhanced by having a great guitar player paying homage to Richard. This in itself tells you what a wonderful performance it is. And the comment at the end, that you didn't show, from the other guitar player. He says. Now Richard will play something difficult. Cracks me up. Have watched it many times. Just fantastic.
This is my favorite 'interpretation' of this tune! I love the 3rd movement. Thanks Micheal! Good luck with the party barn!!
I saw Richard Smith do The Entertainer just tonight. Didn’t miss a note. I should mention that he also did Jerry Reed, Chopin, Mozart, Guy Van Duser, Gounod, Merle Travis, some originals…this is not just guitar wizardry but world-class musicianship regardless of instrument.
I’ve watched the video of Richard playing this a lot! He is an absolute beast at the soft and he changes his tones so much during the performance that it’s just masterful!!! Definitely a game changer!!!
Loving this channel. Thanks for all your content. At the end of the day it’s refreshing to watch these videos and enjoy the intricacies and beauty of music.
The speeding up and slowing down, it's called rubato. It's where you disregard the strict tempo and let how you feel about the music guide the ebb and flow. It shows a great deal of mastery over the piece, as you are no longer thinking about what your fingers are doing (too much) but working on the fullest expression of the music.
I am currently working on this arrangement of piece and it is an absolute pain in the arse. If I can play it as half as good as Richard I'll be happy.
I remember the first time I heard this it gave me chills, the eighth time...more chills. Really makes you appreciate the raw beauty of what you’re hearing
Richard, I’ve been following you for two decades, thank you for sharing your gift from God with us! 💝
Hard to imagine, but on one day Richard could not play this piece, he worked on it, really superb!
What I like the most about your channel Michael is that it isn't about you, it is about the pure enjoyment of the music and the greats that inspire all of us. Please do one on Joe Satriani for me soon. Cheers!
Didn't expect to get "stung" this morning. The first time I heard this "ragtime" style piece was in the movie "The Sting". A great flick. "The Entertainer" is a 1902 classic piano rag written by Scott Joplin. I immediately sought out the original video of Mr. Smith's performance and there is one with the musical notation and tab detailing the complexity and varying time signature modulations. The guitar is Richard Smith Model acoustic-electric nylon-string guitar by luthier Kirk Sand from Laguna Beach, California. (wikipedia) It comes with a selection of tone woods.
He is one of the best of the best! Talented man for sure! The cord changes and speed at which he makes, is insane.
Again thank you for the video. I’ve never heard of Richard, but he played this piece (among others) as Tommy’s Fort Lauderdale show this year and you are helping me understand why what I saw was so special.
Michael, posted this on guitar gate a while back. Was hoping to see my name on here but glad you got to react to it anyway
Ahhhhh - sorry my friend! Thanks!
I've learned this whole piece and (5:25), you're absolutely right. That pull-off from G to F# on the High E was lethal.
Well let's see it bro.. I'm learning it too.. Some parts are harder than others.. Try maple leaf rag or requiem for a marionette (Hitchcock theme) drop d also... The guys on another level.
I had the pleasure of meeting richard smith several years a ago when he headlined a small festival out here in the nw. We were one of the opening act bands and he watched our set. Talk about pressure playing guitar in front of one of your idols. Hes very down to earth and oh so talented. You can tell he put the hous in. The guy can play anything.
Over the past several years I've watched this performance by Richard Smith at least 100 times and each time I'm completely blown away. He's just that good.
You nailed it on that one. That was an enormous amount of fun to watch. Thank you. I was not aware of Richard. But I am now.
Watched your Udemy stuff a while back and check in on your channel from time to time...SO GLAD to see your success! You've definitely earned it!
Actually, there are three great guitarists in the room... along with Richard Smith and Tommy Emmanuel is Jim Nichols (to Tommy's left). I've watched this entire performance by the three of them more than once, and it is a finger-picking dream! Richard Smith played on stage with Chet Atkins when he was 11 years old (a video of it is on RUclips). Also, the lady fanning herself seen in the frame with Richard is his wife, Julie Adams, who is a great cellist in her own right. There are videos on here with Richard and Julie playing duets... well worth watching (and listening to!).
Yeahhh this is one I was absolutely waiting for.
I’ve seen that vid before, but your reactions and breakdown made it even more fun, the second time around... thanks man!
I know no one will probably see this or care, but I took it upon my self to learn this and I put in hours a day and it’s been 4 days so far and I can play it almost perfect now. Anything is possible with enough practice.
I watched this video ages ago, it blew me away...Mahalo!!!!
Great reaction. What a pleasure it is to watch Tommy, the legend, appreciate this artistry of that man.
Seeing this video on your channel put a smile on my face. I've loved this rendition for a long time.
You're an exceptional guitarist yourself mate and it was delightful to see your reaction to all the touch, dexterity, feel and complexity of Richards playing. Some of your expressions spoke volumes. Millions of people would pass Richard Smith In the street and have no idea of incredible skill he possesses. Never judge a book be its cover springs to mind.
My favourite part is when he let's the arpeggios sing in that classical style just between the bounce of the bass notes, just unbelievably satisfying!
I saw Richard with his brothers in the early 1980s in an almost empty theatre in Lowestoft, England. It was mesmerising, the greatest fingerstyle guitarist on the Planet performing for virtually just me and my wife. I will never, ever forget it. I took up playing the guitar as a result and what pleasure it has given me. I wish I could thank him personally.
We remember that gig. 4 people in the audience and 2 stayed in the bar for 10mins after we started the second half!! 😆 It's so nice to know that the audience we did have really appreciated it. Thank you.
Hey Stephen.. thank you so much! Im so glad you enjoyed it! Richard here, and your words are very much appreciated! There’ll be a lot more online videos very shortly..
@@NashvilleTuneStream Thanks Richard. I look forward to seeing them. Best wishes.
Thank God it's recorded on video..... otherwise nobody would ever believe it. Richard Smith has the best 'hands' on the guitar of anyone.
Richard truly is one of a kind. Of all the Joplin rags Richard has arranged, 'The Entertainer' is actually one of the easier ones! I had the pleasure of meeting him and he personally showed me his arrangement of 'The Cascades' by Scott Joplin which if you haven't yet watched is absolutely phenomenal and one of the hardest songs I've ever had to learn. As a Ragtime enthusiast I can say fairly confidently that Richard has some of the most accurate guitar transcriptions for Scott Joplin pieces out there. I also recommend checking out 'Pineapple Rag' and 'The Ragtime Dance'!
Awesome by R Smith.. 👌😘 I always love his interpretation in every piece he plucks is unique dude.. 👌😘 Thanks for sharing this Iconic piece of Rag time.. 🙏Warm cheers.. 🙏😘
6:18 The term you're looking for is tempo rubato.
And yes absolutely, as you described, it's the essence of classical music, and it's one of the many reasons why every performer will sound different from each other, and even individual performers will sound different from performance to performance.
Actually I think the word he was looking for there was 'interpretation', but yes Richard's use of rubato is awesome, as Michael noticed.
This is one of my favourite pieces and considering it was composed on piano is adapted for guitar just takes it to another level. This is another amazing RUclips vid of a classical guitar doing his rendition.
Its hard to express how sick this guy is playing.
Its sure fun to watch.
I love he looks around at Tommy and all because he knows he is a bad baaaad man playing that song and he is doing some cool sh*t.
The reactions of Tommy and Michael are priceless. Awestruck, just like all of us. You can only look, listen, and laugh at how incredibly good this Richard’s performance is.
That performance has been blowing my mind for months. It was reassuring that it isn't just me that can do little else but laugh. I been playing for 29 years and nowhere near able to nail just one of his moves. Also the dude looks like Harold Bishop from the Aussie soap neighbours if anybody remembers that show?
You're right Michael. I appreciate your recognition of perfection that makes time stand still.
Yes, the words are truly hard to find. I discovered Richard Smith through Tommy's videos years ago and I just have to say that guys like Richard and Tommy have taken the guitar to a completely new level of virtuosity. I was a big fan of Chet, and I went to two of his concerts..."Mr. Guitar" was his moniker. But Chet gave a young Richard Smith the opportunity to play on TV at age 11 and it was obvious that Chet was floored by Richard !! Folks, these kinds of people come along rarely and, thankfully, there seems to be no end in sight for the furtherance of the guitar as an "out-front" instrument that can handle orchestral level music. Watching Richard in this video made me feel like a dog watching the Space Shuttle take off. Arf.
This man's guitar playing gave me goose bumps and made me feel a little warm in the face; as far as I'm concerned, he is a magician.
I was lucky to see Richard and Tommy on Long Island a few years back . I bought one of Richard's CD's on the spot . Awestruck ! Tuck Andress does some amazing guitar work . It's always great to discover an artist that doesn't have a big name out there . And there are many great talents waiting to be heard !
He renders to the song. He doesn’t murder a song like other players do.
Spectacular performance; good choice!
Michael, thank you for introducing me to this man...i am absolutely gobsmacked (that word you wanted was "interpretation")
I’m impressed with your reaction. That was so SMOOOTH !!!!
My gramps used to hit little harmonics , and make that same look ....
🤠🎸🎶🙏✌️
SOOOO GOOD!! Tommy bowing down was hilarious and loved the look on Richard's face. See y'all tonight on the livestream.
Happy New Year Michael! Great reaction video, awsome acoustic performance!
This video has lead me down a rabbit hole of music that brought me to a group named Future Rhythm Quartet. Please do a reaction to one of their songs. The guitarist and violinist are amazing!
Nice job pointing things out to us. Yes, Richard is extraordinary.
awesome.. thanks for show,,,more people need to discover him
One of my favorite compositions ever. Love the movie The Sting and this is used for the soundtrack.
Amazing to play the guitar like the piano. For a piece like this it seems the piano would be much easier.
He was just loving what he was doing 😅😅😊❤
I can't tell you how many times I've watched this video. The fact is just about anyone could play this song. There's even a free tab out there. All you got to do is download the tab in practice it every day for maybe two or three million years and you have it nailed.
Just watching his left hand move is fun. It's like he's dancing.
Man.. I mean when I first watched that video.. it was mesmerizing.. did not no why.. but I kept watching it again and again day after day.. I thought that it was just me.. well it seems it was not just me ! A masterpiece really
Listen to Richard Smith Pineapple Rag, and notice halfway thru when he drops E way down to another octave? And keeps going.After that if you're not dribbling, listen to Richard Smith Cherokee Shuffle, and listen to his triples at the end. :)
One of my favourite youtube vids to watch, Richard actually was national finger style champion at one time too, and forever if we're honest!, hence Tommys comment, just sublime!
Someone on the original video tried to argue that this is intermediate level playing and that something like Lindsey Buckingham's "Never Going Back Again" was a more difficult piece. Now I'm not saying that "Never Going Back Again" is easy to play...but if anyone thinks this is intermediate and not truly expert level, they are missing not only the base difficulty of it, but so many other things. Consistency of his play, legato bass line while stacatto melody, perfect crescendos and decrescendos and dynamic control in general, keeping multiple melodic parts moving perfectly while jumping around all over the fret board quickly, and on top of it all, the fact that he plays it so effortlessly and most of the time not even looking at his hands. This is an expert level piece played by one of the best guitarists, while being praised by one of the best guitarists. Nothing but admiration for this.
Seen this dozens of times. Never gets old.
I must of watch this Richard Smith video 50 times, it doesn't ever get old.
Richard also has such a warm, full tone. Incredible.
He is amazing i could not tell you how many times ive watched that video
You can derive a whole symposium on musical theory from this piece and interpretation. Beautiful.
Rich will always be the best in the room, every time. Let that sink in. His knowledge of what the possibilities of guitar are unrivaled. Richard is playing on another level at this time, Tommy knows it. Everyone that plays knows it. Not to mention his range of both genre and guitar style. Always smiles when he’s done too!
Brilliant. Thanks for sharing.
Ha no way! After your Tommy Emmanuel video, I went on a binge of fingerstyle guitarists (including my first encounter with Chet Atkins!), and this video of Richard Smith was one of my favorites! I've watched a dozen times in the last few weeks!
Let's go back and rewind that.
11:37 we see his kid in the background realising, "crap my dad's making a vid"
This is a superb performance of a very fine arrangement of one of Scott Joplin's ragtime masterpieces. In this vid of the Entertainer he just nails it and everyone in the room knew it. I think the performance was recorded at CAAS 2016. Richard has performed many fine ragtime pieces and has done a lot of Gypsy Jazz as well. He is a very gifted musician.
Little bit off topic here, cause i am not a guitar player, never tried it.
I suffer from severe Depression and Loneliness for a long time, over 3 decades. Pretty much lost the ability to experience joy. Any Joy.
And then there is this famous piece of Music that has the most *positive and uplifting* vibes of anything that i have ever heard.
And to have it played by one of the greatest, Richard Smith, and appreciated and enjoyed by another one of the greatest, Tommy Emanuel, is a real treat.
This is "goosebumps stuff" and always gives me a big smile on my face every single time i hear it.
I have seen someone else play that right in front of me thirty years ago and I was amazed. This may have been more complete, but what I saw was just as impressive to me at that time.
At one of Richard's shows that I attended (a duet with his wife), he ended his performance with a song from his grandfather's record collection.. He played the song, INCLUDING the 'skips' in the 78rpm. Outstanding and Brilliant !
@5:35 YES - what's great about it is that is real music, not slicked up by any production, but just the musician themself expressing their take.
Richard Smith has some outstanding guitar pieces but this is my all time favorite. Tommy Emmanuel and Richard are the best of the best. Thanks for bringing this to us. I really enjoy your videos.