If you want to see the worlds best all round guitarist then look no further than acoustic guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel. Tommy is simply put a brilliant song writer and outstanding performer. The way he plays his guitar is akin to the way a pianist plays a piano, he plays both the bass parts and the melody at the same time. And its a not a recording trick either!

The Mystery is Tommy’s newest all acoustic solo album. Following Endless Road and Only, his first two solo acoustic outings. It features what you would expect from a man of that calibre. A quality CD from start to finish with a few standout tracks.

Namely, Cannonball Rag is one of my favourites, a fast paced country style tune with plenty of acoustic shredding but most importantly plenty of melody. Walls is another track which stood out from the rest, mostly because its one of the few tracks you get to hear Tommy sing on.

The Mystery is one to buy if you are new to Tommy’s unique style, but this isn’t anything groundbreaking. Still it is beautifully arranged and I don’t review any music I bitterly hate. This is an outstanding album but I would hesitate to say that there is something on here for everyone, because quite frankly it takes an acquired taste to listen to acoustic instrumental music. But If you are open minded enough give it a listen and see what you think.

Overall 20 / 27