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Rik Emmett at the Bottom Line: Legendary Guitarist Returns to The Big Apple
The man who is famous for singing the words, "I'm Young, I'm Wild, I'm Free, I got the magic power of the music in me", still has the magic power and youthful good looks that propelled him to stardom in the 70's and 80's and they were on display during his return engagement to one of New York City's most-famed rock clubs, The Bottom Line.
 The Historic Bottom Line in Greenwich Village. Fans from near and far came to the legendary Bottom Line to see and hear the music of Rik Emmett. During the evening's welcome, Mr. Emmett was introduced as both "The Rocket" and "Mr. Eclectic" underscoring where this entertainer has come from and where he is now in the present-day. Rik has evolved into a proficient player drawing from a diversity of musical genres. "The Rocket" referred to the brash, spandex-wearing and flying-V yielding young man whose soaring octaves powered the band Triumph up the charts in the late 1970's and early 1980's. Triumph's 'Magic Power', 'Lay It on The Line', 'Fight the Good Fight' and 'Hold On' helped secure their place in rock history as Canada's second most popular power trio next to Rush. "Mr. Eclectic" referred to the man Emmett has become — a master of many guitar styles who has released more music as a solo artist than his total output in Triumph. His recordings have ranged from jazz, blues and classical/New Age instrumentals to vocal recordings. His last two records, "Good Faith" (2003) and "Handiwork" (2002), are a testament to the growth and talent of this guitar extraordinaire. His early and late show sets were an assorted mix of old and new songs. Handiwork is an eleven-track instrumental. The CD is an incredible blend of classical guitar, smooth jazz, Latin, world and fingerstyle. There are many rich textures and moods found on this collection. The CD runs the gamut from serious reflective songs to fun energetic compositions. Dynamic chord changes, layered instrumentation, experimental key modulations and diverse arrangements are all part of the rich tapestry of Handiwork. Good Faith is an eclectic mix of musical styles. Emmett's various experiences and innovations find their way into this diverse eleven-track collection. In addition to great guitar work the CD includes interesting instrumentation such as horns, the flute, the flugelhorn and the pedal steel. Good Faith demonstrates that Rik is still an incredible vocalist who has a wide soulful range. Emmett's lyrics touch upon a diversity of topics that range from poetic symbolism found in 'Butterfly Lullaby' to realistic story telling in 'Wicked Miss' and 'Beacon Street Hotel'. 'Break Away' and 'True Hearts' are songs filled with optimism and hope. Good Faith showcases outstanding guitar work, spirited instrumentation and heartfelt vocals! Emmett and Mike Vassos, the secondary guitarist, opened the show at The Bottom Line with a complex instrumental entitled 'Sante Fe Horizon' that mesmerized the audience. Next, Rik played the crowd-pleasing 'Lay It On The Line' showing that he can still carry the high octave songs that powered many of Triumph's hits. Mike left the stage and Rik played a newer composition called 'Beacon Street Hotel' that featured multi-faceted jazz chord changes. Rik explained that 'Knuckleball Sandwich' was inspired by various artists and ranges from the stylings of Chet Atkins to Pete Townsend. In addition, the song had three sections including classical guitar chords. This was a beautiful diverse piece which demonstrated that Rik is a journeyman and a master.
 Rik Emmett (right) shared the stage with Mike Vassos (left) for much of the night. Rik then played two spirited Irish gigs. Emmett described 'Middle Ground' as a Canadian balance song and dedicated it to Jimmy Carter. Next he played 'Ordinary Man' a Triumph classic that is anything but ordinary. Rik's textured playing adds vibrancy and life to this well-known track. 'Wicked Miss'a new song featured a fast furious guitar duet that was powerful. 'Three Clouds Across the Moon' had a Latin flavored tempo. It was followed by 'Hold On' that was executed with precision and passion. The encore included 'Secret Wishes' and 'Suitcase Blues'. 'Secret Wishes' was inspired by St. Ann's Church where Rik and his wife were married. The song is a stirring piece creating a vision of petitions, prophets and majesty. 'Suitcase Blues' is a tale about life on the road and of course features more impressive guitar work by the eminent Emmett. During the evening Mr. Emmett took the time out to tell several stories about his life. It is in the way that Mr. Emmett describes his personal circumstances that he conveys the friendly warmth, charm and humor that has won him a legion of adoring fans on two continents and beyond in a career spanning nearly 30 years. It was in the telling of stories on Saturday night when he imparted reflective lessons on life and humility. We both enjoyed his recounting of a scene that many of us can relate to. Rik and his wife were shopping for groceries in Canada. While standing on the check-out line with the cart overflowing, Rik was sent off to pick-up a pre-cooked roasted chicken. Walking back through the long row of cashiers, the chicken started dripping all over his hand. At that moment a fan recognized him and said, "Aren't you Rik Emmett? You're a legend!" Rik promised the man that if he would follow him back to his space on line he would shake the man's hand after wiping off his own. He said he told the fan that he was just an "ordinary man" before playing the Triumph song of the same name for the attentive Bottom Line audience. This was a remarkable show that featured diverse musical styles, new songs and well-loved classics. The crowd was quiet and enthusiastic throughout the evening demonstrating that Rik's music is still magical and uplifting! By the end of the first set Rik was still winning new fans. A wife, whose husband was a Triumph fan growing up, was telling us that they had decided to stay for the second set. "We're staying, that was good" said this smiling first-timer, as her husband returned with tickets for the second half of the evening's double-bill – an all-request performance with songs chosen by fans through Rik's website. Fans of Rik Emmett can also book personal "network" or house concerts through the musician's site on the Internet at www.rikemmett.com The music of Rik Emmett triumphed on the evening of September 20, 2003. The man still has the magic power combined with the wisdom of experience to continue making great music. Rik Emmett is both "The Rocket" and "Mr. Eclectic"! SETLIST - 7:30 PM show: 1) Sante Fe Horizon 2) Lay It On The Line 3) Beacon Street Hotel 4) Knuckleball Sandwich 5) Two Jigs 6) Middle Ground 7) Ordinary Man 8) Wicked Miss 9) Three Clouds Across The Moon 10) Hold On ENCORE 11) Secret Wishes 12) Suitcase Blues SETLIST - 10:30 PM "All-Request" Show: 1) Between The Dreams of You & I 2) Woke Up This Morning (Blues In My Fingers) 3) Fantasy Serenade 4) Midsummer's Daydream 5) Those Shoes 6) 24 Hours A Day (intro) 7) Say Goodbye 8) Take My Heart 9) Full Sail 10) The Heart of the Matter (Mike Vassos sang lead on this Don Henley song) 11) El Cuento del Gadjo 12) Magic Power ENCORE 13) Calling St. Cecilia 14) Castle of Regret 15) Fight The Good Fight
 Rik Emmett was both "The Rocket" and "Mr. Eclectic" at The Bottom Line. Related Links: For more information on Rik Emmett and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Rik Emmett | The Bottom Line
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