Rik Emmett at Siesta Fest! The Canadian guitarist brings the music of Triumph back to Texas! by Greg Testerman

When I heard one of the best guitarist of all time was playing in San Antonio on Friday night, I packed my gear and headed down. Rik Emmett, former singer / songwriter for the dismantled supergroup Triumph has been running solo for several years now primarily playing acoustic shows to modest crowds worldwide.

On this night, Rik was completely plugged in and ready to rock the estimated 3,500 fans that came to the show at Hemisfair Park. He has always surrounded himself with excellent musicians and his current band is no exception. These days, he plays in a four piece band with guitar help from Dave Dunlop who unfortunately had a death in the family and was unable to make the show. Emmett mentioned this to the crowd at the encore and mentioned it was like old times (Triumph was a three piece band), and he felt naked up on stage with without Dave on hand. But make no mistake, Emmett is still always on time with his blistering lead licks and the band sounded crisp and really tight all night. The sound was powerful with plenty of volume. The crowd roared for the band when playing classic Triumph hits such as Lay it on the Line, Allied Forces, Magic Power, and Rocky Mountain Way.

Rik has played in front of some of the largest crowds in rock n roll history including the US Festiival (1983) and countless stadium festivals and world tours. On the flip side, he has also played quiet, intimate clubs and symphony halls where his classical roots have a chance to be seen and heard all over the world. He's always at home with his guitar, no matter where his continuing and evolving career may take him....GT

Links
http://www.rikemmett.com/
http://www.siestafest.com/shows.html
http://www.jgregoryphotography.com