It's not often the sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ Community Concert Association audience gets a two-for-one performance, but this unique gift arrived Monday when the Montreal Guitar Trio (MG3) and the California Guitar Trio (CGT) joined forces to showcase their talent and distinct style.Ìý
And the crowd clearly wanted more.
While the concert was new to sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½, these two groups have collaborated for more than 15 years, even recording albums together.Ìý
MG3, consisting of Marc Morin, Sébastien Deshaies and Glenn Lévesque, take a more acoustic approach.Ìý
Opening the evening, they played a wonderfully diverse program. There was a selection of movie music by Ennio Morricone, more traditional French Canadian pieces (during which Morin and Deshaies switched brilliantly to accordion and violin), and the irresistible energy of Spanish music. Deshaies’ playing and tone drew me in every time, and Levesque's singing was a very fine addition to a few songs, highlighting the triosa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ versatility.Ìý
CGT took a different approach, with steel-stringed electric instruments, effects, and a truly brilliantly-played Chapman Stick. The "Stick" is a unique instrument, using a complex playing technique that is seldom, if ever, played as well as by Tom Griesgraber. (The string layout has bass strings in the middle, allowing for the deep, rich tones).Ìý
The other two CGT members, Paul Richards and Bert Lams — both highly accomplished guitarists and composers — created dense textures and filled the room with more sound than appearances would suggest. Their music selection was eclectic, from classical to original works that, to my ears, hinted at a "prog-rock" influence. I would have enjoyed hearing more of their original compositions because the arrangements and energy were very interesting.
The pair of trios joined as a sextet to close the evening and, while some people were disappointed that there were only four pieces, one can appreciate the complexity of arranging for that many guitars!Ìý
There was some duplication, but the full group sounded amazing. The third song brought the audience of nearly 900 to its feet, and the encore ballad displayed the sensitivity of all the musicians.Ìý
MG3 and CGT are a unique event, much more than just a collection of guitarists. They are an example of collaboration at its finest, distinct groups working well together by listening. I hope we can have them back again soon!Ìý
Neville Bowman is a sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ singer, songwriter, actorand musician
