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Oct. 30, 2010
California Guitar Trio plays Cascade Locks
This year, Cascade Locks has been a
destination of sorts for music lovers of all ages.
First, it was the kids. Can you blame
them? What I’m talking about, of course, is the fact that over the
summer the town was treated to a full-on concert by a bus-load of
students of rock and roll, aptly named the “School
of Rock.” And rock it did.
I’m not kidding here —as I sat up front,
next to the stage, I was trying to figure out the difference
between what I was hearing from these kids and some other concerts
I’ve seen that cost way more to see.
And my answer was: Not much. I was getting
great music by people who were obviously having fun. Just like a
normal rock and roll show.
As we fast forward to fall, Cascade Locks
is poised to give the adults a turn on the stage, with a scheduled
performance by the California Guitar Trio, on Saturday, Nov. 6.
Now, since I personally know that the guitar is a ubiquitous
instrument in the Gorge, I’d like to say this: If you own a
guitar, you need to see this show. And here’s why:
I truly believe that most folks have a
playing style that’s based on two things: You, and Someone Else.
In your subconscious, you have been a
“student” by taking ideas from other guitarists and making those
ideas your own.
You see, the members of this guitar trio
were, and probably still are, to some degree, students themselves.
These three players with very different backgrounds got their
instruction and inspiration from some very influential people,
including one of the world’s top-rated guitar icons, Robert Fripp.
By attending this show, you get to be the
“student” again, and some of the trio’s playing just might rub off
on you. Besides, not only will you be able to hear the music, but
you can watch how they do it. You can’t get that experience by
just listening to a CD.
The California Guitar Trio, officially
formed in 1991, base themselves out of Los Angeles and they have
toured all over the world. My first impression with the music
samples on their Website was how precisely the music is played —
and all three guitars manage to blend together. But if you’re
thinking this might be a strictly “classical” concert — don’t.
These guys bring in ideas from rock, surf and their own
compositions that combine into a new style of acoustic guitar that
only this trio can deliver.
And speaking of original compositions, the
band happens to be touring in support of a new album “Andromeda,”
which is 100% original, all acoustic, with a pinch of digital
studio effects thrown in for good measure. And I’m pretty sure
that hanging out with Mr. Fripp for a few years was where the
digital studio effects inspiration came from.
The band’s playing style is very unique.
You might say the California Guitar Trio has been together for so
long, the left hand knows what the right hand is doing.... and the
middle hand, and the other hand over there.... well, you get the
idea.
Read the interview with guitarist Paul
Richards here:
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