MG3: Experienced but energetic performers. | Photo by Caroline Laurendeau

Creativity and impressive stage presence brings California Guitar Trio (CGT) and Montreal Guitar Trio (MG3) to the Shadbolt Centre Feb.13.. The Canadian sextet will be combining their talents with a variety of styles, strings and musical affinities.

CGT tends to favour a range of folk and progressive rock vibes; while MG3’s wide range of style spans flamenco, classical guitar, and world music.

“We were blown away by the amazing musicianship of CGT,” says MG3’s Sébastien Dufour, “and I guess they were impressed too by MG3’s performance. We went for a beer and we decided that we were going to do some shows together.”

Mostly acoustic, always energetic

Montreal and Beyond MG3’s members (Marc Morin, Glenn Lévesque and Dufour) are all based in Montreal, having met and each classically trained at the University of Montreal. The trio is known for employing a wide range of music in their shows and albums. The trio’s progression as artists has led them to continually explore new territory, both musically and geographically. They have toured in Europe, Australia, and across North America for over 15 years (six full-length LP’s have been released during that time). Dufour enjoys collaborations with other artists, and lists a wide variety of different styles, genres, and musical influences on MG3’s own sound.

“When you are playing with new musicians, you are suddenly more alert, and this really helps to open up your mind for new ideas,” says Dufour.

MG3’s inspiration can be found in jazz to classical guitar to world music, as well as rock and film music, especially composer, Ennio Morricone, citing his Spaghetti Western soundtracks as “without a doubt, one of our greatest inspirations,” and critically-acclaimed and inventive rock group, Radiohead. Along with many original compositions, the trio does cover both Morricone, Radiohead and others, such as rock group Rush, on their latest LP Der Prinz.

Collaboration is crucial

The group still looks to endeavor and experiment, however, and though Dufour did not expect the collaboration with CGT to continue for more than a few tours, the drive to explore new musical territory has led to a long-standing and very close collaborative relationship with the group. CGT are a diverse and musically adventurous guitar trio in their own right. Meshing together the styles for both groups brings a unique and complex mix of genres and talents.

“This is why collaborations are important for musicians. If you only perform with the same musicians year after year … you only stick to the “formulas” that works best for your group,” says Dufour.

Dufour says the importance of collaboration, even with such a varied sound base to begin with, is crucial not to get stuck in the same old routine.

“The latest compositions are a perfect blend that defines the style of each trio,” says Dufour.

It is difficult not to discuss the Montreal trio without touching on CGT: the two groups have had a lengthy history together (as well as the shared affinity for Ennio Morricone’s work).

“At first we thought that this collaboration would only be for a tour or two, but six years later and after more than 100 shows together, we are still alive and kicking!” says Dufour.

With CGT’s own diversity in progressive rock and folk vibes, compared, contrasted and fused with MG3’s already diverse span of styles and influences, even after six years, Dufour finds it hard to imagine how things might get dull.

For more information on the event, visit www.burnaby.ca/Things-To-Do/Calendar-of-Events.

For more on Montreal Guitar Trio, visit www.mg3.ca.