California Guitar Trio are definitely not strangers to the Rockford area. They’ve made numerous appearances here and with their next one due to happen on October 11th, it’s a great time to have a look at their latest CD. As always, they’ve given us a great album of progressive rock.
California Guitar Trio are certainly well known for creating unique progressive rock instrumental pieces. They are perhaps even more associated with turning rock music classics into killer mellow prog instrumentals – with most or all the instruments provided somehow by guitar. Well, this is their latest CD and it’s one of their best. For my money, their take on Pink Floyd’s “Echoes” is worth the price of admission by itself. As is often the case the group are joined on this CD by a number of guests (Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto who are frequent CGT contributors are among the biggest names). All in all, this is another great album from California Guitar Trio. It’s sure to please their long time fans, but I’d hazard to bet that it will bring them some new listeners, too.
The highlights of the CD include the aforementioned “Echoes” cover, a cover of Mike Oldfield’s “Tubular Bells” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” (a cover of Queen. Their originals are certainly strong, too, but the covers have the added benefit of instant familiarity – and that helps. Interestingly enough they close the disc with a complete shocker, their cover of “Freebird.” Yes, that’s the Lynyrd Skynyrd piece. It’s a great album that will please CGT’s fans while also making a nice introduction for those who have yet to hear this vital and unusual music act. |
