Cg3+2

California Guitar Trio

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 3, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Inside Out U.S.
• ASIN: B00006GOEC
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #122,211 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly Masterful Playing, June 1, 2003

By	M. Storer "marks2112" (Camarillo, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Having seen CGT plus Levin and Mastelloto in concert, I was thrilled when I got this CD. I bought their Rocks The West CD from the concert and had all 5 members sign the disc. That's a keeper. I have to disagree with the first author on the page that said it was muzak. Far from it. Levin and Mastelloto are indeed at their best, but what's truly wonderful is the intricate playing from the CGT themselves. They seem to have really taken on their mantle as graduates from Robert Fripp's guitar craft and play incredibly nuanced pieces while having fun doing it.

There is such a spontaneous feel to so much of the music, even the cover of Yes's Heart of The Sunrise (one of that band's true Masterworks) feels fresh here. As with any good collection of virtuoso music, the listener is drawn in by some of the more accessible pieces so that by track 6 or 7, when the band whips up some more eclectic and noisy pieces, you feel like you've done the whole ride and loved it all.

If you're a musician, you'll never want to part with this collection. If you're an avid listener of rock, folk, progressive, jazz--you'll find something appealing on this CD.

Best played at over 60 miles an hour, alone--sound turned up...

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Possibly the best CGT disc yet, October 10, 2002

By	Tim Hamm "hammster1" (Michigan United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

After having the pleasure of seeing the California Guitar Trio (CGT) twice in concert, I continue to be amazed at their talent. When they originally teamed up with both Tony Levin (bass/chapman stick) and Pat Mastelotto (drums and such), I was very excited about the added textures this would provide.

The trio first released a "live in concert" independent disc, showcasing this 5 musician lineup. I found this first release to be fair, but lacked the full sound I had hoped for.

This studio release (CG3+2) exceeds that first release, and I dare say exceeds all other CGT releases.

The dedicated fan will find some previous CGT compositions appear, but with the added "drive" of solid drums and bass. The original compositions are equally on par with the other material. Highlights to me include the "cover" of Yes' "Heart Of The Sunrise", "Zundoko-Bushi", and "Melrose Avenue".

I believe this release will not only win the group new fans, but also should keep the existing fanbase happy. If you have any appreciation for inventive acoustic guitar instrumental work, you would be hard pressed to find anything even close to this quality.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb and Unbelievably Cool, October 24, 2003

By A Customer

This is one of the finest CDs I own. I enjoy a wide range of music - and it's all here. Track 4 is an exceptional cover of Yes's Heart of the Sunrise - with all parts done with string instruments - no keyboards - simply phenomenal! From the retro 60's surf boogie sound of track 6 - Zundoko-Bush to the absolutely pure and beautiful track - Eve. Dancing Ann (track 3) flows so nicely it's likely opening the windows on a beautiful day to take a deep breath of fresh air and feel the warm sun on your face. Track 11 - Train to Lamy is one of my favorites - it features a gritty, crazed slide guitar that drives into a frenzied scream which eventually breaks into a Nashville sounding pick fest - who would have ever thought to put these sounds together and melted them so absolutely COOL. Track 8 - Dance of Maya conveys a frenzied,wild, unrestrained dance that unfolds as if it was occurring right before your eyes. I don't know if I've ever used the word "Perfect" to describe a CD, but this CD is perfect. The talent here is truly unparalled, but beyond that is the depth of the compositions. The range of music covered has something for everyone. I loved this CD on the first listen and more with each succesive listen. I've even erected a shrine in my living room in front of the CD player to this selection (not really - but it's that good !) It is all instrumental, and if you enjoy the likes of Pat Methany, Jordan Rudess, or other musicians capable of reaching the peak of their genre, then I believe you will truly enjoy this very, very fine selection.