Customer Reviews

Whitewater

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Whitewater is byfar the best CGT album to date. It is a perfect blend of scholastic compositions, and at times durint he middle of a track, they take you on an almost psychedelic (in the true term) 'journey' utilizing effects that previously were not tinkered with much on their other releases. Given the serene setting of studio out in the Catskills, the multi-cultural aspect to the group and years of expierence, they have unleashed the album of all albums. surely to satisify the older types, children (the tones within will certainly open mental doors for intellectual development for them!) as well as previously unbeknowst 20-30 somethings who still might be too immersed in indie-rock and commercial-rock-dom. This will change their lives and appreicate skill and alternate usage to guitars. They no longer become guitars here- they become portals, to places where 'genres', 'expectation' and 'sameness' dissolve into new uncharted musical geography. There defintely is a great 'feel' aspect to this disc- it will transcend the listener to many places across the globe, but not the big places, more like private little alcoves and fjords where the beauty of nature can finally be thought to be paralled with that of the advanced craft of art. Each listen provides a new exoeirence and outlook. And producer Tony Levin oversaw this project with not only entusiasm and left-field suggestions; engineer Tom Markensured that the utmost clarity and presence was transduced to tape to give an otherworldy sheen in the soundtextures.

This is a must-buy- for your grandparents, infant, for long vehicle drives throuhout the desert. It will make anywhere feel at home.

As a long time fan of all things Robert Fripp, I went to see his one time students perform recently in Phoenix and was blown away by their musicianship, so I picked up this disc. This is not just a showpiece of their technical prowess, but also a disc filled with beautiful music that is both uplifting and fun. The quality of the songwriting and production are first rate. Even my wife loves it and she pretty much hates all prog-rock.

Whitewater takes the trio into new ground. This is a great CD both for existing fans and probably one of the more accessible CDs for new listeners. It's hard to explain how good these guys are. It less like three great guitarists and more like one great guitarist with six arms. This music is great to listen too, but once you see them play you will realize that what you are hearing is not the result of painstaking studio work where you record 100 takes and mix it to perfection. No - this is how they sound live.

The California Guitar Trio has returned with their first album of new music in nearly two years, "Whitewater". Like their previous work, this latest disc demonstrates the Trio's unique musicality and irresistible musicianship. The production work of legendary bassist Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel) gives a lush serene flavor to the entire album and also gives plenty of breathing space for the group to shine at its best.
Tracks such as "The Marsh", "Cantharsis" and "Red Iguana" contain exqusite melodies alongside complex time signatures and tricky guitar techniques. "Atlantis", "Skyline" and "Relative Illusion" are simpler pieces that show off a gentler side to the group. "Mee-Woo" is also a quiet piece but has a more complex rhythmic structure. Tony Levin also provides a fretless bass lead line to this piece. There are also some experimental moments such as "Cosmic Calypso" which starts off as a simple 6/8 danceable tune before leading into a spaced-out middle section loaded with electronic midi-guitar effects. The album's title track is constructed in a similar fashion.
Of course, no California Guitar Trio album would be complete with some really fun cover tunes. Bach's "Prelude Circulation BWV 988" continues on in the tradition of the group's love for Baroque music while "Ghost Riders On The Storm" is a outstanding mixed-arrangement of the Country classic "Ghost Riders In The Sky" and The Doors' "Riders On The Storm". A great finale to a diverse and amazing album.
"Whitewater" proves that the California Guitar Trio still have plenty of tricks left in their bags. The combined interplay of Bert Lams, Paul Richards and Hideyo Moreiya along with Tony Levin's stellar production prowess makes for an enjoyable listening experience. The disc also includes a live enhanced video for "The Marsh" which displays their virtuousity in full force. This is the California Guitar Trio's best effort yet and is definitely worth every penny for every note.

After seeing this CD in the store under the "Progressive Rock" section, I was wondering how it would sound (because of the "Guitar Trio" name). I was immediately impressed by the skill, and now that I've found out that they studied under Fripp, no wonder....

Great ambient music, I would compare it to a guitar-only version of Ozric Tentacles (it's music where you just pop in the CD and all you have is excellent instrumental tracks).

For a while I felt like I couldn't go see the CGT again because they were playing mostly the same
tunes they had been for years. Great stuff, but I was hoping for more new material. Now they have come out with this excellent, creative new effort. This is
a great cd, a good one for old fans or for people who are just getting into the band. I'm so glad they
are creating great new sounds and playing so strongly. Can't wait to see them live next time they are around.

CGT takes their acoustic guitars and plugs them in to some cool effects for a three pronged sonic attack. They escape imprisonment from any genre while paying homage to their rock and classical roots. The level of interaction, the understanding of how three separate parts can sum a much greater whole, is simply jaw-dropping. These guys know how to be geniuses without being stuffy, and it is really refreshing to hear such virtuosity mixed with such down-to-earth fun.

It must be an alien six armed guitar player!! Amazing musicality. Skip all the reviews and go listen to this group. Moneyback Guarantee: Any part of your money they haven't already spent,they will return to you! Seriously, listen very carefully. This is not New Age crapola,don't put this on while you are making dinner or puttering around the house or writing a blog....sit down in your best 5.1 surround system and lean back.

I bought this album solely because I heard the 'Riders' arrangement on satellite radio. As an aspiring guitarist I am always on the lookout for new guitar music. I am very pleased with the entire set of selections on the CD. It is more varied than I thought it would be - with a mix of acoustic and electric pieces. I would love to see the group live. The CD is worth the price for me because the 'Riders' piece is so cool.

He escuchado a CGT desde sus comienzos de la mano de Robert Fripp. Este es un buen trabajo, sin embargo no hay la potencia de sus primeros trabajos. Si eres un seguidor del grupo puedes adquirir el disco, si lo estas escuchando por primera vez, busca una de sus trabajos anteriores para que sepas de que es capaz esta agrupación