The California Guitar Trio have now been performing and recording together for over 10 years. During the past decade, the trio of Japanese-born Hideyo Moriya, Belgium-born Bert Lams and American Paul Richards have entertained audiences around the globe with their unique original compositions and outrageous three-guitar adaptations of classical, rock and surf music.
Now in 2003, California Guitar Trio's "First Decade" compilation commemorates 10 years since the release of their debut album "Yamanashi Blues". Included on this CD are 19 original compositions from the trio's first five albums. There is no new material included on this compilation but, it is a real treat to have tracks such as "Train To Lamy", "Yamahashi Blues", "Punta Pantri", "Pathways" and "Invitation" together on one disc. The strong interplay between Lams, Richards and Moriya never ceases to amaze me. I can only hope that The California Guitar Trio will release a "First Decade Volume 2" containing their brilliant arrangements of Bach, Beethoven, Mason William's "Classical Gas" and Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody". Until then, "The First Decade" serves as an excellent overview of the California Guitar Trio's best original material. If you've never heard them before, you're in for a real treat. If you like this, you'll want to pick up all of their CD's to hear the full scope of what these three guitarists are capable of. You won't be disappointed either.