California Guitar Trio returns to Songbirds

When Songbirds Guitar Museum opened in April 2017, California Guitar Trio was booked as the venue’s first ticketed concert.

“I’d worked with CGT several times over the years at Rhythm and Brews,” says Mike Dougher, Songbirds entertainment coordinator. “I thought they’d be a perfect fit. They are so amazing and so talented, and to be in our space … it’s a marriage made in heaven.”

The trio will play a return engagement at Songbirds, 35 Station St., on Friday, March 16, at 7 p.m.

Comprised of Bert Lams, Hideyo Moriya and Paul Richards, the trio met in 1987 after each enrolled in Robert Fripp’s Guitar Craft courses. They went on tour together as part of Fripp’s League of Crafty Guitarists, before forming the California Guitar Trio in Los Angeles four years later.

The trio’s goal in each performance is to establish a personal connection with its audience. In addition to dazzling musicianship, CGT shows are full of stories and humor.

“Part of the fun of their show is explaining where the songs come from or what technique they’re using to create a one-of-akind sound,” says Dougher. “Their music is all over the map — from classical to Queen’s ‘ Bohemian Rhapsody.’”

CGT’s 16 albums have been streamed more than 65 million times on Pandora. The trio’s most recent release, “Komorebi,” showcases its acoustic side with lush original songs along with innovative covers of Beatles, Beach Boys and more.

The trio’s music has served as soundtracks for Olympics coverage and programs on CNN, CBS, NBC and ESPN. They even have fans in high places: NASA used their music to wake the crew aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour.

For more information: 423-531-2473.

FACEBOOK. COM California Guitar Trio has played together 30 years since meeting in a guitar class.