CELEBRATING 35 YEARS
For 35 years, California Guitar Trio (CGT) has redefined what a small ensemble can achieve on one stage. Since forming in 1991, the group has captivated audiences with a singular sound that fearlessly crisscrosses genres — blending rock, jazz, classical, and global influences, with the occasional surf or spaghetti Western twist for good measure.
Founded by Paul Richards, Bert Lams, and Hideyo Moriya, CGT emerged from the creative lineage of guitarist Robert Fripp and quickly built a reputation for precision, interplay, and adventurous musical exploration. Today, the trio continues its evolution with Paul Richards, Bert Lams, and Chapman Stick player Tom Griesgraber, who joined the group in 2020. Griesgraber’s addition expanded the ensemble’s sonic palette with deep bass textures, orchestral layering, and new harmonic possibilities while preserving CGT’s signature musical language.
Equally known for dazzling musicianship and genuine connection with audiences, CGT concerts blend intricate three-part counterpoint with storytelling, humor, and an inviting stage presence that makes listeners feel like participants rather than spectators.
California Guitar Trio has released 21 albums, generating more than 176+ million streams worldwide across Pandora, Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Their 2022 release Live in Scottsdale – On Tour With King Crimson documents the final opening performance from CGT’s 2021 tour with King Crimson and marks the recorded debut of the current lineup.
Recent studio projects include:
Elegy — acoustic originals and inventive modern arrangements
Masterworks — classical repertoire including Bach, Beethoven, Pärt, and Schubert
Andromeda — visionary original compositions
CG3+2 — collaboration with Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto
Echoes — reimagined works by Pink Floyd, Queen, Mike Oldfield, and Penguin Café Orchestra
CGT has expanded its creative vision through innovative collaborations including the six-guitar “phenomensemble” with the Montreal Guitar Trio (resulting in In A Landscape), as well as recent projects with Kaki King, Trace Bundy, and Grammy-winning ensemble The String Revolution.
Beyond the concert stage, CGT’s music has appeared in Olympic broadcasts and on CNN, CBS, NBC, and ESPN. In one of the group’s most memorable moments, NASA selected CGT’s music to wake the crew aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour.
Now celebrating 35 years together, with 2,000+ performances, appearances in all 50 U.S. states, and concerts in over 20 countries worldwide, California Guitar Trio is driven by a common aim to follow the music wherever it leads — continuing to cross musical borders, challenge expectations, and show audiences just how far three stringed instruments can go.
-Thank you Anil Prassad for the original CGT bio.
