Don't miss the spectacular double billing of the Montreal Guitare Trio and Nano Stern this Friday night at the Tanks, writes Jesse Kuch

ontreal Guitare Trio are, as the name suggests, three virtuoso guitar players based in Canada.

Described by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (the equivalent of the ABC) as the "hottest guitar ensemble in Canada", MG3 spent the past decade establishing themselves as a force of rejuvenation and cross-pollenisation between various music forms.

Marrying passionate virtuosity with a stealthy sense of humour, guitarists Glenn Lévesque, Marc Morin and Sébastien Dufour have charmed the ears of seasoned critics and captured the hearts of audiences at home in Canada and around the world.

timeOUT had a chat with Sébastien ahead of the trio’s gig at the Tanks this Saturday night.

The trio first began playing together at university. However, their beginnings were slightly more rocking than one might expect – they started out playing heavy metal in their high school days.

"We slowly switched to classical guitar mainly because of an amazing Metallica song intro that was inspired a lot by classical music," he says.

"We were admiring all the great guitar players like Hendrix, Jimmy Page and Alex Van Halen, but then we also discovered the great world music and jazz performers like Paco de Lucia, Ravi Shankar, Béla Fleck and Pat Metheny."

He says the decision to form an ensemble came about because of common ground they shared in musical taste.

"After we finished our masters degree, we decided to form MG3 mainly because of our common interest in different kinds of genres and styles, especially the amazing film score of Spaghetti Western by Ennio Morricone," Sébastien says.

"It’s already 10 years, almost 11 actually, with the same three original members. Honestly, we weren’t expecting that much from the trio. I guess what is really helping us to stay together after all those years is that we are still able to find the chemistry between us each and every night on stage."

Known for blending traditional jazz, folk and experimental with more broad-reaching music like film scores and pop, the trio have carved their own niche in the international live music scene. "Every arrangement or composition always comes from a long process of discussion and exchange," Sébastien says.

"For example, it took us 10 years to integrate a Beatles song into our show, because we wanted to find the proper way to make it our own.

"Our music is very eclectic and, even when you hear the final take of the piece that could blend three or four different styles at a time, it is not an easy task and it does take a lot of reflection and a hell of a lot of work."

Despite travelling extensively during the past decade, this will be the first time the trio have made it down to Australia.

Sébastien says he is excited about getting the chance to visit Down Under.

"The closest we’ve been so far is New Zealand, which was one of our best touring souvenirs," he says.

"We haven’t heard much about Cairns itself, but we did hear a lot of great things about the Queensland region. We can’t wait to discover this great place.

"Meeting new people and discovering new countries is actually one of the best parts of being a touring musician.

"If you want a great evening and a new experience, seeing three guys knocking the guitars, pulling the strings, playing and singing in unexpected ways, then this show is for you."

>> Montreal Guitare Trio perform tomorrow night at the Tanks Arts Centre, alongside Nano Stern, from 7.30pm. Tickets are $35 for adults, $30 concession and are available now from www.ticketlink.com.au

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