Album Notes

Since the group's beginning in 2004, the 1 East Guitar Quartet has captivated audiences with their bold programming choices and brilliant musicianship. “They perform with verve, vigor, and an obvious joy that was communicated to the audience in such a way to stir up the emotions,” says Dr. Robert Trent, professor of guitar at Radford University, “they were a delight to observe and hear.” Throughout its entire history the 1 East Quartet has been a fierce advocate of music outside the common practice; choosing to exclusively promote the music of the renaissance period and that of living composers. Several renown composers including Bryan Johanson and Terry Champlin have written works for the group, and 1 East's unique and exciting arrangements of renaissance composers have garnered praise from audiences and critics alike.

The four members; Zoe Johnstone, J. Scott Matejicka, Paul Martin Wu and Kevin Shannon met at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University. As soloists, they have performed throughout the United States, Canada and the UK. The group has performed at guitar festivals and concert series throughout the US including Trinity Church Concerts at 1, The Alexandria Guitar festival, the Mannes Gutiar festival, the Connecticut Classical Guitar Society's “Guitar Day”, and at the Long Island Guitar festival as part of their “emerging artist” program.