Album Notes

With a clear sound and a fresh approach to the classical ensemble, the Athens Guitar Trio is becoming known as an emerging force in classical guitar. The Trio- Dusty Woodruff, Rylan Smith, and Matt Anderson- is now approaching its fourth year together, hailing from the renowned music community of Athens, Georgia. Their extensive classical training, paired with a forward-reaching mindset, allows them to perform music from throughout the repertoire in energetic and engaging concerts.

Through their live performances and their recordings, the Athens Guitar Trio is constantly looking to push the boundaries of ensemble playing. The Trio has performed several works composed specifically for their ensemble, and they have championed local composers in their premieres and performances throughout Georgia and the Southeast. As for other works, the Trio uses their own arrangements as they strive to explore the wide range of expressive possibilities of the guitar. They enjoy bringing various genres to light in a classical style, including Klezmer, African Spiritual, Spanish, and American folk music, as well as the more traditional classical works, from the Renaissance to the Contemporary eras.

Beyond their choice of music, the Trio also takes great care in the quality and expressiveness of their sounds. Each member plays a guitar built by expert craftsman Kenny Hill, and they perform with a particularly rare eleven-string guitar. This instrumental addition has extended their range and expressive capability, piquing the interest of musicians and non-musicians alike.

Since 2005, the Athens Guitar Trio has been invited to play for many special guests, including former President Jimmy Carter, Pulitzer-Prize winning composer William Bolcom, and Simone Fontanelli, professor of composition at the Mozarteum in Salzburg. In the past, the Trio and its members have played at the Christopher Parkening Masterclass, and the members of the trio have collectively won three Georgia Music Teachers Association Spring Competitions.

With their engaging performances and expanding repertoire, the Athens Guitar Trio has proven a passion for their instrument that continues to delight and entertain audiences. They enjoy sharing a love for music by performing as often as possible, as well as with the release of their first CD, Emergence.