Album Notes

The Back Bay Guitar Trio is an exciting new ensemble that has made an immediate impression on the New England music scene. The group formed in early 2002 when David Newsam invited former student Steve Marchena and his duo partner John Mason to perform as a trio. All three guitarists are respected educators and performers with extremely diverse musical interests. These talents blend themselves in a unique way within the trio. The BBGT create a new and exciting approach to the classical guitar trio while still respecting the long-standing tradition. The Back Bay Guitar Trio has performed at Dartmouth College, Longy School of Music, Berklee College of Music, St. Anselm College, University of New Hampshire, The House of Blues and at the world renowned Boston Hatch Shell. The BBGT have also been featured artists in the Boston Classical Guitar Society concert series, the North Shore Leider concert series in Rockport, Massachusetts and opened up for guitarist Al Dimeola at the Lebanon (NH) Opera House.


Their new CD release, “The Journey”, showcases the group’s wide stylistic range and includes; transcriptions of Debussy, Brahms, Gershwin, Prokofiev and Brubeck; Latin American compositions from Paulo Bellinati and Astor Piazzolla; trio arrangements by John Duarte, Heinrich Albert, and Paul Hindemith; and many surprises including 10-string guitar, bottleneck slide, and harmonica! The Back Bay Guitar Trio bring the energy, excitement, and humor of their live performances to life on “The Journey”.