by Brian D. Holland.

Super Guitar Trio - Live At Montreux 1989 is guitarist Larry Coryell, who was born in 1943; guitarist Al Di Meola, born in 1954; and guitarist Bireli Lagrene, born in 1966. It’s easily discernable that these three players, born in three consecutive decades, look up to each other’s extreme degree of talent with respect and admiration. It’s true vice-versa as well, as the respect for the younger disciple is equally recognized. Side by side, they sit and share six-string aptitude and melodic strengths in this wonderful concert, filmed at Montreux in July of 1989. Keep in mind that Lagrene was a mere 23-year-old at the time, yet the Django Reinhardt-inspired artist sits comfortably among the other two virtuosos. Though all three guitarists are known for collaborating throughout their careers, with each other as well as other players, this long-awaited DVD sheds light on the amazing cohesion of this specific trio.

Though I’m a believer in the notion that musicianship is neither a sport nor a contest, and players shouldn’t be evaluated as such, it’s hard not to compare the ability of these three individuals to other players as well as to themselves. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way, because after all, the DVD is titled "Super." Though the word potentially identifies qualities that are "superb and brilliant," it can also imply "superior and high-quality," all of which are words that put whatever is being described on a pedestal above all else anyway. Though Coryell and Di Meola had been associated with these terms long before 1989, Lagrene is totally standout in this amazing performance. His aptitude for playing alongside the other two, and playing by ear and memory while the other two occasionally scan sheet music, is an amazing feat in itself. Of course, no matter how one sees it, all three guitarists are extremely gifted. Their ability to execute fine melody at a spirited pace can easily make any modern-day metal shredder stand up and take notice. The fact that it’s done acoustically and at a suitable level of volume displays the overall technique and accuracy in astounding clarity. The trio gets into wonderful renditions of Coryell’s "PSP No. II," Astor Piazzolla’s "Tango Suite (For Two Guitars)," Chick Corea’s "No Mystery" and "Spain," plus more.

Super Guitar Trio - Live At Montreux 1989 is an outstanding piece of acoustic guitar history. It’s three great musicians in a featured and exposed atmosphere. The DVD can be viewed and listened to endlessly, as the agility in movement in each arrangement by these six amazing hands is quite a lot to absorb.

Super Guitar Trio - Live At Montreux 1989 Track Listing

1. PSP No. II
2. Tango Suite (For Two Guitarists)
3. Orient Blue Suite/Traces Of A Tear
4. Musette De Paris Avec La Rue Dupierre No. 5
5. Waltz
6. Braziliance
7. No Mystery
8. Spain

Eagle Eye Media 2007

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Larry Coryell
Al Di Meola
Bireli Lagrene