Los Angeles Guitar Quartet: Masters of Chamber and World Music

The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, often abbreviated as LAGQ, is an American ensemble celebrated for its virtuosic and eclectic repertoire. Formed in 1980, this Grammy-winning group has redefined the classical guitar quartet format by blending world music, jazz, and contemporary compositions into a dynamic and accessible sound.

Early career

The quartet was founded by guitarists John Dearman, William Kanengiser, Scott Tennant, and Andrew York. Their early years were spent honing a unique ensemble identity, moving beyond traditional classical fare to incorporate arrangements of works by composers like Astor Piazzolla and even The Beatles. This innovative approach quickly garnered attention in the chamber music world, leading to their debut album on the Delos label in the late 1980s.

Breakthrough

The LAGQ's major breakthrough came with their 1998 album LAGQ Latin, released on the Sony Classical label. This collection, featuring vibrant Latin American music, earned them their first Grammy nomination and introduced their sophisticated yet fiery style to a much broader audience. Their definitive artistic and commercial peak was the 2005 album Guitar Heroes, which won the Grammy Award for Best Classical Crossover Album.

Key tracks

Fuga y Misterio — This arrangement of an Astor Piazzolla piece became an early signature, showcasing their rhythmic precision and dramatic flair.

Borough of Kings — A composition by member Andrew York, it exemplifies the quartet's skill in blending contemporary classical structures with a modern, cinematic feel.

Township Jive — From the Guitar Heroes album, this track demonstrates their world music mastery, channeling the energy of South African kwela music.

Danzón — A highlight from LAGQ Latin, this piece captures the elegant and syncopated essence of the Cuban dance form.

Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 — Their arrangement of the Villa-Lobos classic is a testament to their ability to translate lush, vocal-led works for four guitars.

Following their Grammy win, the quartet continued to record prolifically for labels like Telarc and their own LAGQ Records. They have collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including cellist Yo-Yo Ma, the Assad Brothers, and vocalist Joni Mitchell. Their extensive discography explores music from the Renaissance to the present day, solidifying their reputation as fearless musical explorers.

Fans of the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet's intricate and genre-defying style may also enjoy the work of Assad Brothers for their Brazilian classical guitar virtuosity. Yamandu Costa offers a masterful solo take on Brazilian and Latin American guitar traditions. Kronos Quartet shares a similar adventurous spirit in redefining the chamber ensemble for the modern era. Paco de Lucía represents the pinnacle of flamenco guitar, a key influence in the LAGQ's world music explorations.

The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet's recordings are staples on classical and eclectic music radio stations, from public radio networks to specialized online classical streams. Their Grammy-winning crossover appeal ensures they are also featured on programs dedicated to world music and sophisticated instrumental pop, reaching listeners across multiple formats.

You can hear the innovative music of the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet on the curated radio stations featured here. Explore the diverse world of chamber and guitar music by listening to the artist on radio stations available on onairium.com.