I was a very lucky person to be able to see the first of the David Bromberg, Larry Campbell, and David Hidalgo shows which was held at The Narrows Center for the Arts recently.

David Bromberg, Larry Campbell, David Hidalgo (l to r)

I apologize that my photos are not as good as usual; there were a lot of mics on stage that proved tough to shoot around.

I have seen each of these gentlemen perform: Bromberg with his band as well as a duet show with Campbell; Campbell only with Bromberg; and Hidalgo many times with Los Lobos. They each brought a different background to this collaboration. Bromberg is known mostly for his bluegrass picking, Campbell for his country picking, and Hidalgo for his Chicano rock picking.

David Bromberg

David Hidalgo

Larry Campbell

The format for this show was similar to another show I saw last year that featured four amazing funk/soul guitarists (that collaboration is Southern Soul Assembly); they rotated leads throughout the show with the other two singing backing vocals and playing supporting guitars. They played one another’s music without ego, and expressed not only admiration for the others but astonishment that they could be sharing the stage with them.

Larry Campbell (no, he’s not taking a bit out of the mic stand)

David Hidalgo

David Bromberg

I cannot say that any one of these men are better players than the others because they are truly equal masters of their craft. I believe that seeing them in this collaboration gave me a greater appreciation of their mastery. They are each multi-instrumentalists; in addition to guitar, Bromberg plays mandolin, Hidalgo plays accordion, and Campbell plays mandolin and fiddle.

David Hidalgo

The Narrows is the perfect type of venue for this show; it’s small (280 people), surprisingly good sound for a venue that’s in an old mill building, and respectful audiences. They appeared to enjoy themselves, and I believe they realize that this trio is a huge success.

David Hidalgo

David Bromberg

This is a brief tour, but if they are appearing as a trio anywhere near you, see them!

David Hidalgo

David Bromberg

David Hidalgo

Ticket courtesy of The Narrows Center for the Arts; all opinions are my own.