Role

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Composer  

Birth

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March 11, 1959 in Belgium

 

Bert Lams is a Belgian classical music composer, guitarist, and educator. He was born on May 5, 1958, in Bruges, Belgium. Lams grew up in a musical family, and his father was a jazz pianist. He started playing the guitar at the age of 12 and was soon drawn to classical music. Lams studied classical guitar at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels and later at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague in the Netherlands. After completing his studies, Lams began performing as a soloist and chamber musician. He also taught guitar at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels and the Lemmens Institute in Leuven, Belgium. In 1986, Lams co-founded the California Guitar Trio (CGT) with fellow guitarists Paul Richards and Hideyo Moriya. The trio's unique blend of classical, rock, and world music quickly gained a following, and they began touring extensively throughout the United States and Europe. As a composer, Lams has written numerous works for the CGT, including "Andromeda," "Blockhead," and "The Marsh." He has also composed music for film and television, including the theme for the PBS series "Roadtrip Nation." In addition to his work with the CGT, Lams has collaborated with other musicians, including cellist Rushad Eggleston and percussionist Alex Acuña. One of Lams' most significant contributions to the world of classical music is his work with the Guitar Craft program. Guitar Craft is a series of workshops and courses that teach the principles of music and performance developed by musician and composer Robert Fripp. Lams became involved with Guitar Craft in the 1980s and has since become one of its most prominent teachers and practitioners. He has taught Guitar Craft courses all over the world and has helped to train a new generation of guitarists in the principles of Fripp's approach. Lams' compositions are characterized by their intricate harmonies, complex rhythms, and use of unconventional guitar techniques. He often incorporates elements of world music, jazz, and rock into his compositions, creating a unique and eclectic sound. Lams' music is also known for its use of alternate tunings, which allow him to explore new harmonic possibilities on the guitar. One of Lams' most notable works is his composition "The Crimson Guitar," which was inspired by the music of King Crimson, a progressive rock band led by Robert Fripp. The piece features complex rhythms and harmonies, as well as Lams' signature use of alternate tunings. "The Crimson Guitar" has become a staple of the CGT's live performances and has been recorded on several of their albums. Another notable work by Lams is his composition "Watermelon," which was written for the CGT's album "Pathways." The piece features a driving rhythm and intricate harmonies, as well as a section in which the guitarists use their instruments to create percussive sounds. "Watermelon" has become a fan favorite and is often performed at the CGT's live shows. In addition to his work as a composer and performer, Lams is also an educator. He has taught guitar at the Guitar Craft courses and has also taught at the California Institute of the Arts and the University of Southern California. Lams is known for his patient and supportive teaching style, and he has helped to inspire a new generation of guitarists to explore the possibilities of the instrument. In conclusion, Bert Lams is a highly respected composer, guitarist, and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music.

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