First Listen: Fretboard Journey

Even though Fretboard Journey's members are all guitarists, they agree that each player brings a distinct personality and sound to the group.

Sandy Morris, Duane Andrews, Gordon Quinton and Craig Young are all seasoned and accomplished guitarists, who are well known in Newfoundland and Labrador and in guitar circles around the world.

"I like to say that Duane is the minister of gypsy swing, Gordon is the minister of finger style guitar, and Craig is the minister of bluegrass and country and western," said Morris of his fellow Fretboard Journey members.

"And I'm a guitar player without portfolio."

Blending styles

Andrews said the group plays together as a quartet, but the members also perform solo pieces and duets in their shows, and spend a lot of time talking with the audience about their individual instruments and musical styles.

Their self-titled debut album contains a mixture of original, traditional and classic guitar tunes, including the opening and closing themes for the CBC Television program, Land and Sea.

"That theme has a really profound effect on a lot of people," said Morris.

"I've had fellows who've come up to me on the street and said 'I've asked for that music to be played at my funeral.'"

Have a listen to Sandy Morris and Duane Andrews as they chat with host Heather Barrett on Weekend AM.

WAM18:13First Listen: Fretboard Journey

Four of Newfoundland and Labrador's best guitarists, Sandy Morris, Gordon Quinton, Duane Andrews and Craig Young, join forces for their debut recording, Fretboard Journey.

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You can hear First Listen Sundays on Weekend AM from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. (5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. in Labrador) on CBC Radio One.