March 11, 2022

ArtStarts on Saturdays: Gord's Guitars

[Image description: Gordon Grdina sits on the ground in front of a vine-covered fence while playing the oud, a pear-shaped, wooden string instrument. He is wearing a black button-down shirt, black jeans, and brown shoes. He is smiling while looking off-camera.]

In this month’s installment of ArtStarts on Saturdays, Gordon Grdina walks audiences through the history of guitar music in his interactive performance Gord’s Guitars. Gordon is a JUNO award-winning guitar and oud player whose practice spans countless musical genres and draws heavily on free-form improvisation.

In Gord’s Guitars, Gordon takes us on a musical journey from ancient Arabic traditions, through the classical period, all the way to modern-day blues and rock. Along the way, you’ll hear him accompany himself on a variety of instruments including the oud, an early ancestor of the guitar.

We reached out to Gordon to learn more about his work and the meanings behind this performance.

ArtStarts: How would you describe your artistic practice to someone who is not familiar with your work?

Gordon Grdina: It is based on improvisation coming out of the Jazz tradition, but also the Arabic and Persian traditions as well. Mixed with everything else that I love, like blues, rock and punk!

ArtStarts: Of all the musical styles you play, is there one that is most meaningful to you?

Gordon Grdina: As long as improvisation is involved it is most meaningful to me. I like to be creating the music, live and instantaneously.

ArtStarts: What messages do you hope young audiences will take away from your performances?

Gordon Grdina: I hope that they will take away a love of creating and see that the arts, music, or any creative endeavour is meant to make your life more enjoyable and meaningful. I want them to know that no matter what they end up doing as a career, having music in their lives, either creating or listening, will enhance their experience and make their life more fun!

ArtStarts: How can people find you online?

Gordon Grdina: I have all of my personal music for sale at gordongrdinamusic.com and information about my educational shows at https://www.blues-berries.com/

Don’t miss out on your chance to watch Gord’s Guitars, available on the ArtStarts Facebook page until March 25.