On Saturday, September 30, the most influential guitarists of the last 100 years will come to life on stage at the legendary Bar Chez Maurice in Saint-Lazare. Here's an interview with Mathieu Thuot, member of Guitar Story, who will be performing at 9pm.

The band is currently in its 8th year of existence. It is made up of Samanta Crête-Poudrier on vocals, Justin Trottier on drums, Olivier Morissette on bass, guitar and vocals, Tommy-Dave Harrisson on guitar and Mathieu Thuot on guitar. Guillaume Proulx is technical director.

"We'll be at Chez Maurice as part of our fall tour, which will also continue throughout the winter across the province. Our quintet pays tribute to the most influential guitarists of the last 100 years, from rock and blues to flamenco and gypsy jazz. Our set features over 40 guitars, and our staging includes costumes like Marty McFly and Prince, as well as choreography that will plunge the audience with us into a musical adventure filled with emotions and memories," says the musician who also produces the show. 

Which musical style is the most difficult for this stringed instrument to adapt to? "Flamenco is the hardest to day. We're trained and used to doing high-flying, but playing at high speed on a classical guitar certainly adds a little challenge.It's a different approach," he confirms.

A tribute by music and guitar enthusiasts

This tribute is also intended as a genesis for this instrument, which first appeared in Spain in the 13th century."We'll be replaying all the pieces belonging to the aforementioned musical genres which, in our opinion, have most marked the history of this instrument," he adds.

For those unfamiliar with Guitar Story, it's vital to establish that all its members are passionate about music.Singer Samanta holds a bachelor's degree in music and is a professional musician.

Guitarist Tommy-Dave Harrisson also has a bachelor's degree in music, and plays the instrument professionally. Bassist Olivier Morissette studied bass at Cégep Lionel-Groulx, where he met Mathieu Thuot.

"We've known each other for about 15 years. He was my first idol to whom I used to send my compositions for feedback.He thought it was great (laughs).I called him a few years ago to see if he'd like to join the band. He's an old childhood friend with whom I have a lot of fun on stage," he confides, before adding that he and Samanta know each other well and put a ring on their fingers 15 years ago now.A 2nd visit to Chez Maurice

For Guitar Story, this will be a second visit to Saint-Lazare, and Chez Maurice, to present his show. "The first time we played on this stage was last year.This time, we're offering Guitar Story 2.0, with a set consisting of a wall on which 40 guitars rest. The costumes and choreography allow us to keep the audience on the edge of their seats and make sure they don't fall asleep (laughs)," he asserts.

The intimacy of a venue is essential to Guitar Story's magic. "We play in lots of different venues. Our modular set was designed with that in mind. It's great fun, because it creates something different every time. It's both impressive to be surrounded by guitars and intimate. The atmosphere is electrifying, a bit like Nashville," he says.

Connecting with the audience through the guitar

What does the guitar mean to Mathieu Thuot, who chose this instrument early in his life? "I love being able to communicate with music and make people feel emotions when they listen to me.It's a channel of communication for me.My primary goal when I strap on my guitar for a show is to connect with them and make them feel something special."

Who are his idols on the music scene? "I really like Steve Hill for his artistic side, David Gilmour from Pink Floyd who is an incredible guitarist and George Benson because he developed something unique. They're all musicians I adore."

In closing, which track is the most surprising in their repertoire?"It's a metal song from Iron Maiden's repertoire.During this song, a special character, custom-made for the occasion, joins us on stage to give the audience a surprise effect. The piece also features a battle between the soloist and this character.It's a moment that speaks to the spirit of our show." 

Would you like to see this show?If so, tickets are currently on sale for $45 on the Bar Chez Maurice website at https://lepointdevente.com/billets/n9n2309300 01.