A Singular Performance: Four Men, One Guitar, The Barcelona Guitar Trio

Have you ever seen four men playing a single guitar simultaneously? If not, you absolutely need to watch the Barcelona Guitar Trio’s performance of “Billie Jean.” Filmed during their Tribute to Paco Lucia show, it’s nothing short of incredible.

The Barcelona Guitar Trio comprises three Spanish virtuoso guitarists: Xavier Coll, Luis Robisco, and Manuel González. To add a beat to “Billie Jean,” they invited their friend, percussionist Paquito Escudero. The result was a mesmerizing and triumphant performance.

What’s truly surprising is how this version makes you really listen to the music. “Billie Jean,” one of Michael Jackson’s biggest hits, is still frequently played on radio stations worldwide. After hearing it so many times, it’s easy to tune it out. This rendition, however, commands your full attention.

If you closed your eyes, you’d swear there were multiple guitars playing. It seems impossible for such intricate and layered music to come from just one instrument. Then you open your eyes and blink at the unusual sight in front of you—a many-armed creature playing a single guitar, almost like a musical octopus. Once you fully grasp what’s happening, you can’t look away.

The magic of this performance isn’t surprising when you consider the talent involved. Each member of the Barcelona Guitar Trio is an exceptional musician. They could almost be considered the guitar equivalent of The Three Tenors. Xavier Coll, who began learning guitar in 1960, formed a duo with flautist Montserrat Gascón in 1989 while continuing to refine his technique.

He plays guitar, Theorbo, Baroque Guitar, and Vihuela, has released two solo CDs, and has won numerous prestigious music competitions. Besides performing with the Barcelona Guitar Trio, he is a professor at the Escola Superior of Music of Catalunya.

Luis Robisco has been a professional musician since 1989. He also works as a session musician, composer, and arranger for other artists and tours frequently. He’s been with the Barcelona Guitar Trio for six years, touring countries like Norway, Turkey, Israel, and South Korea, and performing in over 500 shows.

Manuel Gonzales has dedicated his life to the Spanish guitar, studying under masters like David Russell and José Tomás. His unique musical interpretations have earned him critical acclaim, including an invitation to perform at the United Nations headquarters in New York. His music captures the essence of Spain.

The brilliance of these musicians likely explains their YouTube popularity. Their “Billie Jean” performance has nearly a million views, with the comments section overflowing with praise. Their technical skill is apparent, even to non-musicians. One commenter noted, “The fact that two men were playing each other’s left hands is beyond all realms of comprehension. Simply very special skills to do that.”

Take a moment today to enjoy this extraordinary performance, and if you have time, check out their rendition of the Game of Thrones theme as well. Your ears will thank you.