Fernando Castiñeiras
Instrument: Guitar
Who is Fernando Castiñeiras?
Fernando Castiñeiras is an Argentinean gypsy jazz guitarist born on July 24, 1976, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His musical journey began at the age of 9 when he picked up the guitar for the first time, setting the stage for an extraordinary career ahead. His first influences where rock and blues.
From the early stages of his musical development, it became evident that Castiñeiras possessed a natural talent for the instrument. His dedication and passion led him to become a virtuoso guitarist, earning recognition for his exceptional technique and remarkable musicality.
Castiñeiras’s love for gypsy jazz, inspired by the legendary Django Reinhardt, became a central focus of his musical pursuits. His commitment to mastering the genre and his insatiable desire to explore its nuances and intricacies propelled him to new heights in his career.
He was also influenced by Wes Montgomery, Charlie Parker, Baden Powell, Biréli Lagréne, George Benson, and the great tango guitarist Roberto Grela.
One of the highlights of Castiñeiras’s career was his participation in the Django festivals held in Argentina, Ecuador, the “Festival de jazz Manouche de Morelia” in México, and Colombia. These prestigious events provided him with the opportunity to showcase his immense talent, share the stage with fellow musicians, and captivate audiences with his incredible performances.
In 2017, Castiñeiras achieved a significant milestone with the release of his albums: ULTRA SWING (2017), BRÍO (2020), and the EP titled SONAR (2021). These albums are a testament to his artistic prowess, featuring a combination of gypsy jazz classics and his own compositions. With these releases, Castiñeiras demonstrated his ability to honor the legacy of the genre while adding his unique touch and musical voice to the mix.
Since 2006, he has been a teacher at the “Escuela e Instituto Superior de Música Popular del Sindicato Argentino de Músicos” in Buenos Aires, where he is the director of the courses “Ensamble” and “Ensamble de Gypsy Jazz.”
Throughout his career, Fernando Castiñeiras has proven to be a dedicated and respected figure in the world of gypsy jazz. His technical brilliance, combined with his deep understanding of the genre’s roots and traditions, has earned him a place among the most talented guitarists in the field.
As an ambassador of gypsy jazz, Castiñeiras continues to enchant audiences with his virtuosity and passion. His contributions to the genre and his unwavering commitment to his craft have solidified his position as a respected musician, both in his home country of Argentina and on the international stage.
New CD of Fernando Castiñeiras available here!