Héctor López Fürst

Héctor López Fürst (1934-2003) was an Argentinean violinist and guitarist who achieved fame and success in the world of jazz. Born into a musical family, Héctor was the eldest of the renowned López Fürst siblings. Ruben “Baby” López Fürst was a renowned pianist and guitarist, while the youngest brother, “Lito,” played the double bass. Together, they formed The Blue Strings.

Exploring the realm of Gypsy Swing, Baby on guitar, Héctor on violin, Quique Gutierrez De León on double bass, and Adrián Macri on rhythm guitar came together to create enchanting music. Later, in 1971, they formed the López Fürst Quartet, a pioneering group in the jazz-fusion style. The quartet consisted of Héctor on violin, Baby on electric guitar, Carlos (the youngest brother) on double bass, and various drummers such as Néstor Astarita, Eduardo Casalla, Norberto Minichillo, and Luis Cerávolo.

Héctor’s journey began with the Picking and Timers, where Baby played the piano. The trio of brothers later formed the Brothers Strings, delivering performances filled with swing and instrumental prowess. They went on to form “Swing 39” with the talented Argentinean guitarist Ricardo Pellican and Walter Malosetti, as well as “Hot Club Cuatro” and the fusion band “Chop Suey.”

In his later years, Héctor’s energy was focused on “Cuatro más Uno,” his quintet with a unique sound led by his violin. The group included Sergio Mónaco on vibraphone and a rhythm section consisting of bass, piano, and drums. Their final LP was titled “Gaijin,” meaning “foreigner” in Japanese.

From Gypsy jazz to bebop, Héctor López Fürst’s influences as a violinist were diverse and musically rich. He developed a distinct and unforgettable style that resonated with jazz enthusiasts. Héctor possessed a remarkable ability to improvise, which can be witnessed through the abundance of videos available on YouTube. He actively participated in jam sessions and interacted with musicians from the entire Argentinean music scene.

Héctor López Fürst’s final resting place is at the Chacarita Cemetery in Buenos Aires, where he shone brightly for many years, leaving behind a lasting musical legacy.