Pino Forastiere

Forastiere is a remarkable virtuoso and his techniques and musical ideas are a true mix of acoustic and classical guitar styles. His phrasing and tone is like a highly refined classical guitarist (David Russell, Manuel Barrueco) while using the techniques of modern acoustic guitar artists (Michael Hedges, Alex De Grassi).

Born in Latronico, Italy, Pino moved with his family to Rome in his early childhood. In 1992 he graduated from Santa Cecilia Conservatory with a degree in classical guitar, taking his final exam with a ten-string classical guitar (in the style of Narciso Yepes). In the following years, he used this ten-string guitar in live performances with original repertoire. In 1996 he laid down this instrument and picked up a six-string acoustic guitar. He has studied composition and chamber music, performed in various ensembles with classical or original selections, and collaborated with jazz, experimental, electronic and pop projects. He has also published the record Overcrossing (a duo with Luca Pagliani, Equipe, 1999).

His first solo CD, Rag, Tap, Boom, 2003, has met swift critical acclaim. From the 13-tracks of his debut album as a soloist, Forastiere plays live in concert “Hidden 7”, “Nonsensense”, “November”, “Complicated Night” and the title-track “Rag Tap Boom” (as the most frequently selected by Italian and American radio’s playlists), and new compositions. In October 2004 Forastiere toured for his first time in United States (New York, Philadelphia, Milwaukee) where he leaded also a masterclass at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Music Department. On the same occasion of the US tour he performed live the music of “Rag Tap Boom” at Echoes Radio (John Diliberto) and WNYC Radio (“New Sounds” by John Schaefer).

In 2005, Forastiere was invited to play in important Italian festivals, such as Festival Paganini (Parma), Musica in Ateneo (Campobasso), Villa Celimontana Jazz Festival (Roma). On October 2005, Forastiere released his second solo album, “Circolare”.