LOS ANGELES, CA – Born in Toronto, Canada, Johannes Linstead is no stranger to being an international, musical sensation. The Latin Jazz World guitarist discovered his natural musical abilities at the ripe age of eight years old, and one can say the rest is history. After learning the in’s and out’s of guitar playing through lessons, Linstead started advancing in all styles by the age of 12. A quick learner, the young guitarist was inspired by his favorite flamenco artists such as Paco de Lucia, the Latin guitar group Strunz and Farah, and rock players like Yngwie Malmsteen.
By his mid teens, Linstead began to compose his own pieces, as he thoroughly enjoyed continuously immersing himself in the different styles. These pieces began to catch the ears of industry executives, specifically within music supply companies that provided songs for television shows. To that, his pieces have been featured on Californication, Pawn Stars, The Following and more. The success didn’t cease, as Linstead’s albums began to climb national charts in the United States. The latest album to hold a top ten spot on Billboard’s New Age chart was “Midnight Rumba”, which also landed him “Best World Album” and “People’s Choice Award” in the UK One World Music Awards.
Linstead’s music continued to rise on the charts and swept up seven “Best Album” awards internationally, all while being named Canada’s “Guitarist of the Year” and receiving a Juno nomination- Canada’s equivalent to the Grammy’s. He along with his talented band performed at the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival in California, in addition to traveling across the world and bringing his original sound to the Middle East at a performance for royalty in the Kingdom of Bahrain. His travels have helped shape his artistry, as the world’s enchanting features constantly inspire him.
Fans will be greeting Linstead’s upcoming album, “Azul”, with a great deal of anticipation, and will be pleased to hear such diversity in the transitional, yet original sound. Linstead has put endless work into his new album, which will be released September 29, and incorporates more instruments and cultural influences for the listener’s enjoyment. “Azul” will showcase Linstead’s beloved, traditional Cuban sound but also introduce a Latin bluesy feel with his electric guitar talents, reminiscent of Carlos Santana.
Outside of music, Linstead has an affinity for yoga, and teaches a class a week as a certified yoga instructor. Whenever he is not on tour, he fuses his love for both music and yoga together during his popular yoga retreats. He resides between his houses in Toronto and the north coast of the Dominican Republic, where he is ceaselessly inspired by the culture in both places.
Make sure to follow Johannes Linstead on his social media sites below:
Facebook: http://facebook.com/johanneslinsteadmusic
Twitter: http://twitter.com/johannesnews
Instagram: http://instagram.com/johanneslinstead
YouTube: http://youtube.com/johanneslinstead
Website: http://johanneslinstead.com
