Tripti Joshi (Editor)

Ian Villafana

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Instruments
  
Guitar, Bass, Piano

Role
  
Musical Artist ยท ianv.us

Name
  
Ian Villafana


Website
  
Official Website

Years active
  
1976 - present

Albums
  
Epiphany

Ian Villafana

Born
  
February 26, 1957 (age 67) Trinidad and Tobago (
1957-02-26
)

Genres
  
Jazz, Rhythm and blues, Smooth jazz

Michaela Harrison Valerie


Ian Villafana (born February 26, 1957 in Trinidad and Tobago) is a smooth jazz guitarist, recording artist, and songwriter. Villafana currently resides LaPlace, Louisiana near the city of New Orleans.

Contents

As the son of a Trinidadian pianist, Villafana was introduced to many styles and genres of music at a young age. His influences ranged from the Beatles to George Benson. He learned from renowned local artists such as Clive Zanda, Len 'Boogsie' Sharpe, Raf Robertson, Earl Rodney, and Toby Tobias. Villafana eventually began recording albums with calypsonians Lord Kitchener, Superblue/Blue Boy, Valentino and Crazy.

Blending Calypso music and jazz with influences of bossa nova allowed Villafana to form his own style. He entertained crowds in Trinidad and St. Croix with solo guitar performances and jazz television/radio appearances. He also played the double bass with Jimmy Hamilton, who is most known for performing with Duke Ellington. While in St. Croix, Villafana made acquaintances with the likes of Ed Cherry and Dizzy Gillespie. Cherry introduced him to the methods of Joe Pass, which strongly influenced his playing style.

Villafana moved to the United States hopefully to enroll in the Berklee College of Music. He got an industrial job and started a family in Louisiana while playing R&B gigs with local musicians. His musical career was given a boost when he met musician and producer Quintin Gerard W. After recording for Gerard's second album, Gerard inspired Villafana to record his own music. This led to the 2010 release of Epiphany, his debut album.

Discography

  • 2010: Epiphany
  • Trivia

  • Played background guitar on underground r&b single, "Better Than This."
  • References

    Ian Villafana Wikipedia