Album Notes

El Ocho vol. I is a masterful exploration of the acoustic guitar. It features acclaimed guitarist Renzo Staiano performing an eclectic mix of guitar music of the Americas, mostly on his eight string classical guitar (El Ocho) that was created by renowned luthier, Gil Carnal. A custom Gibson steel-string guitar and a Spanish requinto are also featured.

Renzo Staiano performs professionally on six and eight string acoustic and electric guitars, Cuban tres, Andean charango, and other Latin American guitars. His career as a performer and scholar has taken him to all five continents, including extended residences in Spain, Mexico and Peru, which has greatly enriched his playing and musical knowledge. Renzo studied the classical guitar and Latin American guitar with the acclaimed Turkish guitarist Mesut Özgen and world-renowned Agustin Barrios scholar and performer Rico Stover. Renzo also possesses profound knowledge of jazz, blues, Latin American, and other popular music styles. For the past three years, Renzo has often performed as a soloist; he completed a new solo album, El Ocho vol. 1, in July 2008. Also in 2008, he appeared on stage with various orchestras for works such as Joel Ford’s jazz/funk/blues/reggae opera, The Cannabis Cantata; Phil Collin’s Helen of Egypt; and Kurt Weil’s Three Penny Opera (with the Santa Cruz Chamber Orchestra). Renzo has performed with many accomplished musicians, including members of: Peru Negro, Acoustic Alchemy, Dethklok, The Santa Cruz Chamber Orchestra, DJ Logic, The Dodos, Savoy Brown, The Doobie Brothers, RadioActive, Michael Franti (Spearhead), and Santana.