🎸 Gio Guido – Biography (English)

Gio Guido is an Italian-born guitarist known for his virtuosity, innovation, and musical depth. He graduated in 1991 from the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.

From 1994 to 1998, Gio was an official member of the legendary group The Jazz Crusaders, touring extensively throughout Europe, the United States, Japan, and China. During this period, he performed at many of the world's most prominent jazz festivals, including the North Sea Jazz Festival, Vienna Jazz, Umbria Jazz, Nice Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz, Pori Jazz, and many others.

While based in Los Angeles, Gio contributed as a guitarist to the Jazz Crusaders' albums "Sketches of Life" and "Break’n da Rules", bringing his distinctive tone and phrasing to the recordings.

In 2000, he was awarded First Prize at the International Jazz Soloist Competition held in Monte Carlo, France. The following year, he was invited back as a special jury member, a rare honor that underscored his artistry and international recognition.

Beyond his work with the Crusaders, Gio has performed or recorded with numerous acclaimed artists, including Patti Austin, Ronnie Laws, Bobby Lyle, John Lucien, Bobby Caldwell, Mark Whitfield, Alphonso Johnson, John Beasley, Angela Bofill, Francis Lassus, David Williams, Vincent Herring, and many others. In 2011, he was a guest performer in a masterclass by Larry Coryell, one of his personal heroes.

In 2017, Gio appeared in a promotional video for Yamaha’s THR100H guitar amp, showcasing his expressive playing and tonal range.

Since 2023, Gio has been pioneering a groundbreaking new right-hand guitar technique he calls "Up & Down Fingerstyle"—a method that allows him to alternate using his index, middle, and ring fingers to play fast, expressive single-note lines with precision and fluidity. This approach marks a significant evolution in fingerstyle guitar and positions Gio as one of its most forward-thinking innovators.

📰 Read more:
Guitar World Magazine – Gio Guido: Up & Down Fingerstyle Innovation

In January 2025, Gio founded the jazz-funk band Airport in Japan, collaborating with drummer Jun Masaoka, bassist Hiroshi Ichimura, and pianist/keyboardist Yasumasa Kumagai. Airport's debut album, "Runway," highlights Gio's skillful compositions and features violinist Miho Ohashi on select tracks. Gio describes this new project as an exciting journey that has significantly enhanced his musical vision and creativity.

Airport is currently preparing for its debut performance in October 2025, followed by a tour in southern Japan.