Composer, guitarist (6 and 16 steel string)
In a thirty-year career as composer and guitarist, Pino released eleven cds as a leader (seven of which in solo, and also included in several CD compilations); performed hundreds of concerts in the United States, Canada, Europe and Japan; collected dozens of interviews on the most renowned music magazines, websites, as well as radio and TV special appearances. Curious, restless experimenter, lover of all great music (from baroque to rock), generous on stage and introverted in the living room, art consumer, today the ex-classical 6 and 10 string guitarist Pino Forastiere is still walking on the path of innovation, performing and recording with a custom 19-steel string (“LAB Guitar”).
In the Italian language, ‘Forastiere’ means foreigner, stranger.
Discography – leader
20-22 Concert for Expanded Guitar (2022, self produced) – solo
Continuum (2017, self produced) – duo
Village Life (2017, sell produced) – solo
Altamarea (2016, single, self produced) – solo
Deconstruction (2015, self produced) – solo
from 1 to 8 (2011, Candyrat Records) – solo
Guitar Republic (2010, Candyrat Records) – trio
Forastiere Live DVD/CD (2009, Candyrat Records) – solo
Why Not? (2008, Candyrat Records) – solo / orchestra
Circolare (2005, Accordature Aperte / Candyrat Records) – solo
Rag Tap Boom (2003, S3L / Candyrat Records) – solo
Overcrossing (1999, Equipe) – duo
Discography – compilation, collaborations
International Guitar Night V (2010, Pacific Music/Warner Music Canada) – solo, duo, quartet
Refractions – (2006, Echodisc, compilation – from the Echoes Living Room Concerts, volume 12)
Pino De Vittorio: Tarantelle del Gargano (1997, L’Empreinte Digitale, performing with the 10 and the 6 string guitar in a repertoire dedicated to the traditional Southern Italy’s folk music from the XVII and XVII centuries).
Media
He employes a dazzling blend of slapping, tapping, strumming, altered tunings and harmonics, combined with classical phrasing and a focus on distinct and addictive melodies – Guitar Player
His music is something like a mix of Steve Reich’s interlocking rhythmic patterns meet Michael Hedges’s techniques, all while admiring Eddie van Halen – New Sounds, WNYC
He approaches the guitar as a drum with strings – Classical Guitar Magazine
Forastiere’s technique is futuristic, and his musical sensibility is visionary – Chitarre
Each composition is a unique journey of impeccable technique and melodic invention. Pino Forastiere is a scientist of the guitar, but a scientist with soul – Echoes.org
This is music from a genius which will make you excited about music all over again – Minor 7th.com
Prepare to be transported to another dimension – Jam Magazine