JOHN DEL TORO RICHARDSON
He has been involved in music since childhood, when he performed with his grandmother and siblings in a mariachi group, a band originating from the Mexican tradition whose instruments are based on violins and various types of guitars. In his 20s, he began to explore other musical genres (mainly country, Motown, R&B and classic rock) until he found the blues, which turned out to be the musical language that Jonn felt was most suitable for music. He interprets it in a unique way, combining a wide range of styles with the beautiful tone of his guitar: from Texas blues to Latin funk.
His musical recipe is met with applause from the audience, critics and competition judges: in 2005, he participated in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis with The Blue Mercy Band, accompanied by singer Diunna Greenleaf. The band won first place and Jonn received the award for "most promising" guitarist (Albert King Award). In 2008, their album "Cotton Field To Coffee House" won the Blues Music Award for Best New Artist Debut.
In addition to working with Diunna, Jonn also fronts his own band and accompanies other leaders (Otis Taylor, Bob Margolin, Hubert Sumlin, James Cotton, Bob Stroger, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Anson Funderburgh, Ronnie Earl, Rich Del Grosso, Gary Moore). In 2013, together with Sean Carney, they recorded the album "Drivin' Me Wild" with the names of both guitarists. 2015 saw the release of Jonn's solo debut titled "Tengo Blues" (Blues Blast Music Award nomination). Jonn also helped sign three albums signed by Diunna Greenleaf and a Grammy Award winning album by Pinetop Perkins.
He will perform with his trio at Pekárna.
