Bio
Versatile guitarist, producer and arranger Tony Cantisano was born and grew up in Rio de Janeiro, spent 15 years as a professional musician living in Brazil, then, following his family’s background, moved to Europe.
Tony Cantisano began playing guitar at age 14 and quickly realized that music was his passion. Some of his early influences include Jimi Hendrix, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Yngwie Malmsteen, The Beatles, Iron Maiden, Rush, AC/DC, Queen and the greatest Brazilian composer, Antonio Carlos Jobim. At age 18 after graduating from high school, he studied at Rio de Janeiro’s Musiarte School and graduated with a Guitar degree and Bachelor of Music at Universidade Estácio de Sá.
As guitarist, bandleader and music director, he has played as a sideman for more than 200 artists around the world such as Neil Lockwood (Alan Parsons, Electric Light Orchestra Part II, Asia), The Drifters, Clem Curtis (The Foundations), Clint Holmes, Ian Finkel, Cecil Welch (Henry Mancini), Tian Jiang, Bobby Brooks Wilson, Alfreda Gerald, Lorna Luft, Ann Hampton Callaway and many others. Tony’s played in many different bands, including the British rock band RIVER CIRCUS.
Tony Cantisano is an artist that represents something truly unique and exciting in music. Known for combining elements of rock, prog, jazz, fusion and Latin, the anticipation for the upcoming release is building.
