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Johannes Linstead

Biography

From having over 350 MILLION streams on Pandora Radio, to being named “Guitarist of the Year”, to winning six “Best Album” awards, to four top-ten Billboard charting albums, to top-ten radio airplay, Johannes Linstead has become recognized internationally as one of the best selling guitarist and composers in the Instrumental and World Music genres.

Johannes is an "Influential Artist" endorsement agreement with Yamaha Corporation of America, the largest musical instrument manufacturer in the world.

On stage and on his recordings, Johannes lets loose a fiesta of Spanish guitar magic! From the traditional to the contemporary, from the passionate to the fiery, Johannes is known equally for his beautiful melodies and for his lightning-fast guitar work. He often records with musicians from around the world; such as Spain, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Greece, Iran, Columbia, Syria, Mexico, Russia, Ukraine, and Venezuela giving his sound many unique and diverse flavors.

Johannes' live performances are nothing short of phenomenal. Bursting with tropical sounds, audiences are moved to dance and clap along to his music. In concert, as on his recordings, the group creates a festive mood with plenty of lightning fast guitar improvisations and spicy percussion solos alive with the driving beats of bongos, congas, timbale and doumbek. Lively Latin and Mediterranean rhythms combined with Johannes' technical virtuosity leave audiences breathless.

A hugely talented multi-instrumentalist, Johannes plays; guitar, piano, mandolin, sitar, bouzouki, bass, wood flute and various percussion instruments. Influenced deeply by the many journeys he has experienced, Johannes states, "The influence of the many countries I have visited; from Spain, to the Caribbean Islands, to the Far East, have moved me to create new rhythms and sounds. Experiencing these cultures - not just the music but also the people's everyday triumph over hardships - is what inspires my music."

Awards

* Named "World Artist of the Year" in the T.O.M.A (The Ontario Music Awards)
* Mistico wins "Best World Album" in the ZMR Music Awards
* Mistico wins "Best Instrumental Album - Acoustic" in the ZMR Music Awards
* Mistico ranks #1 on eMusic.com's World Music and Jazz/Blues charts
* Mistico charts in the Top Ten on Zone Music Reporter's New Age radio charts for two straight months
* Johannes named "Music Ambassador" by the Art Miles Project
* Johannes named "Love Ambassador" by The Love Foundation
* "Best Instrumental Album" nomination for Encanto - NAR Lifestyle Music Awards
* "Best Contemporary Instrumental Album" nomination for Encanto - NAR Lifestyle Music Awards * "Best World Album" nomination for Encanto - NAR Lifestyle Music Awards
* "Best Latin Album" nomination for Encanto - IAP Music Awards
* Encanto reaches #8 on Billboard's New Age Chart
* "Guitarist of the Year" 2007 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards
* Cafe Tropical #1 on eMusic.com World Music Chart
* "Best Music" for Cafe Tropical - BestStuff.com
* "Instrumental Album of the Year" nomination for Cafe Tropical - JUNO Awards
* Cafe Tropical reaches #4 on Billboard's New Age Chart
* "Best World Album" WINNER for Mediterranea - NAR Lifestyle Music Awards
* Mediterranea reaches #6 on Billboard's New Age Chart
* "Best Instrumental Album" nomination for Mediterranea - IAP Music Awards
* Zabuca used in the 2003 World Figure Skating Championships in Germany
* Zabuca reaches #8 on Billboard's New Age Chart, charts for 34 weeks
* Zabuca in NAR's Top 100 New Age Radio Airplay for 2003
* Guitarra del Fuego reaches #6 Billboard's New Age Chart; 36 weeks on chart
* "Best Contemporary World Album" WINNER for Guitarra del Fuego - NAV Music Awards
* Guitarra del Fuego in Billboard's Top Ten New Age Indie Sales for 2001
* Kiss The Earth - 9 weeks on Billboard's New Age Chart, peak #12
* Sol Luna Tierra - 3 weeks on Billboard's New Age Chart, peak #17
* "Musician of the Year" - High school Jazz Band award