An Interview with Fusion-Rock Guitarist Rene Tornero G

Meet Rene Tornero G

I am a die-hard fan of classical music and opera. So why am I writing about a fusion-rock guitarist? Well, if you've ever met Rene Tornero G, then you wouldn't be asking that question. Some folks have such a memorable presence that they just have to be written about.

Born in 1970 to a musical family, Rene was exposed to a wide variety of music even before he saw his first sunrise. He studied Spanish guitar, classical music, jazz, and combines his vast experience in these genres and rock music to form his own unique style. 'Organized chaos' is how I would describe it, and it has a way of sticking in my ears in a very enjoyable way. It is a music of our time and place. Turbulent, yet not uncontrolled. Full of adrenaline, but not without thoughts. If you haven't heard of him before.... well... Fix that! You're late!!

Rene is to be found these days jamming a lot with the band 'The Comedy of La Nada', occasionally with Mario Olivares and his 'Latin Spice', and doing freelance gigs in between. After a free concert at Seaport Village, I got to ask him a few questions.

Smorg: Who is most influential in the development of your music style? More than one person? How do they influent you?

RTG: Yes, there are more than one person. Many people influent me. I'm like an actor, you know, I hear some kinds of music that relate to me, and I adopt it as part of my style. I first study the script meanings of the music, then I need to feel it and live it. Then the result forms my style. About them, all those musicians have as big impact on my music as on my life as well.

Smorg: Why did you start playing the guitar? What is it about the instrument that you fell in love with?

RTG: I started playing guitar because, when I first got into music I wanted to play the bass, but none of my friends at that time played guitar. So I decided on this instrument. Plus the energy and the sounds coming from the guitar caught my imagination since the first time I heard it.