Curtis

"I started playing classical guitar at a very young age on an acoustic guitar that my parents picked up in Tijuana before I was born. This souvenir was made of green wood and had nylon strings high above the fingerboard. Soon after I started lessons I dropped the guitar, splitting the body of the guitar open. My Dad put it back together with Elmers glue; he refused to buy me a new guitar until I proved that I would learn to play. Over the following months I dropped it three more times and three more times he glued it back together. There was a thick line of glue all around the guitar. After two years of playing I got a Les Paul copy for Christmas. I could almost taste that guitar I wanted it so bad. To the dismay of my classical teacher, it was time to plug-in."  

 

Curtis is a power trio featuring original music that is a Captivating Mix of Instrumental Rock, Jazz and Surf.  Curtis Fornadley, "a guitar slinger with a worldwide view and the technical ability to explore it"  (Music Connection), is a native of southern California. His band, Rob Chismar (drums) originally from Detroit and Dave Hill (bass) from Seattle have lived in Los Angeles long enough to call it home.

During the recording of their most recent CD “Out of the Shell” (2008), a rough mix of the title track was sent to Guitar Player Magazine. The magic of the track caught the ears of the editors and Curtis Fornadley was selected as on of 10 finalists in Guitar Player Magazine’s "Guitar Hero 2007" competition.

At the show Curtis performed “Out of the Shell” and received rave reviews from celebrity judges: Joe Satriani, Steve Lukather, Nuno Bettencourt, Elliot Easton, Greg Howe and Mike Varney. To view this performance and judges comments visit www.youtube.com/curtisguitar

Other releases include:

  • "Blue Electric Cool" (2005) -  In October 2006 "Blue Electric Cool" was nominated for Instrumental Rock Album of the year by Jpfolks.com. 
  • "Room 137" (2001) "demonstrate the guitarist's impressive skills both as a guitar stylist and composer" (20th Century Guitar). 
  • "Curtis" (1998) - Fifty percent of the profits from the sale of this CD are donated to Cancer related charities.
The music of Curtis is unique; each tune is different from the next, yet there is a common thread that ties them all together: virtuosity, soulful playing and great melodies.  The guitar is front and center, but the variety of tones and styles allow it to be enjoyed by people other than guitar players. Curtis has great musicianship AND great tunes. Their live show is very entertaining and includes projected videos, created by Rob Chismar, in sync with the music. Curtis performs regularly throughout the south western United States.

 


Curtis Fornadley

Dave Hill

Rob Chismar

guitar - Curtis Fornadley, drums - Rob Chismar, bass - Dave Hill
Curtis at GH07

BB Kings

Curtis GH07