About

“There are two types of music: music I like and music I don’t like”. This genre inclusive approach has exposed Curtis Fornadley to a wide variety of music. Distilled over time, these influences have emerged and helped shape his unique musical voice. The primary vehicle of his musical expression is the guitar. Starting with classical guitar at the age of 11, Curtis has spent his life dedicated to learning, creating and pushing the boundaries of the guitar and his music. To the new listener his guitar driven music sounds like Rock but quickly the currents of Jazz, Blues, Surf, and Country can be heard along with the common thread that ties them all together: great melodies, virtuosity, and soulful playing.

In June 2023 Curtis released “A Half Step Away“, his 6th full album.

In 2015 Curtis released the “Tone Wizards” book project, which includes 17 interviews with top guitarists and gear gurus on the quest for the ultimate sound. This book is available in both print and eBook formats.

In 2007, Curtis was one of ten finalists in Guitar Player Magazine’s “Guitar Superstar Competition.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT CURTIS FORNADLEY

Curtis Fan – “It’s so hard to find great guitar music, let alone a good solo anymore. Curtis definitely goes for it with his solos. The songs are well-written and entertaining and the variety of styles keeps it interesting”

Steve Vai – “I got your Resonance CD… “Where There is Water There’s Life” is fantastic. Great tone, nice melody and phrasing.”

Mark Daven at the Guitar Radio Show - "A Half Step Away is one of the best records we’ve heard all year"

Curtis Fan – “I listened to your music and was quite impressed as you have established a signature sound, so many of your songs sound, well, like classic Curtis. Your style is complex and incorporates so many genres, which sets you aside from most guitarists. Resonance is a fine collection that I have now memorized. Thanks for your talent, can’t wait for some more.”

Joe Satriani at the Guitar Superstar competition: “…Good performance and loved the scratching thing”

Curtis Fan – “I have his previous three CD’s, ‘Curtis’, ‘Room 137’ and ‘ Blue Electric Cool’ and I think all three are terrific. I wait patiently for the next, thinking that more of the same will do me fine. So what happens? It arrives and I am blown away! This is the best so far and as I say above that is really saying something! It rocks”.

DoFret Review – “His style is somewhat difficult to categorize, as I think he may have achieved one of the Holy Grails of guitar playing – that of having his own voice on the instrument.”

Steve Lukather at the Guitar Superstar competition: “…that was really impressive… great composition and killer groove… that was awesome.”

Guitar Player Magazine “Curtis, whose debt to Jeff Beck and Eric Johnson is readily apparent offers up a blues-jazz-rock hybrid.”