Ian Villafana
| Ian Villafana | |
|---|---|
 Ian Villafana playing a Solitaire guitar | |
| Background information | |
| Born |
February 26, 1957 Trinidad and Tobago |
| Genres | Jazz, R&B, smooth jazz |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | 1976–present |
| Website |
www |
Ian Villafana (born February 26, 1957 in Trinidad and Tobago) is a smooth jazz guitarist, recording artist, and songwriter. Villafana currently resides in southern Louisiana near the city of New Orleans.
As the son of a Trinidadian pianist, Villafana was introduced to many styles and genres of music at a young age. His influences ranged from the Beatles to George Benson. He learned from renowned local artists such as Clive Zanda, Len 'Boogsie' Sharpe, Raf Robertson, Earl Rodney, and Toby Tobias. Villafana eventually began recording albums with calypsonians Lord Kitchener, Superblue/Blue Boy, Valentino and Crazy.
Blending Calypso music and jazz with influences of bossa nova allowed Villafana to form his own style. He entertained crowds in Trinidad and St. Croix with solo guitar performances and jazz television/radio appearances.[1] He also played the double bass with Jimmy Hamilton, who is most known for performing with Duke Ellington. While in St. Croix, Villafana made acquaintances with the likes of Ed Cherry and Dizzy Gillespie. Cherry introduced him to the methods of Joe Pass, which strongly influenced his playing style.[2]
Villafana moved to the United States hopefully to enroll in the Berklee College of Music. He got an industrial job and started a family in Louisiana while playing R&B gigs with local musicians. His musical career was given a boost when he met musician and producer Quintin Gerard W. After recording for Gerard's second album, Gerard inspired Villafana to record his own music. This led to the 2010 release of Epiphany, his debut album.
Discography
- 2010: Epiphany
Trivia
- Played background guitar on underground r&b single, "Better Than This."