Elmer Ferrer

Cuban-Canadian Elmer Ferrer is both a well kept secret and to those who know, one of the world`s premiere guitarists. An extremely versatile and prolific session musician, Elmer has recorded and toured the globe with many of Cubas top producers and artists. As a producer, arranger, session acoustic or electric guitarist, Ferrer has contributed to more than 100 music recordings, including two Latin Grammy nominee albums and a Goya awarded movie soundtrack.

Elmer also has an established career as a composer and solo performer. He is a two-time Cubadisco* awarded artist, and is leader of the Elmer Ferrer Band (EFB). Known for captivating audiences and critics alike, the EFB has headlined international jazz, blues and music festivals, and shared stage line-ups with Keb Mo, Johnny Lang, Bonnie Raitt, Van Morrison, Kid Rock, the Chris Duarte Group, Los Lobos and the Derek Trucks Band.

Elmer Ferrer currently resides in Toronto Canada, but his Cuban roots formed the foundation of his energy rich blend of Jazz, Rock, and Blues. He was born into a musical family in Sancti Sp_ritus, a small city that holds one of the strongest histories in Cuban traditional music. He started to play and study guitar at the age of 12 and while attending Classical Guitar studies at Havanas famed National School of Arts (ENA), Elmer saw the American movie Crossroads. This film opened his eyes to the world of Jazz and Blues. He became familiar with guitar greats like John Scofield, Pat Matheny, Scott Henderson, Steve Vai, Mike Stern, Robben Ford and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Like the guitarists he admired, he chose to express his music through the electric guitar. There were no Jazz programs in Cuban music schools at that time so Elmer continued to study classical guitar, while devoting every free minute to his new passion.

The self-study and determination soon paid off as Ferrers reputation as an exceptionally gifted guitarist grew. While still a student at ENA, he started touring and recording with prestigious artists and one year after his graduation as a classical guitarist, the National School of Arts hired him to teach at the new Department of Electric Guitar.

Elmer`s continued session work, recording and performing with Grammy winners and nominees (as well as underground artists) made him Cubas most sought after electric guitarist. Indeed, in a country with a reputation for great music, Ferrer has been one of the most prolific studio artists in the last decade. He has contributed to several award winning musical recordings, including the last five CDs and live DVD by Cuban super stars Juan Formell & Los Van Van.

Elmer has also recorded a number of movie soundtracks including Wim Wender`s production Pio Leyva & the Sons of Buena Vista, and the acclaimed El Beny, based on the life of Cuban music legend Beny More. Elmer recorded Benys original guitars with direction of renowned Grammy awarded Cuban producer Juan Manuel Ceruto, whom frequently relied on Elmer for his recordings projects.

Ferrer has performed at international music festivals worldwide, and played to crowds in excess of 90,000. He has played live shows or improvised jams with international stars like Me'Shell Ndeg Ocello, Ed Motta, the Otis Taylor Band, Chris Duarte, Los Lobos, and six time Grammy winner pianist Chucho Valdes. Valdes commented, Elmer Ferrer is one of the best guitarists I have listened to in the last 30 years.