Tony Guitarro

Tony D has worked as a full-time professional musician for over 40 years. He began his musical journey on the guitar, learning predominantly blues, rock, and jazz. His teachers were Muddy Waters, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Albert King, Wes Montgomery—basically any vinyl record he could get his hands on! At the age of nineteen, Tony was given the opportunity to spend three days playing rhythm guitar for the legendary Buddy Guy. A few years later, he had the prestigious opening slot for the late great Stevie Ray Vaughan at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre (NAC).

Most recently, Tony D has spent 15 years as the lead guitarist for the band MonkeyJunk, releasing 5 full-length recordings and touring extensively in Canada, the USA, and Europe. During this time, MonkeyJunk received numerous accolades, including 3 Juno Award nominations, with two wins for Blues Album of the Year (2012 and 2018); over 25 Maple Blues Awards, including Guitarist of the Year (2010); and a Blues Music Award (international).

In November the two-time Juno Award-winning guitarist released his first new solo project in 20 years via Cordova Bay Records. This long-awaited body of music is an extension of who Tony D is as an artist and the influences that have shaped him along the way.

“Basically, I’m like Lightnin’ Hopkins with an electric guitar"