Meet Reno De Stefano

A jazz guitarist, composer, and performer dedicated to creating captivating musical experiences.

Reno De Stefano is a Montreal-based jazz guitarist-composer. He has shared the stage with American virtuoso guitarists Joe Diorio and Sid Jacobs and has performed with many Canadian musicians. As a leader, he has recorded three CDs (Matters of the Spirit, Mimi’s Dance, Elevation) with original compositions featuring Michel Donato, Kevin Dean, André White, Dave Laing and Alec Walkington. Reno De Stefano has also performed at Montreal’s prestigious Place des Arts with Canadian bassist Michel Donato. His work and development as a jazz guitarist and composer have culminated in a series of important concerts at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, the Montreal Jazz Association, the Salle Claude-Champagne, the Montréal Drum Fest, the Maison de la Culture Frontenac, Stewart Hall, Upstairs jazz club, the Salon de la Guitare de Montréal, Festi-Jazz Mont Tremblant, Festi jazz Québec en Juin, etc. His band was nominated for the General Motors Grand Jazz Award and the Galaxie Rising Star Award of the CBC at the Montreal International Jazz Festival in 2008.

His compositions and performances have been featured on many jazz radio programs throughout Canada, including CBC Radio and “Espace Musique.” He is presently tenured, full-professor of jazz studies at the Université de Montréal. He holds a Ph.D. in jazz studies and is widely published as a composer, musicologist and educator. He has published numerous articles on jazz improvisation, jazz history and composition in specialized periodicals for the International Association of Jazz Educators, has contributed to the award-winning International Dictionary of Black Composers, and was a regular contributor to Just Jazz Guitar magazine for over 15 years. His guitar lessons have been published worldwide through Just Jazz Guitar magazine.

You can listen to Reno De Stefano play solo guitar (standards and contemporary tunes) every 4rth Tuesday of the month @ La Petite Marche, 7-9pm., 5035 St-Denis in Montreal

Secondary Web site :

Faculty of Music (UdeM) Web site :

Lots of video performances on my YouTube channel.

From the CD Mimi's Dance - Reno De Stefano Quintet
From the CD Mimi's Dance - Reno De Stefano Quintet
Reno De Stefano plays Fender Custom Guitar and Fender Telecaster Ultra Luxe HH
Reno De Stefano plays Fender Custom Guitar and Fender Telecaster Ultra Luxe HH

Jazz Projects

Exploring the world of jazz through compositions and performances.

Jazz Concert Théâtre de Verdure - Reno De Stefano Quintet
Jazz Concert Théâtre de Verdure - Reno De Stefano Quintet
Live Performances

Experience live performances showcasing original compositions and classic jazz standards that resonate with audiences and create memorable musical moments.

The Montreal Jazz Festival - Reno De Stefano Quintet
The Montreal Jazz Festival - Reno De Stefano Quintet
Recordings

Discover my latest recording projects that blend innovative compositions with traditional jazz elements, capturing the essence of my musical journey and artistic expression.

Reno De Stefano's jazz performances are captivating. His compositions resonate deeply, showcasing his incredible talent as a guitarist and recording artist. Highly recommend his music!

Emily Smith

several guitars beside of side table
several guitars beside of side table

★★★★★