Byron Johnston is a UK based solo guitarist who is gaining increasing acclaim for his rousing performances which showcase his unique brand of acoustic fusion and highly original artistic approach to guitar playing. To see him perform, it is difficult not to notice that he has an almost visceral understanding of the guitar. When he plays, he invokes the kind of music that captures his audience in the heat of the moment, with passionate and dazzling displays of artistry.

Following the release of his album ‘Oceano’, Byron has made a name for himself as a soloist in the UK guitar music scene. It was his debut album that first drew the attention of the programming team at The Royal Albert Hall and led to an invitation to perform as a soloist at The Royal Albert’s Ignite Series of concerts. His music has been described as evocative and passionate, where he fuses his gypsy flamenco guitar technique with influences ranging from classical, fingerstyle and world music.

He began his musical career as the founding member of acoustic Latin band Cuba Libra. Their first album ‘Aviendha’ led to festival performances and radio appearances in the south of England, and with that, the taste of musical success. By 2005, Byron began performing as a solo concert guitarist, making the transition from playing in a band to being a successful writer and solo performer. As an original and exciting performer, Byron has seen his career go from strength to strength with his music taking him internationally to perform from India to The Caribbean and throughout Europe.

In 2010 Byron met and began collaborating with dynamic vocalist Randolph Matthews, their music is described as an exquisite and sublime afro/flamenco fusion which explores world music, with cascading soulful melodies and influences from The Mediterranean, Africa and the exotic reaches of the globe. Within a year of meeting they had released their collaborative album ‘In The Shadow Of Leaves’ , and gone on to perform shows at The Queen Elizabeth Hall, Royal Albert Hall, alongside radio interviews and festival performances.

At present, Byron continues to maintain a full schedule of shows and recordings, both as a soloist and in collaboration with virtuoso Violinist Anna Phoebe, and singer Randolph Matthews. He also co hosts the yearly Guildford Music Awards in his hometown as well as supporting and advising artists in the thriving local live music scene.