“If musical talent is measured in ability, then Iago’s acoustic guitar goes beyond infinity. It surpasses all expectations for a solo artist playing in this music genre. He carries the audience with him.” – Andy Davies, Blues at the Woodlands
“An absolute genius on the guitar . . . Magical.” – BBC Hereford and Worcester
“Fabulous.” Katie Derham, BBC Radio 3
“. . . a technically brilliant fingerpicker who also brings plenty of heart, soul, and personality to proceedings.” – Rock ‘n Reel
Described as ‘a master of the guitar’ by Sean Rafferty of BBC Radio 3’s In Tune, and as a ‘highly recommended artist’ by Celtic Connections, Iago Banet is a veritable one-man band who creates stories without words, his technique and approach to his performance enthralling and captivating audiences as he does so.
Influenced by great guitar pickers such as Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, and Tommy Emmanuel, Iago shares their ability to paint pictures on his fretboard through a delightful lightness of touch, fluidity, and a rare ability to share emotions through his fingers.
Born in Galicia in the northwest of Spain, as a teenager, Iago discovered a classical guitar in his home and set about learning to master it. From that moment, there was no going back: the guitar became his passion, his obsession, his future.
Since 2018, Iago has been building an impressive career as a solo fingerstyle acoustic guitarist, displaying his exceptional abilities and receiving rave reviews. He has performed with artists such as Josh Smith (Joe Bonamassa), Mark Flanagan (Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra), Jack Broadbent, and Clive Carroll.
Dubbed The Galician King of Acoustic Guitar, in 2023 Iago released his third album, TRES, with a UK tour that included multiple sell-out shows and sensational receptions from audiences. He has showcased his immense talent at various festivals, including Brecon Jazz, Hellys International Guitar Festival, and Aberjazz, displaying new levels of skill, complexity, and versatility, while fusing styles ranging from gypsy jazz, blues, Americana, and Country, to Dixieland, swing, pop and folk.
