Fernando Otero

Born in Buenos Aires in 1972, Fernando Otero grew up under the care of his mother, classical singer Elsa Marval, after losing his father. From childhood he played piano and sang, then broadened his instrumental range to include guitar, accordion, melodica, and percussion. He soon established himself as a pianist and composer. Working primarily with his own material, Otero fuses the musical traditions of his native Argentina with classical and jazz idioms, producing a distinctive sound he calls X Tango. Appearances in Mexico and the United States helped him build a loyal following, during which he collaborated with Paquito D'Rivera, Eddie Gomez, Dave Grusin, Chico O'Farrill, and Dave Valentin. The Kronos Quartet has also commissioned works from him. He performs alone, leads his own trio and quintet, and frequently appears in duo format with violinist Nick Danielson. After short stays in Madrid and London, Otero made New York City his permanent home.