A master of jazz and classical guitar, Peruvian born Andrés Prado is a unique gem in the world of jazz. Blending intensely emotional Peruvian rhythms with high spirited jazz styling, Prado bridges the gap between contemporary jazz and classical South American folk music.

Prado has found world-wide success both for his solo classical guitar and for his work in his own jazz trios, quartets and quintets. Prado has found himself on stage and in the studio with the legendary Spyro Gyro, Jimmi Hamilton, John Butler and Julian Arguelles. He is currently recording with master bassist Enrique Luna and is playing with Twin Cities virtuosos Pete Whitman, Jeff Bailey and Kevin Washington.

Prado has studied music all over the world, from classical guitar at the National Conservatoire of Music in Lima, to Latin American guitar at the Avellaneda School of Popular Music in Buenos Aires. He finished his post-graduate studies in jazz guitar at Trinity College of Music in London, where he received three of their most prestigious awards: The Isabel Bond Gold Medal Award for best performer of the year, The Montagu Cleeve Guitar Prize for best guitarist and the founders Prize for Excellence.

He also is a renowned educator, having taught guitar and conducted jazz and Latin American music workshops at schools such as the Blackheath Conservatoire of Music in England, Brunel University and Eastleigh College. He now lectures in Jazz Performance at McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul, MN.

With his solo record Chinchano, a classical folk album which emphasizes Peruvian rhythms, and his contemporary jazz record Jazz Imagery with Enrique Luna, Prado has proven himself as a stunning player and innovative composer. Recently releasing the two albums on Minnesota-based RPM Records, Prado is already back in the studio and recording three new albums: a solo classical guitar album, a jazz album with his quintet, and follow up to Imagery with Luna.