Johannes Linstead

Johannes Linstead

Linstead performing live in Bahrain, April 12, 2007
Background information
Also known as Sevaji
Born Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Origin Sosúa, Dominican Republic
Genres New Flamenco, instrumental, Latin, world, new-age, jazz, Spanish guitar, tropical
Occupation(s) Musician, guitarist, composer, spiritual teacher
Instruments Guitar
Years active 1999–present
Labels Real Music, Earthscape Media, Gemini Sun
Associated acts Nicholas Gunn, David Arkenstone, Loren Gold
Website johanneslinstead.com

Johannes Linstead (also records under the name Sevaji) is an award-winning Canadian guitarist[1] and instrumentalist who fuses virtuoso Spanish-style guitar with Afro-Cuban, Middle Eastern, and Latin American percussion and instrumentation. In 2010, Linstead was named "World Artist of the Year" in the T.O.M.A Awards (The Ontario Music Awards), was the recipient of "Best World Album" and "Best Instrumental Album – Acoustic" in the ZMR Awards, and signed an influential artist endorsement deal with the Yamaha Corporation of America. Further accolades include being named "Guitarist of the Year" in the prestigious Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards (2007), two NAR Lifestyle Music Awards, a nomination for a Juno Award and others.

Early years

Johannes Linstead began studying guitar at age eight, when he was given a guitar for his birthday. As he progressed, he gravitated to the classical guitar; the only music he was exposed to as a child. In his teens, however, he also developed a love for other styles, such as rock, flamenco, and jazz. Popular composers and guitarists which have impacted Linstead as a musician include Sor, Tarrega, Giuliani, Randy Rhoads, Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Jorge Strunz, Sabicas, Paco de Lucia, Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin and Angel Romero.[2][3]

In high school he joined the school's jazz band and won the "Musician of the Year" award – the first of many awards and recognitions he has since earned.[4]

Further influences in his music come from travel across the globe, including India, Bahrain, Spain, Cuba, Mexico, and at least two dozen others.

Linstead has studied Hung Gar Kung Fu with Dr. Jopet Laraya and practices Qi Gong, having studied with renowned master Weizhou Wu, in an effort to live a holistic life.[2]

In an effort to deepen his spiritual practice Linstead began studying Kundalini yoga in 2001 and became a KRI certified instructor. Linstead was bestowed the name Seva Singh or "Lion of Devotional Service" by Kundalini yoga master Yogi Bhajan. The name Sevara is derived from "Seva" meaning devotional service, and "Ra", the sun aspect which corresponds to his astrological sign. Having become a certified Kundalini Yoga instructor, he teaches whenever his tour schedule permits.

In the autumn 2006, Linstead contributed his song "Journey To Alcazaba" to the album project Artists for Charity – Guitarists 4 the Kids, produced by Slang Productions, to assist World Vision Canada in helping underprivileged kids in need.[5]

In the winter of 2006, Johannes founded Divine Earth, an online humanitarian community where members post information about spirituality, health, and world politics. The philosophy of Divine Earth is that in order to attain a happier and healthy world we must first understand what substandard conditions exist that undermine the individual's ability to find inner peace.

Selected recordings

JUNO Awards Nominations

2007: Instrumental Album of the Year: Café Tropical, Nominated: Johannes Linstead

Total Nominations: 1

Juno Awards Artist Summary Johannes Linstead

Discography

Studio albums

Compilation albums

Other Compilation Appearances

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Goes down easy". Postmedia News. July 6, 2006. Archived from the original on May 12, 2014. Retrieved June 30, 2012.
  2. 1 2 "Johannes Linstead Interview". Guitarhoo!. Guitarhoo.com. October 16, 2005. Retrieved March 9, 2013.
  3. ↑ "Johannes Linstead Fave 5 Record Reviews". Guitarhoo!. Guitarhoo.com. 2008. Retrieved March 9, 2013.
  4. ↑ "Awards". Retrieved 2012-08-30.
  5. ↑ "Slang Productions – Guitarists 4 the Kids". Slang Productions. September 11, 2006. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
  6. ↑ "Johannes Linstead : Tales of a Gypsy Review". Guitarhoo!. Guitarhoo.com. March 29, 2013. Retrieved January 1, 2015.
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