Born in Buenos Aires in 1972, Fernando Ortero was raised by his mother, classical singer Elsa Marval, following the death of his father. Playing piano and singing from childhood, he quickly expanded his skills by taking up guitar, accordion, melodica, and percussion. Soon, he established himself as a pianist and composer. Playing an intriguing and attractive form of music mainly of his own composition, Otero draws on the musical tradition of his Argentina homeland, blending it with classical and jazz forms to create a vibrant and original sound, which he describes as X Tango. Performing in Mexico and the United States, he gained an admiring audience, along the way performing with Paquito D'Rivera, Eddie Gomez, Dave Grusin, Chico O'Farrill, and Dave Valentin. His compositions have also been commissioned by the Kronos Quartet. Otero sometimes plays solo, works with his own trio and quintet, and also often plays in duo with violinist Nick Danielson. Otero lived briefly in Madrid and London before settling in New York City. ~ TiVo Staff