Gustavo Cortinas

Embracing a multicultural language while investing in a variety of disciplines within the music itself, Mexican born and Chicago-based composer, bandleader, drummer and lyricist Gustavo Cortiñas continues to surpass himself in the breadth of his work. Born and raised in Mexico, Gustavo would eventually move far from home first traveling to New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, and later to Chicago, the place he now calls home. His journey set the foundation for his work: Latin American folklore, classical music, jazz; philosophy, religion and the Latin American cry for justice.

A graduate of Loyola University New Orleans (BM Jazz, Minor in Philosophy), and Northwestern University (MM Jazz), Gustavo has had a successful career in the US for over a decade leading and accompanying ensembles at renowned venues and festivals in North America, Latin America, Asia and Europe. In Chicago, Gustavo has become one of the most sought out drummers, performing and recording with Javier Red’s Imagery Converter, Matt Peterson, Kitt Lyles, Erik Skov, Emily Kuhn, Michael Hudson-Casanova, Chuchito Valdés Trio, Roy McGrath, Kyle Madsen, and the Carla Campopiano Trio, among other ensembles. Gustavo is also a member of the Chicago Jazz Composer's Collective, performing regularly for their monthly residency at the Green Mill. He is an endorser of Canopus Drums & Bosphorus Cymbals and received grants from the Mexican National Endowment of the Arts, the Illinois Arts Council, and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. His album, Desafío Candente, is a sprawling meditation on Latin American life and struggles and was on Jazziz Magazine’s list of the 2021 Best Releases, as well as the Jazz Journalists Association Top Latin Jazz Albums of 2021.