Phenomden
7. April 2026
Can Bayoglu
8. April 2026
UMBERTO PORCARO
Sicilian roots. A blues heart.
Born in 1979, Umberto Porcaro discovered his passion for the blues at an early age — a passion that would take him from local bands to Chicago and the clubs of California.
On his first visit to Chicago, he performed with Billy Branch and The Sons of Blues, Fernando Jones, Eomot Rasun and Johnny Dollar. His first records, You Belong To Me and Burn The Day Away, earned praise from the Italian and international music press.
Winning the Obiettivo Blues In auditions at the Pistoia Blues Festival opened further doors, bringing opportunities to appear on bills featuring B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Robben Ford, Roy Rogers, Canned Heat and The Blues Band, as well as inclusion on a festival compilation.
His journey later took him to Los Angeles and San Francisco, performing at clubs including Café Boogaloo, The Saloon, Mojo Lounge and Biscuits and Blues. Along the way, he connected with musicians including Kim Wilson, Kid Ramos, Junior Watson and The Hollywood Blue Flames — deepening a musical life rooted in the blues.
Collaboration
As a blues lover with a weakness for expressive guitar playing, it was only a matter of time before Umberto Porcarocaught my ear.
In April 2024, I spotted a UP Trio gig at the Hollywood Club in Lugano, close to home. A spontaneous decision — and I headed out with my all-original 1952 Gibson Les Paul All Gold in tow.
I arrived just before the show, introduced myself and opened the case. “Umberto, you’re welcome to play it tonight.”
One look at that ’52, and he was in. What followed? He set the place on fire! Check out the last video below. A vintage Gibson, a burning set and the beginning of a friendship — that’s how we became blues brothers.
Months later, when Nick Schnider of Nikel Audio Arts and I began developing the Fandango Multi Range Booster, Umberto was one of the first players I called. Would he test it and take it on stage? Absolutely. His enthusiasm told us we were onto something, and his feedback helped us make it even better.
Today, the Booster has become part of his signature sound. In fact, he tells me he leaves it on all the time!
He’s also spread the word among guitar players around the world. We couldn’t be happier.
Grazie, Umberto — you’re the man!
Curious? Find the Fandango Multi Range Booster under Effects and discover a little tone magic for yourself.
Adrian Egli
