BIOGRAPHY

Born as Kornel Juhasz in Hungary in 1971. He started to play the guitar at the age of 14, and by his early twenties he was already performing Latin-Spanish guitar music in bars and restaurants, while also rocking big stages across Hungary with a popular pop-rock tribute band.

Although he graduated as an economist from the University of Economics, music remained his true passion. In his mid-twenties, he began exploring jazz, which soon became a defining influence on his style.

In 2004, his debut latin-jazz-pop album ‘Unlimited’ was released under the name Cornelio Tutu Band. The album received outstanding international reviews, showcasing his original music stile, unique guitar tone and improvisational skill. Soon he played on international jazz festivals, among others in the USA, Spain, Italy, India,...(2006-2008). This debut album was broadcasted by many radio stations, mainly in Hungary.

His first jazz album ’Unlimited’ was released in 2004, with the band Cornelio Tutu Band. This CD and his jazz guitar playing got amazing international reviews. Soon with this band he played on international jazz festivals, among others in the USA, Spain, Italy, India,...(2006-2008).

This time he was also an endorser artist for Washburn Jazz Guitars, performing on the Washburn stage at MusicMesse Frankfurt in 2005 and 2006.

His track “Unlimited” was featured on the Radio Jazzy Collection CD in 2007, earning a Gold Record Award after sales numbers.

In 2012, he released his second album, featuring a new lineup, vocal concept, and brass section, further expanding his musical horizons.

He spent time abroad - first in London, then in Dublin, for nearly 3 years altogether - immersing himself in diverse musical environments before returning to Hungary in 2021.

In 2025 he re-started his guitarist career - as ’CAPTAIN Himself’ - to be one of the bests and well-known guitarist internationally.

Festivals (2004-2012):

Margitszigeti Szabadtéri Színpad 2012, Budapest, Hungary.
Múzeumok Éjszakája/Vajdahunyadvár 2012, Budapest, Hungary.
Ars Hungarica Festival 2011, Sibiu - Nagyszeben, Romania
SzeptEmber Feszt 2010, Budapest, Hungary
Zsámbék Jazz Open 2009, Zsámbék, Hungary
Sarteano Jazz Fest 2008, Sarteano, ITALY
KANIZSA Nemzetközi Jazzfesztivál 2008, Nagykanizsa, Hungary
MOL Jazz Fesztivál 2008, Budapest, Hungary
Transilvania Jazz Fest 2007, Cluj Napoce - Kolozsvár, Romania
Debrecen International Jazz Fest 2007, Debrecen, Hungary
Rochester International Jazz Festival 2007, Rochester, USA
Ars Hungarica Festival 2007, Sibiu - Nagyszeben, Romania

Calcutta Jazz Fest (Congo Square JazzFest) 2007, Kolkata, India
Concert in Delhi 2007, India
Festival de Jazz Villa de Posadas 2007, Cordoba, Spain
Idill Nemzetközi Jazz és Blues Feszt 2006, Baja, Hungary
Budapesi Nyári Fesztivál 2006, Budapest, Hungary
International Massimo Urbani Award 2006, Camerino, ITALY
MUSIKMESSE 2006, Frankfurt, Germany
Budapest Jazz Feszt 2005, Budapest, Hungary
Zempléni Fesztivál 2005, Sárospatak, Hungary
MUSIKMESSE 2005, Frankfurt, Germany
A38, 2004 és 2008, Budapest, Hungary

Some good international reviews from the Keep Playing album:

’It looks like there is a new guitar kid on the block and his name is Cornelio Tutu. Keep Playing is a great initial release. With balance, sincerity and conviction, let's hope that future releases allow him to stretch out even further. His developing style as well as an ability to surround himself with talented musicians bodes well for this up and coming guitarist.’

'Fans of Lee Ritenour and Pat Metheny might find a new friend in Hungarian Cornelio Tutu whose new album Keep Playing shows the guitarist in fine form.'

’The band combine well with an excellent balance, a lightness of touch, and a clear feeling that these are splendid musicians…A fine CD and a name that we might hear more of.’