biography

Jozsef was born and raised in Nyíregyháza, Hungary, in a family of musicians. Music has always been a natural part of his life, and at the age of 11, his father gifted him his first guitar, which allowed him to focus on classical music. Jozsef was taught by renowned classical guitar instructors including Ede Roth in Hungary. Later on, he pursued his studies in Austria with Alexander Swete and Alvaro Pierri. Additionally, he learned from jazz guitar teacher Istvan Gyarfas.

Jozsef started arranging and writing, music when he turned 20. His interest in jazz and the way it allows for improvisation began at the age of 15 and has been a significant influence in his musical journey. His passion for jazz guitar has remained with him ever since and has played an important role in his career as a musician.

Botos has won numerous awards from international classical and jazz guitar competitions throughout his studies, including the Szeged Guitar Festival, Kutna Hora Guitar Festival, Rust Guitar Festival, Beograd Guitar Festival, Esztergom Guitar Festival, Naxos Guitar Festival, Mottola Guitar Festival, Budapest Bartok Radio, and Montreux Jazz Guitar Competition. He was also supported by Tamás Vásáry (Conductor and Concert Pianist) at the International Classical Guitar Festival in Esztergom.

At the age of 18, Botos received third place at the International “Attila Zoller” Guitar competition in Bartok, Budapest, with Pat Metheny serving as the chairman of the jury. Before moving to Toronto, Botos performed in concerts and festivals throughout Europe, playing with classical, jazz, and world music projects such as David Yengibarjan, Elias Meiri Trio, Timna Brauer Ensemble, Harry Stoika, PAN TAU-X, with members of the Janoska Ensemble, and many others. After moving to Toronto in 2011, Botos has had the privilege to perform alongside prominent North American musicians, including those in his cousins' Robi and Frank's concerts include Dave Young, Tim Ries, Guido Basso, Pat Labarbera, Paul Novotny , Archie Allen and more. Botos has also collaborated with other well-known Canadian artists such as Aline Homzy Trio, Adrean Farrugia, Romani Jazz, Joseph Phillips, Robert Horvath, Attila Darvas, Attila Fias, Andrew Downing, Ethan Ardelli , Ewen Francombie , Debi Botos Quartet and many others. His performances have taken place in a variety of venues, such as concert halls, festivals, and clubs, including Koerner Hall, Glenn Gould Studio, TD Toronto Jazz Festival, Barrie Jazz and Blues Festival, Kensington Market Jazz Festival, and the Waterfront Music Festival, Lakefield Jazz Festival, Jazz Bistro. In 2021, Jozsef released his first Trio EP, which featured his original compositions. This marked his debut in presenting his own music to the public.