Music
Press
Adrian Raso understands that, just as a guitar solo is not just a place-holder between lyric lines, an instrumental is not just a bunch of notes that sound good together.
Guitarists may have an extra dimension of appreciation for Raso's music, but unlike a lot of speed merchants, he doesn't waste time with acrobatics that mean nothing to anyone but other players. Bits of Jeff Beck surface in "Swept Away" and in the uptempo boogie of "Crossin' The Line", Mark Knopfler in the cool blues of "The Question Of Blue?", and in "P.J. Shuffle" he lays out choppy, steely phrases out of Stevie Ray Vaughan's book, being particularly creative on turnarounds. But "Crossin' The Line" also has Les Paul's signature on it, "Swept Away" invokes Jimi Hendrix and his affection for Django Reinhardt is all over the place. But, deconstruction aside, Raso is neither a wannabe nor copycat.
Clean Up The Mess plays as if someone had asked, "Adrian, why do you play the guitar?" with each cut being an expansion on the answer. R.A. - Vintage Guitar Magazine (Sept 2010)
Discography
Supersonic Music Man (EP) 1999
Adrian Raso (EP) 2001
Electric Medusa 2004
Black Mamba 2005
Tales Of A Travelling Bohemian 2006
C'est La Vie 2008
Clean Up The Mess 2010
Photos
Bio
Adrian Raso is a respected guitarist/composer from Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Adrian has recorded 2 instrumental EPs, Supersonic Music Man (1999) and the self-titled Adrian Raso (2001) and in 2004, he recorded his first full-length electric album, Electric Medusa. In 2005, Adrian released an all-acoustic album, Black Mamba, which was recorded, mixed, and mastered at Metalworks Studios in Toronto, Ontario. This CD featured Adrian’s stunning versatility and musicianship over a variety of styles, ranging from Gypsy to Latin flavours. This album is a fine example of the balance between commercially accepted music that is also readily embraced by the technically-minded musician.
In 2006, Adrian released his second full-length all-acoustic album called Tales of a Travelling Bohemian. This fiery, passionate guitar-driven CD accentuates his ease of moving from Middle-Eastern to Mediterranean to Gypsy styles of music. The 14 tracks on this disc will no doubt take you to far and distant lands.
C’est La Vie (2008) is Adrian’s tribute to Gypsy Swing. These 15 new compositions reflect his love of Django Reinhardt and traditional French Gypsy music. This album was mixed by Nick Blagona, who had previously worked with Stephane Grapelli.
In 2010, Adrian got back to his sorching hot electric roots with the release of Clean Up The Mess, featuring the drumming of Jeff Consi (Nuno Bettencourt). From blues to surf-rock to reggae, this album rips!
Joining Adrian for his live shows is his band, The Mess. Pete Pascetta, on drums and wigs, provides the backbeat and soul. Ian Ellis rounds out the rhythm section on bass and injects a sweet bottom-end. Anthony Tessaro, the Mighty Dragon, brings in fiery rhythm chops on guitar. Band chemistry allows this group to instantly improvise new motifs at every live show. The shows are a total throwback to the late 1960’s in fashion, vibe, and groove. Think the Jimi Hendrix Experience....but sexier! Isn’t great to see the look of tight polyester pants back again?!
Reviews regarding Adrian’s body of work consider him a guitar virtuoso, an exceptional songwriter, and his jaw-dropping live shows never fail to impress. Favourable reviews and critical acclaim have led to Adrian being commissioned to write original music for independent film and theatre productions, and artist endorsements from the Godin Guitars Company, Gitane Guitars, and Biltmore Hats. Adrian has also been featured in many magazines, on CBC, and a Canadian YMCA campaign.
Proceeds from Adrian’s acoustic discs go to the London Children’s Hospital, in memory of his daughter, Ava Amelie. The audiences at these shows are captivated by his superb playing technique, personality, the opportunity to help support the London Children’s Hospital through CD sales, and of course, by the music.
Links
