Pasquale Grasso

It was the kind of endorsement most rising guitarists can only dream of, and then some. In his interview for Vintage Guitar magazine's February 2016 cover story, Pat Metheny was asked to name some younger musicians who'd impressed him. “The best guitar player I've heard in maybe my entire life is floating around now, Pasquale Grasso. In a way, it is a little bit of a throwback, because his model – which is an incredible model to have – is Bud Powell. He has somehow captured the essence of that language from piano onto guitar in a way that almost nobody has ever addressed. He's the most significant new guy I've heard in many, many years.” Grasso's series of solo guitar recordings showcase his sweeping abilities in the most intimate possible setting, allowing the listener to experience his lifetime of listening and of challenging himself to transcend a bar set by Powell and Art Tatum so many decades ago. His Sony Masterworks solo guitar EPs and full-length recordings have presented Pasquale’s interpretations for Standards, Ballads, Monk, Bud Powell, Charlie Parker, and holiday music. Finally, in 2021 he released Pasquale Plays Duke, introducing his trio in addition to featuring vocalists Samara Joy and Sheila Jordan. Coming next is a stunning trio recording titled Be-Bop!, which will continue to expand the possibilities of jazz guitar. www.pasqualegrasso.com