Pasquale Grasso
Electric Guitar
36 age
October 19, 1988 Birthday
Ariano Irpino, Province of Avellino, Italy Birthplace
www.pasqualegrasso.com Website
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About
Pasquale Grasso is an Italian-born jazz guitarist celebrated for his groundbreaking approach to the instrument, blending classical guitar techniques with bebop-inspired improvisation. Influenced by jazz pianists like Bud Powell and Art Tatum, Grasso developed a unique "pianistic" style that has redefined jazz guitar. He moved to New York City in 2012, quickly becoming a prominent figure in the jazz scene. Grasso has collaborated with artists like Samara Joy and Laura Benanti and received accolades such as the Wes Montgomery International Jazz Guitar Competition award in 2015 and a Grammy for his work on Linger Awhile in 2022. His solo albums, including Solo Masterpieces and Pasquale Plays Duke, showcase his talent and innovative artistry.
Trivia
In 2024 Pasquale Grasso was recognized by DownBeat magazine as Guitarist of the Year in their Rising Star category. Pat Metheny called Pasquale Grasso "The best guitar player I’ve heard in maybe my entire life." Pasquale Grasso's custom-built "Modello Pasquale Grasso" guitar was crafted by Bryant Trenier, an American luthier based in France.
Early Life
Pasquale Grasso was born in a small Italian town in 1988 and grew up on a farm. Raised in a household filled with jazz and classical music, he and his older brother, saxophonist Luigi Grasso, began playing instruments at an early age. Grasso picked up the guitar at five, and by nine, he and his brother were performing locally. In 1998, he attended Barry Harris' jazz workshop in Switzerland, marking the beginning of a long association that later saw him become a teacher there. In 2008, Grasso earned a degree in classical guitar from the Conservatorio Giovanni Battista Martini. His unique style emerged from blending classical technique with jazz improvisation.
Pasquale Grasso Solos
2022
Electric Guitar solo - Sweet Pumpkin - 2022
4/4 swing in A♭ major at 207 BPM
Electric Guitar solo - Social Call - 2022
4/4 swing in B♭ major at 152 BPM
Electric Guitar solo - Linger Awhile - 2022
4/4 swing in B♭ major at 360 BPM
2020
Electric Guitar solo - Everything Happens To Me - 2020
4/4 swing in E♭ major at 208 BPM
Electric Guitar solo - Del Sasser - 2020
4/4 swing in B♭ major at 230 BPM
Electric Guitar solo - Let's Dream In The Moonlight - 2020
4/4 swing in F major at 360 BPM
Electric Guitar solo - It Only Happens Once - 2020
4/4 ballad in A♭ major at 66 BPM
Electric Guitar solo - Jim - 2020
4/4 swing in D♭ major at 133 BPM
Electric Guitar solo - The Trouble With Me Is You - 2020
4/4 swing in E♭ major at 163 BPM
Electric Guitar solo - Only A Moment Ago - 2020
4/4 swing in B♭ major at 87 BPM
Electric Guitar solo - Moonglow - 2020
4/4 swing in C major at 132 BPM
Electric Guitar solo - But Beautiful - 2020
4/4 ballad in D♭ major at 69 BPM