Guelph School Of Guitar

Adrian Raso is a respected guitarist/composer from Guelph, Ontario, Canada and is a proud recipient of a 2012‐2013 Ontario Arts Council Grant in Popular Music. Adrian has recorded two instrumental EPs and nine full‐length instrumental albums. Black Mamba (2005) showcased Adrian’s stunning versatility and musicianship over a variety of styles, ranging from Gypsy to Mediterranean flavours. Adrian’s work 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.

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 (Gypsy Jazz legend Stephane Grapelli).

In February of 2011 he released the spine‐tingling rockabilly single “Dead Man’s Hand” featuringLee Rocker (The Stray Cats) on bass and Kevin Figueiredo (Extreme) on drums. This single was mixed by Bob St. John and artwork was created by the incomparable Vince Ray.

Adrian released Nina del Sol in 2011. This record, mixed by multi‐platinum and Grammy award‐ winning producer Bob St. John, highlights many of Adrian's Mediterranean influences, and features guest star performances from the legendary Sheila E. (Prince, Ringo Starr) and drummer Kevin Figueiredo (Extreme).

Adrian was extremely busy in 2012, releasing the rockabilly‐inspired LP Liquor Talkin’ with his electric band, The Big Deal. In addition, Adrian received an Ontario Arts Council Grant in Popular Music to support his collaboration with world‐renowned Gypsy brass ensemble, Fanfare Ciocarliato produce Devil’s Tale. This high‐energy recording, conceived of by Adrian as a true melding of Eastern and Western cultures and musical traditions, offers the world an extraordinary experience. Special guest performances include John Jorgenson (Elton John) and Rodrigo (Rodrigo y Gabriela). This record has been released worldwide on Asphalt Tango Records.

Devil’s Tale debuted at #1 on the World Music Charts Europe. It remained in the top 10 for 3 consecutive months. Devil’s Tale was awarded the prestigious German Record Critic’s Award and finished as one of the Top 30 albums of 2014 on the CBC.

Favourable reviews and critical acclaim have led to Adrian to write original music for independent film and theatre productions, and artist endorsements from G&L guitars, Godin guitars, Dr. Z Amplification, The Deering Banjo Company, Michael Collins guitars, K&K Sound pick‐ups, Keeley Electronics, Wampler Pedals, Pigtronix, Radial Engineering, Pedaltrain, and Biltmore Hats. Adrian is considered a guitar virtuoso, an exceptional songwriter, and his jaw‐dropping live shows worldwide never fail to impress.

Please visit: www.adrianraso.net