".....he's got the gypsy blood and makes his guitar sing like a midnight crooner." ”

Jazz Weekly

Adrian Raso

Adrian Raso is a respected guitarist/composer from Guelph, Ontario, Canada and has been the proud recipient of several Ontario Arts Council Grants in Popular Music.  Adrian has recorded two instrumental EPs and ten full-length instrumental albums.

2020 has seen Adrian transition into the world of film and begin his journey as a screen composer. His music has been featured in Sacha Baron Cohen’s Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (2020) and Konstantin Statskiy’s Hotel Belgrade (2020).

In 2019 Asphalt Tango Records released Adrian’s latest release, The Gypsybilly King. This album featured spirited contributions from Lee Rocker and drummer Michael Bland (Prince & The New Power Generation).

The driving instrumental hard rock album Frozen In Time was recorded in 2017. This gave Adrian a chance to record with metal legends Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake) and Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Dio).

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 Ciocarlia to 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 three 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.

In February of 2011 he released the spine-tingling rockabilly single “Dead Man’s Hand” featuring Lee 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).  

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 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.

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.

Favourable reviews and critical acclaim have led to artist endorsements from Gretsch 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.

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