The Pace Report: "A Solo State of Mind" The Pasquale Grasso Interview
Welcome to another edition of The Pace Report featuring guitarist Pasquale Grasso.
Over the last five years, Pasquale has been the darling of the international jazz scene bringing a classical approach to jazz guitar. His unique style has been praised by NEA Jazz Master and multiple Grammy-Award Winning guitarist Pat Metheny.
Pasquale hails from Ariano Irpino, Italy, and began playing jazz guitar at three years old. He and brother heavily emersed themselves in jazz music was discovered by the legendary Dr. Barry Harris while he was playing and lecturing in Italy. The three developed a bond and became a mentor to them and asked them to take part in his Jazz Workshops overseas.
He studied classical guitar studies at the Music Conservatory of Bologna. It was at school when Grasso developed his approach to the guitar, combining classical tradition with his own technique. In 2012 he moved to New York City and worked his way around the jazz scene. In a short span, he became a member of The Ari Roland Quartet and the Chris Byars Quartet and has performed with Barry Harris, Charles Davis, Frank Wess, Leroy Williams, Ray Drummond, Murray Wall, Steve Grossman, Bucky Pizzarelli, and China Moses.
Pasquale has recently released a series of digital solo guitar recordings with an emphasis on a tribute to the great jazz masters including Bud Powell, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, and Billie Holiday. This series is available on Sony Masterworks and can order them on Amazon.com, i Tunes, and Google Play.
For more info on Pasquale Grasso's upcoming club dates or to order his digital EP Solo series please visit him online at www.pasqualegrasso.com or Facebook.com/PasqualeGrasso.