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 flavors.  Adrian’s work is a fine example of the balance between commercially-accepted music that’s also readily embraced by the technically-minded musician.

Raso 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 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.

Primed by his earlier European success with Devils Tale, Raso is determined to leap forward and spread his unique sound further into Europe with the release of Gypsybilly King blending furious Rockabilly guitar with influences ranging from Country Western, Romanian Hora, Deep South Blues, and Italian Tarantella. Raso seamlessly moves us from a smoky room in Paris to an after-hours bar in Prague, before quietly taking us down a dusty road in Texas, until finally settling in the dark streets of New Orleans. Mixed and mastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer Bob St. John, the album also features collaborations with the likes of Prince’s drummer Michael Bland, The Stray Cats’ bassist Lee Rocker, along with multiple members of Del Bel.