Alex De Grassi Turning, Turning Back

Back in the late 70’s, a new sound on the acoustic guitar was emerging….

And at the forefront of this new style and sound was guitarist Alex de Grassi.

Since 78′, Alex has recorded many albums for the innovative label Windham Hill Records which are still among my favorites today.

Interestingly, my mentor and friend Greg Gualtieri from Pendulum Audio had a close association with Alex. Builder of the SPS1, the rack mount design was the  world’s first rack- mounted acoustic guitar preamp (1988) and everyone was using it including Alex.. Check out this list of users.. You wonder how they got their sound, now you know…….
“James Taylor, Leo Kottke, Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, David Wilcox, The Eagles, Steve Earle, Jeff Tweedy, Ray Lamontagne, John Williams, John Fogerty, Alex De Grassi, Metallica, Counting Crows, Lou Reed, Goo Goo Dolls, Rusted Root, Keb’ Mo’, Bob Weir, Phil Keaggy, John Sebastian, Arlo Guthrie, Al DiMeola, Kenny Loggins, Justin Hayward, Leon Redbone, Donovan, Laurence Juber, David Lindley, Jonatha Brooke, Catie Curtis, Gary Louris, Earl Klugh, Lindsay Buckingham, Clint Black, Ottmar Liebert, Mike Marshall, Wayne Johnson, John Abercrombie, Ravi Shankar, Patty Larkin, Lucinda Williams, Stephen Bennett, Brooks Williams, Tom Chapin, David Broza, Willy Porter, Bob Harris, and many, many others!”

(hey, was that my name at the end?)

Here’s a link to ultimate acoustic sound. My studio is filled with Greg’s award winning gear.

Alex DeGrassi Bio:

“Born in Yokosuka, Japan but grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. Grandfather was a violinist with the San Francisco Symphony. Learned to play trumpet but at age 13, discovered the guitar and hasn’t looked back. Has a degree in Economic Geography from University of California at Berkeley. Taught himself the guitar though has studied with noted teacher Bill Thrasher and jazz piano with Mark Levine and composition with William Mathieu.

First recording was Turning: Turning Back in 1978 on Windham Hill Records. Other recordings followed – see the discography page for a complete list.
Has played at such notable venues as the Montreux Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall, Belfast International Festival, Telluride, and Wolftrap.

Has taught at the National Summer Guitar Workshop, the Milwaukee Conservatory of Music, and the Omega Institute – and his own workshop series. Alex is the subject of a PBS concert/interview television show, Alex de Grassi: The Artist’s Profile. 

Grammy Award nominee and Indie Award nominee for The Water Garden.

Collaborates with Chilean multi-instrumentalist Quique Cruz in the band Tatamonk and with experimental guitarist g.e. stinson.” go to site