Alex de Grassi

The Profile

American fingerstyle guitarist associated with Windham Hill, noted for solo acoustic works, open tunings, and lyrical precision. He later founded Tropo Music and released The Water Garden (1998).

Master of open tunings; influences include John Fahey and Leo Kottke. Explored jazz and South American elements. Notable Windham Hill releases include Turning: Turning Back and Southern Exposure; ethno-fusion excursions include Altiplano and The World's Getting Loud. Founded Tropo Music and issued The Water Garden (1998), a solo acoustic set featuring pieces such as Prelude, Another Shore, Ripple, The Water Garden, Cumulus Rising, The Zipper, Endless Rain, Lost In The Woods, and Vanishing Point. Performs on 6- and 12-string guitars and the Sympitar.

An American fingerstyle guitarist closely linked to Windham Hill, Alex de Grassi is praised for concealing formidable technique behind apparent simplicity. The Water Garden (1998, Tropo Music) showcases solo acoustic guitar, open tunings, and melodic clarity. Influences include John Fahey and Leo Kottke, with forays into jazz and South American colors. Review sentiment is clearly favorable.