Asato, Mateus

The Youtube sensation forging his own path

Electric guitar has always been an ensemble instrument, and there are few classic recordings where it appears unaccompanied. Brazilian Youtube sensation Asato exploits the electric guitar’s potential as a true solo instrument. Often accompanied only by shimmer reverb and delay effects, he takes the chord-melody principle Hendrix started with Little Wing and takes it to lengths perhaps even Jimi wouldn’t have imagined. As with the legendary Chet Atkins, the technique on display is astounding but not ostentatious because it always serves the music. Whether on covers or original compositions, his groove, dynamics, and depth of emotion are compelling.