Eric Krasno – Up the Funktion

L.A.’s Eric Krasno has fretboard fire and a prolific pen, making him one of the most exciting R&B-vibed guitarists working today.

- By Robin Davey

A ROSTER OF THE artists signed to the Mascot Label Group reads like a list of the sharpest guitar players around. From Steve Vai to Robben Ford, the level of musicianship is incredible. But one artist on the roster seemed a little more intriguing. Los Angeles resident Eric Krasno is one of those interesting musicians who is happy to sit on a tasteful, minimal groove all through one song, only to burn like a latter-day Wes Montgomery on the next. Blending elements of Herbie Hancock and Curtis Mayfield in his writing, with chops worthy of Grant Green, Krasno is a subtle gem of a musician.

The guitarist’s broad-based approach may come from his background as a producer — and he has produced some of the biggest names in music, from rapper 50 Cent to Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi to soul legend Aaron Neville. And it also may be why his own records are studies in warm, understated funk, with great-sounding arrangements. A veteran of the funk/jazz bands Lettuce and Soulive, he’s now an established solo artist whose in-the-pocket new album, Always, walks in the footsteps of the Meters and Shuggie Otis. Intrigued, we swung by his home in Pasadena to find out more about this soulful, multifaceted player.

What inspired you to pick up a guitar in the first place?