Elliott Sharp

Elliott Sharp is a pioneering force in the avant-garde and experimental music scenes, with a career spanning over four decades. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Sharp's musical journey began at the age of six, and since then, he has become a prolific composer, multi-instrumentalist, and performer, releasing over eighty-five recordings that span a wide range of genres, from contemporary classical and free jazz to blues, noise, and techno. Sharp is known for his innovative techniques on the guitar, including open tunings, prepared guitar, and rhythmic two-hand tapping, which create his signature spiraling, hypnotic patterns. His compositions often draw from scientific principles like genetics, Fibonacci numbers, and fractals, reflecting his early interest in science. Sharp has collaborated with a diverse array of artists and has scored music for film, video, and theater, showcasing his versatility and creative depth. His fearless approach to music makes him a central figure in the Downtown New York music scene and a true innovator in modern guitar.