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| Ryan Montbleau Band Releases New CD Ryan Montbleau Band's debut release, One Fine Color, sold nearly 1000 units within two weeks of its February 14 release. Having begun his career playing Boston's coffee shops and folk venues as a solo artist with an infectious, percussive, finger-picking guitar style, the charismatic Ryan Montbleau has evolved into the front man for the dynamic, eclectic ensemble that bears his name. In addition to Ryan with his voice, acoustic and electric guitars, the band is comprised of Matt Giannaros (acoustic upright bass, electric bass, vocals), Laurence Scudder (viola), Jason Cohen (piano, organ, clavinet, Rhodes) and James Cohen (drums). The sound that emerges is akin to a cross between Van Morrison and Jack Johnson, with a touch of Stevie Wonder and The Band. While the arrangements and intriguing instrumentation bring about this alchemic transformation in the music, it is all anchored firmly on Ryan's meaningful lyrical content and an unmistakable voice that carries it to the audience. Rest assured, the audience responds. Ryan Montbleau Band's first studio album, One Fine Color, was recorded at the prestigious Applehead Studios in Woodstock, NY, and released on Valentine's Day. The record has a classic album format, with a seamless flow and a cohesive artistic vision standing in the face of today's emphasis on singles. Since the release of One Fine Color, Ryan Montbleau Band has continued to cruise under the proverbial radar, without the benefit of label support, distribution or funding of any sort, and they are achieving success on the road that may well rival or exceed that of many of their signed, better-financed and supported peers. Thanks to their loyal, attentive and active fan base, One Fine Color sold nearly 1000 units within two weeks of its February 14 release. In market after market, Ryan Montbleau Band is experiencing near exponential growth in attendance, compared to their last shows in the same markets in 2005. Festival bookings are streaming in— too many to accommodate in some areas-- and major labels are asking for copies of the CD. This is a grass roots response to an artist on the rise, and Ryan Montbleau Band owes it all to their loyal fans. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |