Re: Ryan McGarvey
Just got back from Ryan's show at the Robin2 in Bilston, UK. An absolutely outstanding performance as usual, the band excelled as always and I came away with a big smile. Mystic Dream, despite being lengthy, still has me open mouthed to the end but his work on the Strat, specifically Firework Eyes, was the stand out. He played his new D'Angelico on all but 4 songs and clearly loves his new axe. I prefer the tone he gets out his LP and Strat though.
Spoke to him at the end of the show, bought his latest CD and got it signed. I asked why they were not on the Blues Alive At Sea Cruise next year - apparently they were not invited back and wanted to go, which kinda threw me a little as they were without one of the high points last February, a view shared by most people I spoke with at the time and after. I'd love to know the thinking behind that one.
Downside, the lighting at the Robin2 was shockingly bad and Ryan was rewarded with a pretty sparse audience - I reckon less then 80 people. It felt like a personal show, I took 6 people with me and my wife to see him for the first time, they were all blown away, but were surprised at how few people were present given the quality of the artist.
He's a fantastic talent, the mix of rock and blues is on the money for me and he has a great drummer and bassist in Logan and Sam. He's also a lovely guy. I wish him all the best and hope he makes the next step up. If there's any justice, he will and soon.....