AMP Festival, Wolfville, NS

Ryan MacGrath‘s home on the Internet is www.myspace.com/ryansmacgrath.

The Organizers of the AMP Festival are exited to present Ryan MacGrath to the Wolfville Audience. It will happen at the Friday Night opening concert, when Ryan will offer a sneak preview of his upcoming CD release (May 15, Lilian Piercey Concert Hall, The Maritime Conservatory).

Ryan Macgrath is an unconventional study in contrasts. His rural roots anchor a musical and personal style that is opulent, but never ostentatious. He possesses an authentic, old-school glamour that is as rare as it is refreshing. His music reminds us that, though life is seldom simple, there is beauty in the complexity, in the journey, in the telling. Through his songs, he is himself and everyone. He is a lover – both scorned and adored. He is sometimes a diva, occasionally a desperado. He is that friend whose words help us wade through the tough times and frolic in moments of fun.

Whether sharing the stage with stellar musical colleagues like Buck 65, Matt Mays and Gentleman Reg, amazing an audience in front of a full band complete with barbershop quartet or quietly captivating the room with a haunting solo set, Ryan never demands but rather powerfully elicits admiration. After receiving national press, praise and two 2009 Nova Scotia Music Award nominations for his ep In My Own Company, Ryan is currently collaborating with prolific producer Jason Michael MacIsaac (Jenn Grant, Brent Randall, The Heavy Blinkers) on his debut full-length album COOPER HATCH PARIS to be released on MAY 15th, 2010

As his voice soars and crescendos and we are transported to landscapes of truth and tragedy, melancholy and mirth, we may not know what to expect, but having heard him, we know enough to listen for songs that are both larger than life portraits, and exquisitely melodic miniatures. Ryan MacGrath: memorable magic.

“Ryan MacGrath is one of our favourite musicians on the Halifax scene right now. Each time we’ve seen him (three shows in the past three months) he has had the audience in the palm of his hand. We look forward to hosting Ryan at a house concert soon so we can share the dynamite – great voice – intriguing yet accessible songs – wicked stage presence! – Paula and Mike Fredericks, acousticroof.ca”

“Ryan is a rare songwriter; his songs are sharp, sexy, self-depricating, and melancholic. His songs are perfect little stories about what goes on inside. His voice is from another planet; smooth and sad and full of gentle power. I have often had a song of Ryan’s stuck in my head for days, only to have it replaced by another. And to top it all off; he’s always wearing great shoes. -Stewart Legere”

“…a timeless voice, unique songwriting, dramatic melodies and a beautiful landscape of instrumentation. Ryan MacGrath makes beautiful music.” -Carmel Mikol