Imagine that 70s band America was back together (all three of them) and at the top of their game. They might sound like this. Especially if they had James Taylor, Justin Hayward, members of CSN&Y, the Eagles, Boston, and REO sitting in--perhaps eve [+]Imagine that 70s band America was back together (all three of them) and at the top of their game. They might sound like this. Especially if they had James Taylor, Justin Hayward, members of CSN&Y, the Eagles, Boston, and REO sitting in--perhaps even a short visit from Mahavishnu John McLaughlin.
Ryan Michael Galloway is about synergizing these sounds into a collection of music all his own. The mixture of styles keeps "Also Known As" from being a boring CD, but the transitions are smooth and intriguing. From the duo guitar plus mandolin work in "Give Sorrow Words"--layered with harmonies ala CSN/Eagles/America--to the complex rock-suite and space chatter of "Man on the Moon," this CD takes you on a journey. The retro aspect of the music makes it instantly accessible, but Mr. Galloway and his producers have brought the sound forward, smoothing the edges and updating it for more mature tastes.
Mr. Galloway is an excellent guitarist, and evidence of this shines through on songs like "Promise Me" (electric) and "No Other One" (acoustic). Edgy leads punctuate the more electric songs throughout, and lighting-fast double-picking on the aforementioned "No Other One" surprises the listener and adds energy to a weighty texture. Still, he can hold back and smolder with quiet acoustic work and crying electric sounds on songs like "River O' Runnin'."
The CD runs the gamut from slow love songs to a stadium anthem. It's a mood enhancer--listeners feel just a bit more energetic when it's done than when they put it on.
Since the initial release of "Also Known As Ryan Michael Galloway" in late 2003, the artist has performed extensively gaining friends and fans along the way. The CD found homes in a wide variety of restaurants, ball parks, and other public venues, and a small cult-following appeared in North Texas. The CD has sold through the Internet in such far away places as Sweden and Belgium, and has even shown up in the Philippines, Austrailia, and the UK. He appeared often at Dr. Pepper/7-up Ball Park in Frisco, Texas; Dunn Bros. Coffee in Addision, Texas; Coffee Dreams in Allen, Texas; and the famous Gilley's (Dallas).
Just "google" the the artist's name and you'll find dozens of hits containing reviews, downloadable song links, and photographs
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