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Whether playing traditional bluegrass music, modern jazz fusion, or electric country twang, Ryan Cavanaugh strives to be original and innovative on the banjo.
Recently discovered by the world famous guitarist, John McLaughlin (Miles Davis; Mahavishnu Orchestra), Ryan's cutting edge banjo stylings are now put to use with sax virtuoso Bill Evans's Soulgrass band.NEWS:Ryan's review from the Ottawa International Jazz Festival 06.21.07:"But the real surprise of the set was banjoist Ryan Cavanaugh. At 27 he may be a new name to most, but that won’t last long, as he’s poised to parallel Béla Fleck’s legitimizing of the banjo in contemporary jazz. Cavanaugh’s bluegrass credibility is undeniable but, while he’ll humbly tell you that he’s still got so much to learn, he’s already a remarkable jazz player. With a more aggressive edge than Fleck, Cavanaugh’s sometimes overdriven, rock-influenced tone and rapid-fire delivery suggest how John McLaughlin might sound had he picked up a banjo instead of a guitar. No surprise, really, since McLaughlin is one of Cavanaugh’s staunchest advocates and recommended him to Evans in the first place."Read the whole article here: http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=26165Ryan has just finished up tracking on Bill Evans's follow up to the Grammy winning release, "Soulgrass." With 2 weeks of tracking in NYC and Nashville, Ryan had the chance to play with musical heroes Joel Rosenblatt, Dennis Chambers, Victor Wooten, Sam Bush, Christian Howes, and Richard Bona. The album also features good friend Bela Fleck.For over a year now, Ryan has been touring Europe extensively with saxophone legend Bill Evans, and his Soulgrass band. The tours have brought the band to venues and jazz festivals throughout Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Austria, Lithuania, and included a great night in Monte Carlo with good friend John McLaughlin.More news to come soon.
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Honors & Endorsements:"Cavanaugh's chops are definately on par with the traditional icon of Scruggs and the contemporary vision of Fleck."
- The Charleston Post & Observer
"I'm really impressed with your work and will recommend you wherever I can."
- John McLaughlin
" Ryan Cavanaugh is an upcoming banjo star. It is a pleasure to play with him. Ryan will help to put the banjo even more into the mainstream of improvisational music "
-Bill Evans ( Miles Davis, John McLaughlin)
"Ryan Cavanaugh is a banjo phenomenon! His amazing virtuosity proves the banjo has truly come into its own from its humble folk beginnings to straight ahead modern jazz. Check this cat out - he's the new wave!"
-Pat Cloud (5-string jazz banjo pioneer)
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