Harris And Ryden





Harris And Ryden
No Video Available
The music of Stephen Harris & Chris Ryden draws a melodic line nearly the length of the Great Divide, from the craggy peaks of the Grand Tetons to the rolling, green Texas Hill Country. Lots of miles and lots of stories and lots of territory…And all of it is encapsulated on RUN (Two Mule Records), the aptly-titled second album from the increasingly popular duo. Although they attended the same high school in San Antonio, Stephen's and Chris' paths did not cross until after they made parallel sojourns to cowboy on ranches up in the wilds of northwestern Wyoming. A tangled skein of circumstance (or fate, if you believe in that sort of thing) brought the two together on a rambling roadtrip to Texas. Discovering a shared love of music-and a newly-minted affection for Austin-the two embarked on a musical partnership which has seen a wildly diverse range of shows- from sharing the stage with Lyle Lovett to performing at the ambassador's party at the U.S. embassy in the Dominican Republic. And, oh yeah, an awful lot of beer joints, too. Here To Jackson, their debut album of two years ago, was a portrait of two singer-songwriters in transition. "We went into the studio about four months after putting a band together," said Harris. "This was like five months from the time when we were just two guys on barstools, playing acoustic guitars" adds Ryden. The album established a benchmark for H&R ("Their harmonies break the mold [and] their music transports you from Wyoming to Texas within a few notes and leaves you wishing you were swapping stories around a campfire," said one observer). But they soon surpassed that recording as a live act. Which makes RUN, in a way, the first full-fledged Harris & Ryden album. "It seems to us like there is a big change from the last album to this one, in the overall sound," observed Ryden. "But it's a logical progression." And Harris adds with a smile, "We have no one to blame but ourselves." That's not precisely true. RUN was produced by Merel Bregante, whose landmark work with Loggins & Messina gave him a few platinum-selling insights about coaxing the best from a duo of talented songwriters and musicians. And the band H&R has assembled makes good use of some of Austin's most talented young pickers. The bakers-dozen songs on RUN (including the inaugural single, "This Hard Town") flow naturally between Western-flavored rockers, ballads and story songs that evoke classic high-lonesome images. Though Ryden cites influences from Mark Knopfler and Springsteen to Marty Robbins, and Harris' loyalties hew close to classic Texas storytellers like Guy Clark and Ray Wylie Hubbard, their collaborative work owes unclassifiable and original debts to folk, rock, country, and the fertile regional gumbo that is "Texas music." "(It's) kind of like contemporary country meets Western or rough-and-tumble Texas music with polished edges, combined with top-shelf songwriting," wrote John Goodspeed of the San Antonio Express-News. They couldn't have said it better themselves.
Date Venue City State Note
No Tour Dates Available
No News Available
No Blogs Available
No Interviews Available
No Merchandise Available
Average Rating : 0              Total Reviews: 80


Harris And Ryden  02/28/2001            
Jessie Brown
Harris and Ryden are absolutely original in songwriting and in sound. They speak and sing the language of pioneers of land and of music. Soon to be Texas' favorites - are already favorites in Aggieland! Gig 'em H&R!!
Harris And Ryden  02/27/2001            
Cullen
The best CD I've heard in a long time. If they can do this well on their first CD then I look forward to their next.
Harris And Ryden  02/27/2001            
Red Head
You owe it to yourself to get this CD ! For my money ~ the hottest tunes in Texas music today. It just keeps getting better and better every time I listen to it. Buy it ~ you'll thank me. Seeing these guys perform in person makes the CD my favorite, but even without catching their show, you'll love the CD.
Harris And Ryden  02/26/2001            
pablo hanks
good job on the whole package. it sounds absolutely wonderful
Harris And Ryden  02/14/2001            
Thumper
Harris and Ryden is a phenomenal band that exemplifies Texas music. If you get a chance to hear them live you had better act on it. Their CD is great but live is better. This will be your new favorite CD when you get one. I love it!
Harris And Ryden  01/26/2001            
bc
A Great album! The Harris and Ryden Band personifies all that IS Texas and its music. The genuine lyrics never fail to conjure images of campfires on vast prairies, lonely trails, and the restlessness that stirs in the heart of the true cowboy. Watch out Texas music scene, The Harris and Ryden Band is here...and they mean business. This group is sure to provide folks all over this great state with solid harmonies, lively tunes, and creative lyrics for a long time to come. When you get the chance, catch these guys live. They will blow the doors off any texas venue on any night of the week. Chris, Stephen, Seabass (the exceptionally outrageous drummer), and the boys will give a show to remember for a long time. Make plans to see these guys now!
Harris And Ryden  01/26/2001            
Daniel Hodge
I started listening to the Harris and Ryden band while I was living in Austin last June. They were a great show way back then. Indeed, we planned our Thursday nights around where they were going to play. Today, however, these guys have transformed themselves into one of the very best acts Austin has to offer. Going to one of their shows isn't just a great time, its a truly awesome musical experience. Each and every one of them play their hearts out and do so with an astounding degree of musical expertise. That having been said, it came as no surprise to me that "Here to Jackson" was one of the best new albums I've heard in a really long time. Their sound has really matured into music that will surely take them to the top of the Texas music scene, if not beyond. Coupled with outstanding instrumentation is great Texas songwriting. "The Real Ones" exudes the current Texas mantra of eschewing Nasheville's version of country music--a version which has largely been corrupted by increasing tendencies toward a "pop" sound. "For the Boys," which harkens to Steven and Chris's days on a Wyoming Ranch and to the comaraderie of friendship, may be one of the greatest songs ever written. These are just two example of the great music offered on the Harris and Ryden band's first album. "Here to Jackson" is true musical splendor and an absolute must for anyone who claims to be a fan of Texas' own brand of country music.
Harris And Ryden  01/20/2001            
Erin in Austin
Just bought the CD, one of the best purchases I've made in a long time. Harris and Ryden are BADASS! They are great live and their CD is awesome...definitely check it out
Harris And Ryden  01/08/2001            
Joel Rabbinowitz
Unbelievable! This is one of the most enjoyable albums I have heard in a long time. It is hard to believe that all of the songs are originals and that this is their first album. These guys are on their way! Viva Texas music and the H&R Band!
Harris And Ryden  01/08/2001            
Thomas W.
I've known Chris Ryden since our college days. However, it wasn't until a couple of months ago that I actually got to see them play at the Firehouse Saloon in Houston. They were great. Then again, I was drunk. No, but I'm pretty sure they were great. The songs really give a boost to the sometimes stale sounds of the Texas scene. This CD should light a fire under all the copycats out there to do something new and original. Now, give me a free CD, Chris.
Add Review   More Review