Ryan Davidson's Trio are one of a kind. They wrap their instruments around multiple genres and produce compositions that are sonically interesting and aurally pleasing. They jump between genres with a seamless stride and make it all sound so good.

~Susan Frances, Yahoo!  Full Review…Click Here

 

The Ryan Davidson Trio are not only an amazing jamband, but each member of the group are named Ryan. How they scored that, I don’t know, but that’s beside the point. Their self-titled album is the type featuring music that you generally don’t hear about anymore in wide-open circles. It starts out in an epic way, not unlike those great bands in the 70′s who would come in (musically) and take over the place. No words, just concentrate on the music and start exploring, which I like. They’ll get into a few jazzy moments, and a few songs that are low-key and might sound perfect at a galleria opening, but for the most part they are rockers with a love for jazz and… okay, maybe that’s a stereotypical statement. But this truly rocks in that rustic way.  It’s clean, it’s mixed well, this is a quality recording.

~John Book, This is Books Music

 

Here’s a power trio led by a Canadian that made his bones in the UT Lab Band and plays jazz and country on a high profile basis.  All this and this set has surf/Goth over-undertows running throughout it giving it an eerie, rock club on Mars vibe that sucks you in by its offbeat audaciousness.  Nutty, wild stuff that gleefully opens your ears in naughty, Puckish fashion that is completely nuts.  A sure bet for fun seekers not looking for a fast ball down the middle.

~Chris Spector, Midwest Record Recap Volume 35/Number 4

 

 

The Ryan Davidson Trio is on its way to widening the scope of country music by adding elements of jazz.  They have been paving their own way which has been a challenge but is a challenge that they have accepted wholeheartedly.  While still maintaining time-honored traditions of country music, they exercise their freedom to improvise.  In doing so they are planting the seed for fertile new ground that is sure to attract those who follow.

Susan Frances, Interview with Jazzreview..Full Interview... Click Here

 

Davidson is a natural, with an ability to harvest a brawny organ tone, or pure silk from his fret. Whatever the case, it comes out with flawless ease. Ryan Hagler's bass is round, down-reaching and accommodatingly melodic; add the propulsive, round-the-clock drumming of Ryan Jacobi, and suddenly the group forgets that it's a trio; becomes larger than life; and the more you listen, the more they stick to you like barnacles on a ship's hull.

~CJ Bond, Jazz Music - Full Review…Click Here

 

Davidson nails it with a delightful mix of style, technique and flair that clearly shows an artist comfortable in his own skin. "Texas Oracle" is a gritty little ditty where Davidson and his trio pull out all the stops with a sonic exploratory that is eerily a fusion throw back to say something off of Jeff Beck's Blow By Blow. Bassist Ryan Hagler and drummer Ryan Jacobi compliment Davidson's musical depth at every turn.  Incredibly entertaining from start to finish, The Ryan Davidson Trio are indeed the real deal!

~Brent Black, Critical Jazz - Full Review…Click Here

 

Guitarist Davidson has made a country-infused jazz trio album. While jazz has stirred new genres into the mix, country has been left mostly at the edges. But with groups like this and Bryan & the Haggards, the line between country and jazz has blurred. Beginning with a twangy 5/4 version of “Ghost Riders in the Sky,” it’s an interesting ride. There are elements of fusion, rock and avant-garde classical here too. Davidson, along with drummer Ryan Jacobi and bassist Ryan Hagler, create a varied sound that is richer than you’d think three players could produce. Davidson plays with ease, especially on the more swinging tunes, such as his own “Captain Positive,” but he can turn a quick phrase and add some gritty chord punches, as on the wandering “Out of Nowhere.” His very introspective version of “‘Round Midnight” employs bends, cascading lines and a great use of space. Davidson has a nice touch on the fretboard, and knows how to utilize silence as well as western themes.

~Kyle O'Brien, Jazzscene

 

 

His debut, Ryan Davidson Trio opens with a cover of “Ghost Riders In The Sky” (popularized by vocalists like Frankie Laine and Vaughn Monroe). Expanding the jazz/country construct, this muscular adaptation evokes the echo-laden rockabilly of Dick Dale or Duane Eddy. The interjection of jazzy chord structures gives the song a fusion sound. The following track, “Im Wunderschonen Monat Mai” gives Davidson an opportunity to showcase his classical training. His abstract interpretation captures the expressive lyrical nature of this seasonal rumination. Bassist Ryan Hagler delivers a nimble, complementary bass line. An intriguing version of Monk’s “Round Midnight” features a solo guitar improvisation that is intricate and spontaneous. Bringing a twang aesthetic to a traditional jazz piece is intriguing. His guitar has texture and a rich tone. The boldness of melodic interpretation is on full display with the standard, “Out Of Nowhere”. Unexpected sonic effects appear at the end of the track.

 

Original compositions are augmented by the trio dynamics. “Captain Positive” has a loopy bass line and drum solo (Ryan Jacobi…the final component of the “all Ryan” ensemble). The breezy swing is well-crafted. Davidson’s leads are fluid and engaging. This group can rock out, and they do on “Texas Oracle”. There is pretense and attitude in the jagged distortion of the guitar. A change of pace can be found on the moody, acoustic “If You Need Me”. Gentle rhythm and delicate instrumentation harness a subtle folk vibe.

 

Ryan Davidson Trio is diverse and serves as a listenable introduction to an emerging band.

~Robbie Gerson, Audiophile Audition

 

Absolutely tasty & totally invigorating work from three Ryans… Davidson on guitar, Ryan Hagler on bass & Ryan Jacobi on drums.  Their treatment of classics like “Ghost Riders In The Sky” will appeal to your ears in a big way… light & airy pieces like “Captain Positive” are very nice as well, especially for listeners who can’t get enough of talented jazz guitar.  It was the 6:52 “Out Of Nowhere” that really got my attention, though… once I started listening to it on my Zen Touch, I couldn’t get enough… in fact, I think I played through this about 15 times during my first run-through… the players are truly “in synch” on this one!  A total of 8 very engaging pieces for you to feast upon… I give these gents a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

~Rotcod Zzaj, Improvijazzation Nation

 

Ryan Davidson: Ryan Davidson Trio (2010 [2011], Debris Field): Guitarist, in a trio with Ryan Hagler on bass and Ryan Jacobi on drums. Tight, electric sound, with a whiff of Americana (first song is "Ghost Riders in the Sky"). B+

~Tom Hull Jazz Prospecting