Biography
Ricky Stein aspires to make music that comes straight from the heart. Whether singing to small audiences with just an acoustic guitar or bashing out loud rock n' roll to a packed house, Ricky always tries to deliver something unique and special.
Having been born and raised in Austin, he is the product of a unique musical upbringing flavored by generations of legendary Texas artists such as Townes Van Zandt, Doug Sahm, and Willie Nelson. His father, Rick Stein, was an Austin singer/songwriter in the 1970's, and introduced him to the music of his contemporaries at an early age.
At the age of 14, Ricky picked up the guitar and soon after developed a keen interest in songwriting. Since then he has never looked back, continuously working on expanding and improving his craft, both as a songwriter and as a performer. He also harbors a deep love and respect for music history and musicology. Favorite artists, artists who's influence can be felt in the songs he writes, include a wide range of performers, from the Flaming Lips to the Velvet Underground to Elvis Costello to John Coltrain to the Beatles to Beethoven to Bruce Springsteen. Such artists, as well as the many friends he is fortunate to have in the vibrant Austin music scene, fuel Ricky's drive to grow creatively, to make music that is meaningful and sincere.
With the release of "Crazy Days", Ricky hopes to take his career to a new level. Co-produced by veteran Austin producer and multi-instrumentalist Matt Hubbard, the record features 10 original songs aided by a tight backing band that includes Brett Staggs on the drums, Phil Morris on the bass, Nathaniel Klugman on the Keyboard and Stuart Burns on Lead guitar. The album is an equal blend of Texas blues-rock and progressive Americana that underscores Ricky's strenghts as a vocalist and songwriter and points towards a new artistic direction. Standout tracks include the driving "Tarrytown", the deceptively simple "Keap St. (We've Come a Long, Long Way)", and the bar-room stomper "Shreveport Blues". The title cut and closer "We're Gonna Make It" are also exceptional, earning Ricky some strong positive reviews in the Austin Chronicle and Austin American Statesman.
“Crazy Days” marks the beginning of Ricky’s career as a recording artist. He is excited about the doors it has already opened (he has now toured from coast to coast) and hopes to open many more with subsequent recordings. The road is just beginning for this young troubadour, and we are all excited to see where it may lead.
Reviews of “Crazy Days”:
"there's no question that 'Crazy Days' is excellent right outta the gate."
-Margaret Moser, Austin Chronicle
"'Crazy Days' puts Stein in the valley between Doug Sahm and Townes Van Zandt. Stein's voice is big and fearless, and his band hammers the groove on 'Shreveport Blues,' one of several originals that sound like a cover."
-Michael Corcoran, Austin American-Statesman
Instrumentation
Ricky Stein - Guitar and Vocals
Phil Morris - Bass and Vocals
Stuart Burns - Guitar and Vocals
Nathaniel Klugman - Keyboard
Josh Weinholt - Drums
Discography
"Crazy Days" - May 12, 2009
Links
| http://www.rickystein.com |