Ramzi
New York City, New York, United States
Music
Press
Ramzi Khoury moved from California to New York City in 2006 to try to make it as a musician, leaving behind office politics and the California Sunshine. [Ramzi] brought a little of his own inner sun with him, however, and we get our first glimpse at it on his debut release, Color.
Color opens with When I Go, which might be the ultimate dysfunctional relationship song about a man who keeps trying to leave but gets sucked back in. Ramzi then moves on to Blows Like The Wind, an Americana-flavored folk/pop classic that would be a huge hit if it ever found placement in a prime-time TV show. This is the sort of song that rockets a singer-songwriter from unknown to a buzz-word. If anyone reading this is doing licensing for television or movies, you need to grab hold of this song.
Other highlights include Color, Words, and Breaking Free. Ramzi brings a rock troubadour's story-telling sensibility, a fresh voice, and some outstanding guitar work on Color. The songwriting is mixed, with some of it very polished, and some less so. What is clear is that this is a young artist who is learning and growing in his art, and Color is a strong starting point. Where Ramzi is totally on his game the music is sublime, and when he's off he's not off by much. I would strongly suspect that Ramzi will continue to grow into an accomplished artist. Color is his musical hello to the world, and it is very welcome! - Wildy's World
"Potential is a funny word", Ramzi sings on "When I Go", the opening track, and this CD has plenty of it. Simple, acoustic songs that demand attention as well as a second listen, these songs are sunny, summer days with the occasional hazy afternoon thunder storm as Ramzi reminisces about life and love. With his heart on his sleeve and guitar strapped to his shoulder, his music would fit in with Cary Brother's Hotel Cafe Tour. In the truest sense of the singer/songwriter, Ramzi keeps the instrumentation light to highlight the music and lyric.
Standout tracks are "Going Nowhere", "When I Go", "Now that You're Gone", and the more upbeat "A Year Gone By".
Add a little "Color" to your music collection if you are a fan of Josh Radin, Jason Mraz, or Jack Johnson.
- Muse's Muse
Discography
Color (full LP release) - June 2008
Champagne and Cigarettes (EP) - Due out Dec 2010
Photos
Bio
When Ramzi was 10, he picked up a trumpet. And he blew. And blew. Through symphonic bands, orchestras, jazz bands, and marching bands. And he realized he loved music. But he also liked to sing. And so he sang his way through chamber choirs, jazz choirs, barbershop groups, and community choirs. But he wanted to do both. And so (in actuality to win over his high school crush) he picked up a guitar. And he strummed. And he hasn't looked back since!
Born and raised in California, Ramzi is a singer-songwriter acoustic guitarist now living in New York. While his folk-rock-pop draws comparisons to other successful singer-songwriters such as John Mayer and Jason Mraz, his stories are most definitely his own. And though the catchy melodies and accomplished guitar work will impress, Ramzi is a storyteller first and foremost, and what really stands out is how quickly we find ourselves drawn in, sharing his experiences, yet relating them to our own lives. Inspired by people he has met and experiences in his life, he opens up to us without shame or boundaries, inviting us to join him on a journey into his world.
Ramzi's story really starts in 2006 when he left California for New York in search of some adventure and to dedicate himself to his lifelong passion, music. Since coming to New York he has played all over the city, including various bars/clubs/coffeehouses, in-store performances at Best Buy, a benefit concert at Lincoln Center, and at NYU Hospital as an active member of Musicians on Call. In 2008 he released his debut album, "Color", consisting of a dozen songs, written half in California and half in New York; an album Ramzi describes as "Songs about love and life, intended to put a smile on your face." Two years after "Color", Ramzi is back with a new album, “Champagne and Cigarettes” produced by Sean Gill of The Passengerz (Seal, Madonna, Nelly Furtado). A selection of five songs dedicated to moments that have influenced his life and people that have crossed his path and left their mark. This new EP is one of a grown-up Ramzi; an accomplished musician, singer and songwriter, more confident with himself and his music. A person who is eager to tell us a story, his story…
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