Ryan Flaherty
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Ryan Flaherty

Kittery, Maine, United States | INDIE

Kittery, Maine, United States | INDIE
Band Folk Jazz

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"Hungry Moon Review"

"Ryan Flaherty has pulled off something very complex with Hungry Moon by combining the gypsy jazz influences of his former three-piece Ameranouche with hints of rustic Americana textures and Arabic sounds. The staple of Hungry Moon is Flaherty’s guitar picking; he crafts melodies that create urgency without tearing down the walls (as heard in the title track and album opener) as well as some slower, more intricate numbers that are soft but never break the mood he’s set..." - Dispatch Magazine


"Hungry Moon by Ryan Flaherty"

With his debut solo CD, guitarist and singer Ryan Flaherty has resoundingly arrived on the Seacoast, offering a flavorful stew of eclectic music.
Formerly of local gypsy jazz trio Ameranouche, Flaherty has parlayed his skillful guitar chops and soulful vocals into these original compositions, reflecting elements of gypsy, flamenco, Arabic, rock and jazz. Much in the way David Wax Museum incorporates traditional Mexican music into American folk, Flaherty brings the styles of Eastern Europe to his own brand of Americana.
The CD starts with the title track, a strong opener that sounds like a gypsy-inflected version of Van Morrison’s “Moondance.” It’s followed by “Inside,” perhaps the album’s best track, featuring flamenco banjo. The Arabic interlude of Ed Melikian’s “Oud Taksim” subtly transitions into the mysteriously seductive “Candela Habitum.”
“In the woods we’ll find trails that go on forever / Where the berries grow, just follow the candle holder,” Flaherty sings.
“Devilish Tune” would fit on a Tom Waits album, with Flaherty adopting darker, seedier vocals. Then comes the galloping percussive guitar of “Raven Cusp,” followed by the soft and sultry “Merry Meet.” “Infinite Repair” is rapid and tense, with a conspicuously rocking guitar solo, while “Won’t Take Time” offers resonant, repeated vocals.
“Lightning” is a tender and lovely folk melody featuring Daisy Castro on cello and violin and Ann Castro on backing vocals (though, at over eight minutes, the song slows things down a bit too much). The album closes with the eerie “All-Begetter.”
A rotating cast of talented regional musicians appear on various tracks, including Michael Arciero on guitar, Duane Edwards on bass, Dan Hunt on banjo, Joe Zupan on drums, and Steve Organek on upright bass.
- The Wire


"Ryan Flaherty's 'Hungry Moon' worth catching"

Ryan Flaherty, a very welcome addition to the Seacoast music scene, recently released a stellar debut solo recording, "Hungry Moon." Flaherty, who spent some time in the gypsy jazz trio, Ameranouche, has stepped up to the plate solo and smoked the ball right out of the park. You can still hear the influence of gypsy flavored guitar textures resonating throughout, which is augmented by an array of Arabic, flamenco, Americana and jazz inspired flavors.

This colorful 11 song record is superbly coherent in framework even as it jumps around stylistically. Not an easy feat to pull-off, so kudos to Flaherty for nailing the recipe.


Flaherty's percussive guitar playing is a masterful revelation that helps define his music. Even as stylistic genre shifts occur, the playing acts as the anchor to "Hungry Moon's" full-on explorative musical journey.

One of the more interesting, fiery numbers on the album is "Infinite Repair," with a solid display of all the flavorful undertones of "Hungry Moon." You get the Americana, you get the Arabic, you get a smattering of the flamenco, and you also get the searing (yet serene) penetrative John Frusciante-esque electric guitar playing that finds its way out of the shadows and to the forefront by tune's end.

The moon shows up a lot as a lyrical theme throughout the record. Its contribution to the album's overall aesthetic — the intrigue of what lies in the secrecy of night — is just another element that keeps "Hungry Moon," extraordinarily vivacious. In the luminescence of the moon's beams lies Flaherty, an artist one shouldn't lose sight of, for it seems — with chops and songwriting skills like the ones present here — the future seems inevitably bright. - Seacoast Spotlight


Discography

Hungry Moon by Ryan Flaherty 2011
Here Comes Everyone by Ryan Flaherty 2012

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Bio

Ryan Flaherty offers a flavorful stew of eclectic music. He parlays his skillful guitar chops and soulful vocals into refreshing compositions, reflecting elements of gypsy, flamenco, roadhouse swing and jazz. Styles of Eastern Europe, French Cafe and swing nurture his own brand of Americana. You can hear the influence of gypsy flavored guitar textures resonating throughout, which is augmented by an array of masterful instrumentation from his band including accordion, violin, mandolin and upright bass. Flaherty’s percussive guitar playing is a masterful revelation that helps define his music. Even as stylistic genre shifts occur, the playing acts as the anchor to Flaherty’s full-on explorative musical journey.

Between 2005-2011, Flaherty played rhythm guitar for the award winning Gypsy Jazz trio Ameranouche. Flaherty has shared the stage with many talented musicians including John Jorgenson, Stephane Wrembel and Robin Nolan. As a member of Ameranouche, Flaherty has opened for many renowned artists including Esperanza Spalding, Herbie Hancock and The Carolina Chocolate Drops. Flaherty also opened for the Avett Brothers in Knoxville, TN. A highlight for Flaherty was performing at the 2008 Newport Jazz Festival.

"Flaherty is trained in flamenco guitar, and he brings a range of world styles to his debut disc. Hints of Van Morrison and Tom Waits revolve around a core of gypsy jazz and Arabic folk, all delivered with soulful vocals." - Matt Kanner, editor of The Wire

"Look out world, this guys got your number. Tons of styles smelted, combined and poured into guitar strings. Do not douse yourself with gasoline before coming to this show, his fingers will light you on fire." - BA Canning