Top > Entertainment > 2006 > March > 2006-03-21

Grass Roots Has A New Face

The music industry has more genres and bands to keep everyone entertained then you would ever need. Regardless of what you consider good entertainment, whether it is grass roots, country, rock or classical music, there are always great new artists coming out to alter your perception of each genre. Having begun his career playing Boston`s coffee shops and folk venues as a solo artist with an infectious, percussive, finger-picking guitar style, the charismatic Ryan Montbleau has evolved into the front man for the dynamic, eclectic ensemble that bears his name.

While the arrangements and intriguing instrumentation bring about this alchemic transformation in the music, it is all anchored firmly on Ryan?s meaningful lyrical content and an unmistakable voice that carries it to the audience. Rest assured, the audience responds. Ryan Montbleau Band?s first studio album, One Fine Color, was recorded at the prestigious Applehead Studios in Woodstock, NY, and released on Valentine?s Day. The record has a classic album format, with a seamless flow and a cohesive artistic vision standing in the face of today?s emphasis on singles.

Since the release of One Fine Color, Ryan Montbleau Band has continued to cruise under the proverbial radar, without the benefit of label support, distribution or funding of any sort, and they are achieving success on the road that may well rival or exceed that of many of their signed, better-financed and supported peers. Thanks to their loyal, attentive and active fan base, One Fine Color sold nearly 1000 units within two weeks of its February 14 release. In market after market, Ryan Montbleau Band is experiencing near exponential growth in attendance, compared to their last shows in the same markets in 2005.