Ryan Harris Co. perform live preview

Local songwriter Ryan Harris left behind his reputation as a trusted sideman for several area bands last year. He began performing new material along with an outstanding group of veteran local players as Ryan Harris & Co. The shows culminated in the release of the debut album Cheers To The Wind. Since then, Harris and his crew have become known for their rousing live sets. The vast, varied talents of his band members have given Harris’ songs new life with each subsequent performance.

At the heart of each tune is Harris’s unique songwriting voice, one that is casual yet purposeful, incisive while sparing judgment, emotive without being sappy. With his talented surrounding players, these songs find running room in virtually any direction they turn—be it funky horn-laden R&B, slide guitar-driven pre-war blues, or the rural groove and shuffle of West Texas country and folk.

Harris has been working on a new record that features contributions from old and new collaborators, and will be hosting a special live preview performance at Mud & Water tonight. Though each performer in the band is familiar with the material on an individual basis, this will be the first time they play these songs as a group, which will lend an additional air of mystery and electricity to the performance.

In addition to Harris himself, the band will feature Clay Parker on guitar, Ben Herrington on accordion, Doc Chaney on fiddle, Becca Babin on bass, and Melissa Wilson on percussion. Though these tunes will no doubt feel inviting on first listen, they are as fresh and brand new as jams get, so don’t miss out.

Ryan Harris & Co.
Mud & Water (Map it!)
Thursday, November 14, 10 p.m.
Cover is $5.