"Weeks, Months, Years" CD Release Party, 04.18.08

Mission Entertainment brought Ryan McMahon to the Media Club for the release of his most recent offering, "Weeks, Months, Years". It was great to catch Ryan mid-tour when the band had been hammering it out for a number of shows together. His performance was tight, and solid players joined Ryan to bring to life the party that was "packed to the rafters".

There are many types of music fans among musicians. Me - I'm the "If i don't like your live show i don't buy your product". Simple. I'm not a fan of the con-job bands that a producer pieces all together in a studio so they can grab their glam-rock 15 minutes and take work from the young and old masters among us. Let me say at this time, that Ryan McMahon is no poseur. This boy can write a beautiful song.. and rock it live. As the lovely Nat Jay said, while selling HEAPS of merch for Ryan, "This is a compilation of 10 years of Ryan's work." You can hear it in the recording, i swear.

I find i either love the songs OR the production of an album. I am always delighted when the production of a well written and performed group of songs is complimentary and sparse. Only what the rhythm and melody demand and not much more (think Ray Lamontagne, and Johnny Cash...). "Weeks, Months, Years" has "Road Signs", "Good Timing", and my album favourite, "Lights Out in New Orleans".

I look forward to catching the live show when the band has performed 200 shows together. I reckon these boys did some good work on "W,M,Y"... but don't take my word for it. Keep an eye out for Ryan's show in your town. He is on tour across Canada at this time. You can find his music and tour schedule at: http://www.ryanmcmahon.com

*** I shot some live footage of Ryan and band, and interviewed him backstage where friends, producer Garth Richardson, and one of my favourite rock star locals, Ridley Bent, gave a "shout out" to Ryan and his band. Said footage will be in the next season of 'The Vanhattan Project' Podcast, brought to you by Swamp FOlk Records. http://www.swampfolk.com

Shout Out your artist/producer friends on the FORUM at Swamp Folk Records... you may see them on the next episode of 'The Vanhattan Project' Podcast. You can subscribe to my "Never a Critic" review at Swamp FOlk Records or read at http://www.canadajams.ca