Ryan Montana Dance Called Life CD

A new music category has emerged, and it’s called Ryan Montana.Hailed as one of the most gifted and original new talents, Ryan displays his soulful energy in his new debut CD, A DANCE CALLED LIFE. With the release of his debut CD A DANCE CALLED LIFE, the brilliant new music artist soars with a combination of searing soul and silky jazz-pop. DANCE breaks the boundaries of music with a completely unique mix of jazz, pop and R&B that takes music where it’s never gone before.Ryan developed his breakthrough sound as a young musician in the Rocky Mountains, after honing and refining his music through years of study and performing on the East Coast. He began his musical pursuits actively at the age of 12, introduced to the world of jazz, soul, R&B and Pop through his father’s vast record collection '" and constant encouragement. Finding his musical voice with the sax, Montana developed his own style by paying tribute to his inspirations, which ranged across the entire musical spectrum. Ryan pays tribute to several, including Bill Withers and Curtis Mayfield, by covering their songs in DANCE.As he progressed, including years of formal training, Montana became a staple at major jazz festivals, including:-- Stanford Jazz Workshop & Festival-- Aspen Jazz Festival-- Snowmass Jazz Festival sponsored by the Thelonious Monk -- Jazz Institute-- North Carolina International Jazz Festival-- Jazz Montana Festival-- Acqui Terme Jazz Festival (Italy)Looking to find the right singer to match his musical vision, Montana finally decided he would handle the vocal chores. The result is pure perfection.Ryan’s covers reflect his musical journey '" he has built a new category based on the foundation of the music that’s inspired him. The result is a new approach filled with a wholly different kind of richness and texture that honors Ryan’s musical influences. Indeed, Ryan is constantly honoring his influences..Ryan Montana’s life is all about music. When he’s not performing, he’s recording, producing '" or listening.Montana’s A DANCE CALLED LIFE blends originals and covers to create a CD that completely captivates the listener. In addition to his first CD, Ryan is also a producer on several new projects where he’s bringing his musical sensibilities to a range of new artists.From his original compositions including the title track along with tracks such as “Soul Water,” “Then A Secret, Now Goodbye,” “Faith Avenue/Never A Tear,” “Crisco” or his extraordinary renditions of Bill Withers’ “Use Me” and Ric Ocasek’s “Drive,” Ryan Montana bursts on the scene with a bold sax sound and haunting vocal style that redefines ‘smooth.’

Personnel: Ryan Montana (vocals, alto saxophone); Mark Shapiro (guitar); Mary Lindblom (cello); Bob Campbell (baritone saxophone); Asdrubal "Billy" Caballero (trumpet); Roy G. III Brown (trombone); Stan Beard (piano); Rob Whitlock, Michael Aaberg (keyboards); Duncan Moore (drums); Tom Aros (percussion); Joaquin "Quino" McWhinney (background vocals).