arts_culture
Tucson Guitar Virtuoso Ryan David Green Unleashes Mesmerizing New Album ‘Off and Running’
When his bandmate fell ill before a major music festival in Florida, Ryan David Green faced a critical choice: perform solo or cancel. Facing his fears and stepping onto the stage solo, Green unknowingly altered his musical journey.
As summer approached, Green released “Off and Running,” his debut solo album, showcasing his virtuosic guitar skills.
The tracks range from the nostalgic “Looking Back,” featuring Abbie Gardner’s dobro and Ben Plotnick’s fiddle, to “Reina de la Noche,” exuding a shadowy allure. Green, a Berklee College of Music graduate, focuses on emotional connections rather than technical showmanship.
Born and raised in Tucson, Ryan’s early life was filled with typical childhood activities like soccer and golf. He attended Corbett Elementary, Alice Vail Middle School, and University High School, a school for intellectually gifted students.
Music was always a part of Green’s life. “Both my parents sang, and my grandpa played jazz bass,” he recalled. A 2023 study in Developmental Science indicates that early brain structure can scaffold ongoing musical experience, a sentiment Green likely resonates with.
Green’s musical tastes evolved over time. Initially inspired by bands like Boston and Dire Straits, he later delved into heavier music such as Metallica. Before the guitar, he played trumpet for a year in fifth grade, but it was an immediate attachment to the guitar at age 12 that stuck with him.
Beaver’s Band Box, the music store where Green got his first guitar, closed its doors permanently in 2011 due to economic struggles.
The ‘90s were a perfect time to learn guitar, with grunge music simplifying complex musical puzzles. Joe Satriani’s “Time Machine” was a pivotal influence, revealing new musical possibilities for Green and empowering him as a young musician.
By high school, Green was set on a music career, supported by his musical family. Attending Berklee College of Music, he found a community of like-minded individuals who pushed musical boundaries.
At Berklee, Green played in the band Iluminada and tried various fretted instruments but stayed loyal to the guitar. After graduation, he co-founded Ryanhood with his high school friend, Cameron Hood, and the duo thrived in the Boston music scene.
Green’s affiliation with Patreon enabled him to share musical ideas, eventually leading to the creation of his solo album. The song “Song for Beth,” dedicated to the late Beth Mayer, evolved from these early shared pieces.
An unexpected solo performance at the 30A Songwriters Festival in early 2024 became a turning point, boosting Green’s confidence. The solo shows received standing ovations, marking a significant moment in his career.
Ryanhood is set to tour later this year, while Cameron Hood is developing “Voyagers: A Space Rock Opera” with Saguaro City Music Theatre.
Besides his musical pursuits, Green values time with his family and enjoys sci-fi and fantasy movies. The recording of “Off and Running” took place amidst the serene forests of Prescott, Arizona, where Green produced and engineered the album himself.
The album features 11 original, largely instrumental pieces, deviating from Ryanhood’s vocal-driven style. Green collaborated with various artists, including Ben Plotnick and Abbie Gardner, to create a rich instrumental sound.
“Reina de la Noche,” inspired by the desert cactus that blooms once a year at night, captures the mystery of the Sonoran Desert.
“Off and Running” is a reflection on emotions, special moments, and personal growth, according to Green.