Denise Reid, Gleaner Writer
R&B soul singer Ryan Shaw.
Often compared to legends such as Stevie Wonder and Jackie Wilson, Grammy nominee Ryan Shaw plans to 'kick up some dirt' when he makes his debut performance at the 2008 Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival in Rose Hall, Montego Bay, on January 24.
After grabbing the attention of Columbia Records in 2006, Ryan was signed to Razor and Tie and released his first album in April of 2007. The album has propelled Shaw's musical career and has won him critical acclaim and countless fans.
Following the release of his album, This is Ryan Shaw, the singer earned his first Grammy nomination in the category of Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance.
When asked how he felt about the nomination, he exclaimed, "It's surreal! Sometimes I don't believe it's happened, but it feels really good. We were sceptical because of the heavy infiltration of hip-hop music on the market today, but people love it. Older people love it because it's reminiscent and young people love it cause it's fresh and different."
He continued, "The fact that the committee considered it to be something worth taking a look at makes me feel very honoured."
Shaw explained that he has fans of all ages, ranging from 11 to 65 years old. "It's been a great experience. Every time I do a show, I end up with a room full of new fans, and hopefully I can do the same thing in Jamaica."
The 26-year-old recounted that one of his most memorable achievements since being signed was performing at the Dream Concert, a benefit concert in honour of Martin Luther King Jr. He says it was an honour for him (the only new artiste to perform on the show) to be performing among the likes of music greats such as Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Garth Brooks.
First visit to Jamaica
Shaw's introduction to the shores of Jamaica probably began with his three Jamaican room-mates, whom he says introduced him to "Lots of great Jamaican food." Shaw also visited the island while on a cruise, and climbed the famous Dunn's River Falls, an experience that he says "was beautiful."
No stranger to Jazz festivals, Shaw has performed at most of the major festivals in the United States and Canada and even as far as Australia. Shaw told The Gleaner that he loves real music festivals, declaring that "at these festivals the energy is different, these people just want to hear good music, so I'm really looking forward to performing in Jamaica."
When asked what he would be bringing to the table that would make the experience memorable for Jazz lovers he declared, "the energy level of my music is up there, so people won't be expecting what they get. I plan to kick up some dirt. I'm pretty excited!"
He plans to perform mostly songs from his new album and confessed with a laugh that, "I am considering performing my favourite Bob Marley song, but I'm undecided as I'm not sure how the Jamaican people will respond to me singing the king's music in the king's country."
Currently working on his new album which is scheduled to be out by the end of fall , Ryan lives his life with God at the forefront. "I have tried to stay spiritually focused, because I believe I can accomplish anything as long as I acknowledge God and stay focused," he said.
That said, we are focusing on Shaw and expecting nothing less than a soul-stirring performance, the kind for which he has become famous, that will captivate the crowds at this year's Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival.
CD cover of Shaw's debut album: 'This is Ryan Shaw'. - Contributed photos
