Something
about Canada seems to draw amazing acoustic guitarists. Maybe it’s the fact
that it’s so stinkin cold during the long winters that there’s nothing else to
do but sit in front of a fireplace and practice. Interestingly, Dylan Ryche is originally
from toasty warm Melbourne, Australia.
Growing up in the 80’s the big hooks of rock n’ roll prompted him to
take some guitar lessons and learn a host of Poison, Motley Crue, Alice Cooper,
and Bad English riffs. He had a dream of one day becoming a longhaired,
tattooed, hard rock shred guitar superstar and felt more of a connection to the
music of Yes, Queen, and Kiss than the popular music of the day. However, he
became attracted to the solo acoustic guitar playing of Yes guitarist Steve
Howe, which led him to pick up a Tommy Emmanuel book and study the acoustic
guitar more seriously. But it wasn’t until he heard Don Ross’ “Klimbim” that he
realized the full potential of solo acoustic guitar playing.
He relocated
to Canada (brrr!) and released his first fingerstyle record entitled Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitar in 2011. In
2012 he won the Canadian Fingerstyle Fingerpicking Competition held annually at
the Canadian Guitar Festival. He teaches guitar via Skype lessons (he’s open
for students right now) and is a regular columnist for Fingerstyle 360
magazine. The first two songs below are the compositions he played at the
Canadian Fingerstyle competition. Hope you enjoy his music.
Mulberry Street: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hmJjhvc8gA
A thank you in fives: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIDJXaB1EaM
I love my life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H30gBiEm8kQ
Platypus in sheep’s clothing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkDIRF5cclI
Toronto sky: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWMTsvT7QKg
A new leaf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNZ3dfvtiOc
Let me count the ways: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y4lWBmLWKU
Smoke signals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdsyrgaJLKE
The rollercoaster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dky5lb2UFrY
Space dye vest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1C6zbACGGU4
The fate of comets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6feCHtRxNA
The wine I suggest to pair with Dylan is something of a
conundrum. The story goes that back in 2011 a prominent steakhouse chain requested
wine samples from the top California Cabernet Sauvignon producers with the
intent of marketing their own special house wine. Dierberg Vineyards was
selected and the buyer in charge committed to a few thousand cases.
Unfortunately, three months into the program, the buyer left for another job,
leaving Dierberg without a buyer.
Enter WineAccess. I bought a case of Dierberg’s “Steak
House” proprietary red ($144.00 or $12.00/bottle) from then during their
special offering and I’m immensely pleased that I did. The wine is a blend of estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon
(64%), Cabernet Franc (15%), Merlot (13%), Malbec (7%), and Petit Verdot (1%).
It’s bright ruby red with aromas of tart cherries and black raspberries with
flavors that follow the nose. It’s medium-bodied, supple, and has a vibrant
finish. You can find it online, but it’ll run you about $20.00 a bottle, still
an excellent value. It’s a perfect compliment to Dylan’s music.
Cheers!
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