David Ryan Harris

Go to this Show Recommendation:
Saturday April 12th 9:00
@ The Temple Bar in Santa Monica

His vocals are amazing, his songs tell great stories...
ok, I admit it, I’m a super fan!

This last week a friend of mine mentioned my blog and how she was shocked that I hadn’t written a blog about one of my favorite artists David Ryan Harris. As I thought about it, I realized that I have tried multiple times to sit down share my thoughts on this artist. Every time I wrote about it, I felt like I was gushing and didn’t feel like what I wrote was up to DRH standards.

Today when I looked at my Google Calendar for the upcoming week I realized that David Ryan Harris had a show this weekend. It was time to get over trying to write the perfect blog and just post about this guy. This last March he played three times at the Hotel Café in Hollywood. This is a treat, as he usually only plays out here once a year. Because of other commitments I could only make it out to one of those nights. I would have been at all three if possible.

When we arrived to the club, my anticipation was building. I had been talking about DRH for years and my friend was happy to be there but not as excited as me. I went straight into the main room to get a good spot and she made a stop at the bathroom. I stood in the back of the club, a good spot for tall people who want their own space. Soon my friend came over with friends of her own. “I went to High School with her, and this is her dad.” Before I could process the strange scenario of Father/Daughter night at hip nightspot, the dad chimed in. “I’m a musician and manager, my name is Bud.” If my dad was a record producer, I would totally hang out with him on a Saturday Night. I later found out that Bud had worked as an executive with a major label and is currently starting his own management firm.

Bud asked me what I thought of David Ryan Harris before. Masking the fact that I am a super fan, I shared how DRH hasn’t caught the well-deserved break in the industry. He has great vocals and a cool bluesy style, like a mix of Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder (great mix, I KNOW!) But besides opening for John Mayer and playing in Mayer’s band, he’s never made it big. I went on to share my opinion about his career and why it had stalled. I talked about how he is great live but most of his work in the studio just isn’t up to par. I said that he hadn’t been put together with the right producer yet and it’s set him back.

After pontificating for a couple minutes Bud gave an affirming touch to the shoulder and said “You’re absolutely right, that is the problem.” I looked over at my friend and she gave me a knowing look. She later said she knew I was going to let that go to my head. She was right. Bud and I talked more about music and he left me with the encouragement that I had a good ear and mind for music. I spent the rest of the night wondering if I should be a producer…I decided to be an amateur blogger instead.

Still, to hear these words from a producer of his caliber was not only a victory for myself, but for David Ryan Harris. This guy is an amazing talent and just hasn’t been able to catch the lightening in a bottle and make a great record. Until then, I will continue to see him live every chance I get. And you should too! If you like John Mayer, Gavin Degraw then I’d encourage you to check out David Ryan Harris. If you are going to buy a CD, then get “The Bittersweet” that’s the only one worth listening too. But before going to itunes, I’d encourage you to go to the Temple Bar and listen to him for yourself. You will not regret it.

I hope to see you there this weekend. Message me and let me know if should look for you.


Saturday 4/12/08 9:00
Hotel Café Santa Monica

View Larger Map
Please Note: This is a 21+ show. I am not encouraging underage peoples to attend, give me a break!