Metts Ryan & Collins

If your idea of a real rock band for the 21st century is one that blends the swagger and bluesy elements of classic bands like The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Humble Pie, alongside more recent bands like The White Stripes, Black Keys and Rival Sons, then let me introduce you to the power trio from Portland Oregon - Metts Ryan & Collins.
Metts Ryan & Collins are: Geoff Metts (vocals/guitar), Dain Ryan (bass/vocals) and Mike Collins (drums/vocals). All three members of the band are veterans of the Portland music scene and individually have an impressive list of accomplishments under their belt. Together they've created a buzz in the Pacific Northwest playing sold-out shows and featured performances on music showcases "Northwest Roots", "Portland Radio Project", "PDX Spotlight" and the international travel show "Next Stop". In addition, their song "Oregon" has been featured during the home games of the NBA team The Portland Trailblazers.

Their self-titled debut, was recorded in Portland, OR using old-school techniques and gear - loud and live to analog tape in one big room. "We wanted to capture the band in a great sounding studio and concentrate on making the best use of the fewest tracks", says singer/guitarist Geoff Metts. "Everybody has access to digital recording and limitless tracks, they can quantize them and auto tune them, but the result often sounds stale. We went the other way recording live to tape capturing the highest fidelity tracks with as few overdubs and edits as possible". MRC took the analog idea further by releasing the music on vinyl records as well as discs and downloads.

This is a chance to see the band in an intimate setting playing the songs the way they wrote them...on acoustic guitars over drinks. Come on down, have a drink and soothe your soul with new songs from this bluesy rock and roll trio.

Website:

http://www.mettsryancollins.com

Norman Sylvester

Blues

Norman "Boogie Cat" Sylvester was born in the farmlands of Bonita Louisiana in 1945, his earliest musical influence came from gospel singing in church and hearing the bleus on the back street of town where he wasn't allowed to go. HIs family moved to Portland Oregon in 1957 in the "great migration" when he was in the 7th grade. Norman learned to play in church from high school friend, "King of Seattle Blues" Isaac Scott & had his first professional gig in 1963. While working in the Trucking Industry through the '60s and '70s he played in local Soul bands but his love for the Blues was alway scalling for him. He went to a concert of Buddy Guy and talked his way on stage. After his performance, Buddy encouraged him to devote himself to a career in music and then he was hooked! He continued in the '80s as a teamster working to support his growing family but also formed the Norman Sylvester Band with his Bass player of over 40 years, Rob Shoemaker. After they played the first Waterfront Blues Festival in 1987, BB King invited them to open for him twice. They have since shared billing with James Cotton, Mavis Staples, Little Ed and the Imperials, Tower of Power, and Five Blind Boys, Peter Frampton, Cold Blood and many others. Norman has be inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame, awared Casecade Blues Association's Life Time Achievement Award and the Norman Sylvester band was named Hall of Fame Best r&B band for their multiple honors. Norman has balanced a strong family of 7 children, 9 grandchildren & 1 great-grand child. While the Norman Sylvester Band have become a popular NW blues Staple playing clubs, art in residence, festivals & special events. The band also works in local schools teaching Blues HIstory & mentoring future artists.

Website:

http://www.normansylvester.com