|
Mick is well known on the folk scene as a fine singer of traditional original material. Throughout the eighties he was seen at clubs and festivals as lead singer with the very popular "Crows". Reviewing the band's second album, Folk Roots described him as 'definitely the most underrated singer in the country'. Having written both comic and serious songs for the band and having been co-author of a stage musical performed at the Barbican in London (1987) and the lyrics for a Radio 4 drama, Mick continued writing and singing after the band split up in 1988. Subsequently he was author/co-author of songs for the hugely popular folk musical "A Tolpuddle Man", this with Graham Moore. Mick has written three more folk musicals, "A Day's Work" about the first world war, "The Voyage", which is about emigration to America in the mid 19th century, and most recently, "Tanks for the Memory", which deals with the World War II eviction of the villagers of Tyneham in Dorset to make way for tank training - and their fate never to return. All these shows have been on tour around the UK and Ireland to great acclaim. The songs from the shows are available on WildGoose recordings.
Musical partners don't come better than talented multi-instrumentalist and singer Pete Harris (guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, mandola, banjo, bass guitar, whistle). On the folk scene Pete has worked with a number of successful bands including 'The New St. George' and 'The Bursledon Village Band", and is also a fine solo performer. Outside the folk scene Pete has featured as singer and lead guitarist with a number of blues and R&B bands, most notably 'The Bob Pearce Blues Band', with whom he performed throughout the UK and on the continent, recording a 'live' album on the Blue Horizon label. Pete is currently leading the 6-piece 'Pete Harris Blues Band'.
As might be expected given their backgrounds, Mick and Pete combine traditional, original. comic and blues material with solo, unison and harmony singing that is by turns powerful, sensitive and arresting.
Since their formation as a duo in 1993, Mick and Pete have played at folk clubs and festivals throughout England and have released four albums.
Of the last album, the US folk magazine Dirty Linen wrote;
"Ryan has got a really fine, sweet voice reminiscent in places of Martin Carthy and Harris backs him up in style on guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, mandola, banjo, bass and whistle - quite an arsenal for one player. The resulting sound is full, but not overblown, perfect for the songs... its a fine disc indeed. Couldn't ask for more in the world of English Folk music". |
Mick and Pete can be contacted as follows: Mick Ryan tel: 01202 737216 Pete Harris tel: 01489 600268 email: p.harris40@ntlworld.com or booked through their agent, Marianne Elliott: |
 |
For the main gig-list and home page for the Ryan-Harris duo click http://www.mickandpete.co.uk/
For details of the duo's recordings go to: www.wildgoose.co.uk