Harris & Ryden: Run, Don't Walk
By Kathleen O'Keefe

I have never been a big proponent of the theory of pure coincidence. Call me superstitious, Call me a hopeless romantic, but I've always enjoyed the thought that the fates are working for us, in some way or another. The story of Harris & Ryden should make them poster children for my stance. How else do two talented Texas natives, both having attended the same high school, meet seven years later and 1500 miles north and eventually become a rising Texas musical duo? (Chorus responds: "Could it be fate, Kathleen?" - Good. Keep paying attention.) Now, let's go back a bit first.

Stephen Harris felt his musical roots sprout while he was attending SMU in Dallas. Brandishing a guitar he had "stolen" from his brother, he would sometimes play for late night audiences at his fraternity house. Drawing musical influence from several pf Texas' finest, including Guy Clark, Chris Wall, and Ray Wylie Hubbard, Harris nourished a growing desire to write and perform in a larger capacity.

(Meanwhile, in a parallel universe…) Chris Ryden had been honing his talents as a songwriter for years. Ryden moved to Waco to attend Baylor University, where he continued to refine his musical style, influenced by an array of artists, from Bruce Springsteen to Steve Earle.

(Enter fates) After graduating college, both Harris and Ryden's paths would lead them to separate ranching outfits in the snow painted lands of the Rocky Mountains, where they spent three common years but had not met. (until…) It was there, in the vast lands of Wyoming that a chance phone call let to the discovery that Ryden's roommate and Harris had at one time worked on the same ranch. The two fresh acquaintances embarked on a roadtrip journey back to Texas, and after discovering their common musical interests, the rest they say is…well, you know. Enough with the clichés already.

The fall of 1999 marked the beginning of a different journey for Stephen Harris and Chris Ryden. Then a brand new duo, Harris & Ryden conceptualized and released their debut album. Here To Jackson, and established themselves as a formidable rising talents in the Texas Music circuit. Here to Jackson highlighted Harris & Ryden's growing abilities ass songwriters. The album is flush with an honest and descriptive quality, as the songs paint pictures saturated in strong harmonies and storytellin' lyrics. Since Here To Jackson's release two years ago, the duo has more than confirmed their abilities to many an audience, sharing stages with Willie Nelson, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Charlie Robison, Jack Ingram, Pat Green and other top drawing performers. Harris and Ryden were recognized at the 2002 Austin Music Awards, winning the Best Folk Band category, and playing in a stunning 5 additional categories, including Best Single, Best Country Band, best Roots Rock Band, Album of the Year and best Band Website.

It only seems appropriate that their sophomore album release, due out Sept 17, is named Run. It was becoming apparent to Harris & Ryden that their debut album was no longer an accurate reflection of their abilities in full bloom. While Here To Jackson offered and accurate picture of two growing singer-songwriter, Run is an album of two artists that, together, have really come into their own, so to speak. "It seems to us like there is a big change from the last album to this one, in the overall sound," says Ryden. "But it's a logical progression." Just like a teenager that finally gets the braces taken off or grows into a pair of long legs, Harris & Ryden, like everybody, had to learn to walk before they could Run, if you will. And it looks like they already have a great head-start.

Rum. Produced by Merel Bregante, will be released on Two Mule Records this September. The caliber of musicians is notable, including track contributions from Matt Slusher (South Austin Jug Band), Brian Run (an accomplished songwriter in his own right), not to mention Blake Lindley (drums, percussion), Justin Farrow (fiddle, piano) and Joel Canfield (upright and electric bass). There is no doubt that Harris & Ryden are a talented pair, but the backing on this record is sharp and diverse, and reveals a distinct maturation from their debut Here to Jackson. The instrumentation is expanded and includes unexpected doses of the accordion, dobro, and piano. Songs vary from genre to genre, making it difficult to pigeonhole the album into a single music category. From traditional to "younger" country, from rock to alt-country, Harris & Ryden draw from a fan base that reaches further than a single radio station's programming. Whatever your musical taste, Run offers something that hit the spot for everyone. And I personally hope that the fates continue to bring Harris & Ryden further success. I suggest that you "run", don't walk, to get this new release from the rising Texas talents Harris & Ryden.

For upcoming performances and other information, visit www.HarrisAndRyden.com. For booking, contact Elizabeth Mosley at Flat Creek Productions. (512)454-2916.

Harris & Ryden
By Sunny Allen

Stephen Harris and Chris Ryden found out the hard way that opening for one of your heroes doesn't necessarily mean you've hit the big time. Take for example, the time they opened up for Lyle Lovett at the Austin Music Hall. "We had only been together for a couple of months, and he had no idea who we were," laughs Harris. "After the show, we waited around for two hours just to shake his hand."

The pair, who go by the handy moniker Harris & Ryden, have come a long way since humbling moments like that and their very first gig together in November '99 at Austin's late Back 40. Ray Wylie Hubbard invited them to join him onstage for his encore the first time they opened for him. Since then, their loyal following has multiplied and so had the band. Originally two guys strumming acoustic guitars from atop barstools, a Harris & Ryden now features a half-dozen members and an arsenal of 10 different instruments.

What hasn't changed too much is the duo's acoustic-based sound, which at its most basic owns more to the Michael Martin Murphey school of Western music than the Willie-and-Waylon or even Townes Van Zandt-derived Texana. Their high-energy live shows draw an enthusiastic young crowd similar to other up-and-coming Texas country acts, but when Harris & Ryden fans sing along to the duo's songs, they're singing about wild horses, cowboys or being home on the range rather than drinking beer while floating down the Guadalupe River. Appropriately enough, Harris, 29, and Ryden, 27, first met a Chris Wall show in Jackson Hole, Wyo.

They quickly found the shared more than their love of Wall. They both hailed from Texas, attended Texas schools (Southern Methodist University for Harris, Baylor University for Ryden), shared similar political view (staunch conservatives, naturally, albeit "bleeding heart softies" on the matter of animal rights) and most importantly, a mutual respect for each other's music. "One of the healthiest aspects of our relationship is that we are each other's hero," says Ryden. "We think we're funny, and we just hope that our relationship on and off the stage comes across like that."

To date, Harris & Ryden have independently released two albums, their 2001 debut Here to Jackson and the brand new Run (not counting Ryden's solo effort, Notebooks.) The debut has sold close to 5,000 copies, but Run, which was recorded without outside studio musicians and more accurately reflects the current band's decidedly more confident, upbeat "live" style, is the one to bank on. "When you see us live, we use a different gear, a whole different transmission," muses Ryden. "When you put our CD in, it's more about the son, but at the live show, you want to be able to let loose."

And whichever way they cut loose, the fans and awards seem to follow. Their debut was one of LoneStarMusic.com's Top 10 best sellers in 2001, their song "Texas Bound" lasted an exhausting 22 weeks on the Best in Texas Music Chart and the duo rode away from this year's Austin Music Awards with a first place finish for Best Folk act (along with a second place finish for Roots Rock and third place for Country). The folk nod may throw some people for a loop (Harris & Ryden included), but they're happy to run with it.

"We can be country, rock, folk, roots, whatever," laughs Ryden. "Just as long as people listen."

To order copies of this issue, visit www.texasmusic.com

"HR took the road less traveled. Their harmonies break the mold and prove that Texas music extends beyond clichés and songs about beer. Their music transports you from Wyoming to Texas within a few notes and leaves you wishing you were trading stories around a campfire."

Chad Raney - President
LoneStarMusic.com

"RUN is an album of two artists that, together, have really come into their own. From traditional to 'younger' country, from rock to alt-country, Harris & Ryden draw from a fan base that reaches further than a single radio station's programming. Whatever your musical taste, RUN offers something that hits the spot for everyone."

Kathleen O'keefe
Country Line Magazine

"Harris & Ryden have one of the freshest sounds to come along in the Texas
music scene. Their blend is so unique and their song writing is just as good."

Gary Barton
KBEC Radio

"Harris and Ryden were lucky to find each other and good music fans are
lucky to have them! Their harmonies are incredible, their songs are
relatable, and they truly stand in a class of their own. It's nice to know
that two people as talented as Harris & Ryden are nice guys AND gracious to
boot!"

Corbin Mclaine
KORA Radio

"One of the hardest things to do in music is the follow up album. Without a doubt, RUN is an excellent follow up to Here to Jackson. Texas Music fans do not have a choice. You must own this album. Just wait til the next time the state trooper pulls you over and ask, in order, ' I need to see your license, insurance/registration and your copy of Harris and Ryden's RUN or you're gonna spend the night in hoosegow!' You've been warned!"

Justin Frazell
99.5 The Wolf