The Redefining Of A Rising Blues Rock Guitar Hero - An Exclusive Interview With Ryan McGarvey

New Mexico may rightfully be known as "The Land Of Enchantment" for its abundance of sunshine, mild weather, vivid blue skies and spectacular scenery, but one thing it is not known for is blues rock guitar heroes. Certainly there are exceptional regional musicians in the genre, such as Santa Fe's Alex Maryol and Albuquerque's Todd Tijerina, and have been for years, but none have truly been able to break through in an international way. That situation however has begun to change with the emergence of native son Ryan McGarvey.

Born in Albuquerque in 1986, it's safe to say McGarvey was destined to be a musician. Enchanted by the guitar almost immediately, by age two he was given his first acoustic. By age six he was inspired by classic hard rock to pick up the instrument in earnest, and has never looked back since.

Tracing back songs from artists such as Led Zeppelin, he soon immersed himself in blues tradition, combining influences from blues legends Robert Johnson and Leadbelly, Texas guitar legends Freddie King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Johnson with the blues rock stylings of Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, Irish guitar wizard Rory Gallagher and Joe Bonamassa.

Thus began his journey as a musician, playing local clubs, even while still a teen, wowing crowds throught the Southwest. Displaying an amazing guitar technique during performances which normally could stretch out to over four hours long, it wasn't long before he was taken notice of. Leading to McGarvey appearing with and/or sharing the bill with such well established performers as Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, ZZ Top, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Blue Oyster Cult, Joe Bonamassa, Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi, Wishbone Ash, Back Door Slam, Gov't Mule, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and many more.

In 2007 McGarvey released his debut album, the critically acclaimed 'Forward In Reverse'. Although recorded when he was still but 19 years old, it demonstrated through the album's 10 self penned tracks not only was he an exceptionally talented guitarist, but had the impeccable knack for writing strong, memorable compositions as well. One of which, "Cryin' Over You" took home honors as "Blues Song Of The Year" in the 2007 New Mexico Music awards.

Evidence of his growing popularity amongst fans of the blues rock genre was the fact that in 2010 the guitarist was chosen from a field of over 4,000 hopefuls via fan votes to appear at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival - An event which has served to propel his career into a much higher gear. Three successful tours of Europe have followed, each one serving to broaden and expand his fanbase.

After a long, five year gap between releases, McGarvey is back with a brand new album 'Redefined'. A much more mature and confident offering than his debut, the material - ranging from the hard driving blues rocker "Blues Knockin' At My Door" all the way to the Tommy Emmanuel by way of Joe Bonamassa influenced acoustic workout "Four Graces" - states a very strong musical case for the 25 year old to be ranked firmly amongst the rising stars of the recently burgeoning neo blues rock movement.

Recently we had the opportunity to catch up with the guitarist at home in New Mexico to discuss the brand new album, his recent successful tours of Europe, what the future may hold for him, and so much more. Please join us as we have an exclusive interview with one of blues rock guitar's rising young guns, Ryan McGarvey. Click here for the interview.