Specializing in quality roots and Americana music since 1978.

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banjoist/musician/producer
bluegrass-jazz-rock-abstract

www.ryancavanaughbanjo.com

Ryan Cavanaugh's innovative ideas of how and what is played on the 5-string banjo are occupied by few banjo players and musicians alike. Hailing originally from North Carolina, Cavanaugh’s first appearances as a child featured his hard-driving style on WPAQ radio and with greats like Doc Watson, Doug Dillard, and John McEuen. Cavanaugh is a US Champion of premier traditional banjo contests such as RockyGrass, MerleFest, FiddleFest and RenoFest. Having now honed his now uber-untraditional chops under the wings of Jazz sax legend Bill Evans, Cavanaugh has meticulously developed a technical approach and songwriting craft entirely his own while not compromising his instrument to play new genres. Lauded by roots music authority No Depression, the ambitious and musically relentless Ryan Cavanaugh is, “the most versatile banjo player in the world whose name isn’t Fleck…He can play anything, and he’s proven he’s crafty enough to impress John-Oh-My-God-McLaughlin.” 

Cavanaugh’s newest release, “Back Country,” is a series of “bluegrass/fusion singles” [Bluegrass Today, 2014] featuring Reuben’s Cube (Tribute to Earl Scruggs), Once Upon a Time in Appalachia and the title track, Back Country. 
“One of the best technical players ever.” – Bela Fleck, Elmore Magazine, 2011 

Recommended by John McLaughlin and Béla Fleck in 2006, Cavanaugh has spent nine years touring in the acclaimed saxophonist's Bill Evans Soulgrass band. Cavanaugh records and shares stages with greats Sam Bush, Béla Fleck, John Popper, Victor Wooten, Dennis Chambers, Warren Haynes and Robben Ford. In addition to his new series, Back Country, recordings to date include the new grass venture "Songs for the New Frontier" (2006) and the modern jazz tinged "Ryan Cavanaugh and No Man's Land" (2010). All available and distributed by digital resellers. Back Country recordings feature Cavanaugh on banjo, Bill Evans on saxophone, Mark Egan on bass, Tyson Rogers on keyboard, and Joel Rosenblatt on drums.
“Cavanaugh’s bluegrass credibility is undeniable but, while he’ll humbly tell you that he’s still got so much to learn, he’s already a remarkable jazz player.” - All About Jazz Magazine, 2010
“[Cavanaugh]brings his invaluable command of the banjo to the tunes while Latella makes singing like a songbird sound easy.” - Huffington Post, 2014


A trusted troubadour for hot summer nights and cold beers, Owen is now in his forties, tangling with separations from lost lovers, raising kids, and growing out of the fresh-faced kid that headed down to Nashville 20 years back with a six-string and a dream.  Case in point: Dreams to Dream, Owen’s long-awaited, Shooter Jennings-co-produced foray into classic, honky-tonk country, out November 7 via Good Company Entertainment. Dreams to Dream, Owen’s first independent studio album, featuring 10 original tracks and two stellar covers, tells the tale of a man at a crossroads — and what it takes to set out a new path. 

Owen wasn’t expecting much when he commented on one of Shooter Jennings’ Instagram posts, half-jokingly suggesting that they make a honky-tonk record, but the producer called his bluff. Two days later, Owen’s manager had Jennings on the line and, soon, Owen was on his way to L.A. and Jennings’ Sunset Sound. It was a cozy yet electric scene: Jennings and Owen cracking jokes in the sepia-toned studio, creativity crackling as they collaborated with the likes of songwriters Ben Chapman and Kendell Marvel, as well as long-time shooter pal, guitarist/harmonic player Leroy Powell. 

“All my friends who have heard my stuff have gone, ‘Dude, Jake, this is you man. This is who you've always tried to be,’” Owen says. “Sometimes you need to get outside what's comfortable, what people think you are, or think you should be, and take a risk.”

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