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, by way of New Jersey, Cavanaugh’s first appearances as a child featured his hard-driving bluegrass banjo on radio and on stages with traditional greats like Doc Watson, Doug Dillard, and John McEuen. Having honed his present ultra-modern chops under the wings of Jazz sax legend Bill Evans, John McLaughlin, and Dennis Chambers, Cavanaugh has meticulously developed a technical approach and songwriting craft entirely his own while not compromising his instrument, or the music, to play new genres.
Recommended by John McLaughlin and Béla Fleck in 2006, Cavanaugh spent nine years touring in the acclaimed saxophonist Bill Evans's Soulgrass band. Cavanaugh has recorded and shares stages with greats from all genres, including Sam Bush, Béla Fleck, John Popper, Victor Wooten, Dennis Chambers, Randy Brecker, Richard Bona, Warren Haynes, and Robben Ford. In addition to the 2017 release of "Every Note the Heart can Play" (C Lanzbom/Ryan Cavanaugh), recordings to date include the 2013-14 release of "Back Country" plus the 2 additional singles "Once Upon a Time in Appalachia" and "Reuben's Cube," Ryan's 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. The Back Country singles feature Cavanaugh on banjo, Bill Evans on saxophone, Mark Egan on bass, Tyson Rogers on keyboard, and Joel Rosenblatt on drums. Cavanaugh’s 2014 release, “Back Country,” is a series of three “bluegrass/rock/funk singles” featuring Reuben’s Cube (Tribute to Earl Scruggs), Once Upon a Time in Appalachia and the title track, Back Country.
Re-entering the US bluegrass and jam music scene in 2016, Cavanaugh added a fresh and prodegious sound to the Jeff Austin Band EP, Don’t Let The Body Grow Cold (2016). After a year on the road with Austin, Cavanaugh joined the band of mandolinist Jenni Lyn Gardner for various 2017 tour dates, preceding his joining of Songs From the road Band; where he recorded on SFTRB’s, Waiting on a Ride LP (2019). At the end of that same year Ryan released, The Realist, an avant gardé, chronological progression of free improvisations on electric banjo, about which guitar Legend John McLaughlin had some commentary:
“I’ve known Ryan Cavanaugh for years. He came to my attention through the Internet and from the outset I could hear a very talented young musician. The fact that he was already breaking down preconceived notions about how a Banjo should be played, and what music should be played on the Banjo endeared me to him all the more.
In this new recording Ryan is again knocking down all preconceived ideas about the Banjo.
This is a very personal statement from a musician who, because of personal artistic integrity, insists on seeking a new way to play, to communicate to the listener his vision and life in music.
Whether this recording is everyone’s ‘cup of tea’ is neither here nor there. In addition to an impeccable technique, this is the music of a real “Free Spirit” enjoying his musical universe, and as such is particularly valid in this day of cliché driven music and deserves a hearing from anyone truly interested in the evolution of modern music. Highly recommended.” - John McLaughlin (Miles Davis, Mahavishnu Orchestra), 2019
“A challenge to all the beings involved in making beauty out of nothing (a perhaps clumsy definition of art. An idea appears in a vacuum and boom! ) is to create our OWN body of work, utilizing the countless decisions and experiences accumulated at the now. This informs much of my joy in realtion to RC's new release. Herein he's making textures, contexts, and drawing conclusions in his own way. “I don't think anyone I’m aware of could do this and it's really cool and a delightful listen.” - Danny Barnes (Bad Livers, award winning banjoist), 2019
“I’ve been familiar with Ryan and his incredible banjo playing for quite some time now. There are great musicians all over the planet, but when you throw down a jam with Ryan, you know you’ve met someone who plays at a more elite level. Upon listening to his new record, The Realist, it’s obvious that he is more than comfortable with improv, mixing up ideas and even adding some very original sounding effects to enhance what he is doing. Give this project a listen and get lost in a unique sound scape. I look forward to hearing more from Ryan.” - Jeremy Garrett (fiddle/Infamous Stringdusters/solo artist), 2019
As of recent, Ryan has garnered a Grammy nomination for playing on several selections from Jeremy Garrett’s River Wild CD (2022), and is currently playing select tour dates in 2023 with the Jeremy Garrett Bluegrass band.
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.”
"Most readers will see the word “banjo” and music described as “anything but bluegrass” and no doubt think of Bela Fleck. However, a comparison to Fleck would be a bit lazy here." -Jambands.com, 2017
Read more: http://www.jambands.com/reviews/cds/2017/03/09/ryan-cavanaugh-and-c-lanzbom-every-note-the-heart-can-play#ixzz4hqe8lLm7
“One of the best technical players ever.” – Bela Fleck, Elmore Magazine, 2011
“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