When discussing Memphis music and the future of the Memphis sound, Ryan Peel has always been on my radar. He is a multi-talented individual whose roots are as diverse as the culture of this city. Memphis has always been a melting pot of people and ideas and that is exactly what Ryan brings to the table.
When Rachel sent me The New Memphis Sound for review, my first thought was that the title is such a bold claim. Redefining Memphis is something that has always been met with resistance, primarily because so many people are afraid to change. After listening through Ryan’s collection of songs, I can confidently say that it is a major factor in redefining Memphis music.
The six song collective is a fantastic batch of tunes that has a fresh overall sound, while still retaining a uniqueness from track to track.
“I’m Not Sure” starts off The New Memphis Sound with an ear catching intro that slides into a smooth jam that instantly captures my attention. It has an upbeat feel that has a multitude of influences built into it. Storyteller song writing meets soul and jazz elements in a fresh sound that instantly captivates me.
“Don’t Test Me” is an upbeat track that has a feel good attitude about it. What is hidden underneath the lyrical content, however, is a complex story about one man’s frustration with a relationship that is going nowhere fast. With this realization, the story moves on to say that he is tired of the game and is ready to move on to something else. Lines like “Baby don’t test me, I got options” say something universal about the struggles we all have faced. in relationships.
“Barely Getting By” is a groove oriented song that show cases some of Ryan’s best storytelling. The subject is something that many people can relate to. The daily struggles we all face are at the forefront of this track. With lyrics like, “it ain’t nothing new, I’ll see it through” the listener can tell that he is focused on the good times and is not primarily concerned with the little things.
“What Am I Missing” is an upbeat love song that is reminiscent of many Memphis classics from the Stax era. Ryan shows off his vocal range from the start with an impressive falsetto, while Claude Hinds III gets a chance to show off his keys skills with a great solo.
“Gliding” comes in with a strong vocal that takes its inspiration from hip hop and rap. The groove is upbeat and energetic as Ryan tells a story about his love for a girl and all the elements that drive her. The chorus comes in with a flowing melodic hook that is ethereal in nature.
“Patchwork Quilts” has a very catchy acoustic that drives the intro of the song. The chorus is a desperate cry out that has an intense dynamic to it. Wrapping up the EP, lines like “I’ll come back” hint at things to come in the future. I, for one, can’t wait to hear what Ryan does next.
Jason Gillespie is an up and coming producer/engineer whose work includes critically acclaimed albums and soundtracks including Ruthie Foster’s Grammy nominated album “The Truth According to Ruthie Foster”, Puscifer’s “V is for Vagina”, Wax Fang’s “La La Land” and the Great Debaters soundtrack.
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