Following his acclaimed 2023 release ‘Wintersong’, independent Canadian musician Ryan Shane Owen has unveiled ‘Summersong’. This new album is a rich tapestry of musical genres, from classical opera to traditional folk, evoking the sun-soaked ambiance of Mediterranean countries. Produced, arranged, and performed entirely by Ryan himself, the album showcases his versatile vocals in 10 languages.
Ryan Shane Owen has been immersed in music since childhood, mastering piano, guitar, and vocals over his 25-year career. After exploring dance-pop with albums like ‘Rhapsody for the Disco’, ‘Symphony for the Stereo’, and ‘Concerto for the Underground’ between 2021 and 2022, he returned to his classical and folk roots. However, he reimagined these timeless pieces with a contemporary twist, infusing them with electronic elements for a fresh, modern sound.
‘Summersong’ kicks off with ‘La Paloma’, a Spanish classic dating back to the 1800s, celebrated for its numerous renditions throughout history. The album continues with ‘Santa Lucia’, a beloved Neapolitan song praising the beauty of Naples, and ‘O Sole Mio’, another iconic Neapolitan piece famously adapted into Elvis Presley’s hit ‘It’s Now Or Never’.
Ryan’s innovative approach extends to ‘La Golondrina’, commemorating Mexican exiles with a disco-infused reinterpretation, and ‘Habanera’ from Bizet’s ‘Carmen’, traditionally sung by women but transformed by Ryan’s unique vocal style and modern beats.
In ‘Duo Des Fleurs’ from Delibes’ opera ‘Lakmé’, Ryan brings a dreamy, surreal touch reminiscent of artists like David Lynch and Lana Del Rey. He also tackles Handel’s operatic gem ‘Ombra Mai Fù’, blending its majestic melody with contemporary flair.
The album features the Hebrew song ‘Hineh Ma Tov’, offering a reggae-inspired twist on its melancholic lyrics, and explores Greek influences with ‘To Gelakaki’ and the lively folk dance ‘Palamakia’. Ryan’s rendition of ‘Misirlou’, known for Dick Dale’s surf-guitar version and featured in ‘Pulp Fiction’, showcases his eclectic musical palette.
From Verdi’s opera ‘La Traviata’, Ryan presents the joyous drinking song ‘Libiamo Ne’ Lieti Calici’, and ‘Va Pensiero (Sull’ali Dorate)’ from ‘Nabucco’, a poignant chorus reflecting on the Babylonian exile.
The album concludes with ‘Ti Ipermaho’, an ancient Greek Orthodox hymn dating back to the 5th century AD, providing a majestic finale to Ryan Shane Owen’s musical odyssey on ‘Summersong’.
Experience the timeless melodies and innovative spirit of ‘Summersong’ as Ryan Shane Owen invites you to immerse yourself in the cultural richness of the Mediterranean through his electrifying new album.
