Tyler Ramsey has been doing his solo tour this month in support of his new album “The Valley Wind”. It has been receiving EXCELLENT reviews, and he has gathered amazing comparisons to the likes of the incredible fingerstyle guitarist John Fahey and the folk/rock legend Neil Young.

I had the pleasure of catching the show in Asheville, North Carolina at the Grey Eagle. When i received the CD, it stayed in my car from release day, until the night of the show. With the disc being 35 minutes long, and my drive to work being 35 minutes long, I knew I would have plenty of time to analyze every single track and learn all of the lyrics before the show. On my way to the show, I was going through in my head which cover song Tyler would do. I know he always does a cover at shows–and while I’m very partial to “These Days”, I really wanted to hear “All Through The Night”.

When I got to the venue, as I pulled in, I could see a tall shadow in the doorway. It was easy to not mistake whose shadow it was. I walked in, and as I’m standing there next to Tyler Ramsey at the merch counter, he is cheerfully greeting everyone coming in and around. I make my way to get situated right up front next to the stage. If you have ever been to a Tyler Ramsey show, you know that you are in for “an experience”. The setting at the Grey Eagle made it even more so intimate, and being in Tyler’s hometown, you knew you were surrounded by friends and family.

When Tyler came out and took the stage, amidst cheers, he quietly sat down, picked up his guitar, and opened up with the instrumental, “Ravenshadow”. A longer version than the 54 seconds on the album, I sat in awe at the fluidity of his fingers on the strings. I looked around and it was almost as if everyone else there was in a trance, completely mesmerized by the sounds coming from the stage. As the show progressed, it only got better and better. Tyler joked about how he had waited until last minute to contact his support, and to make the posters for his show. We were treated to the entire track-list of “The Valley Wind”, along with favorites from “A Long Dream”. A cover of Neil Young’s “Comes a Time” was thrown into the mix, and then Tyler gracefully thanked everyone and exited the stage.

Of course we needed an encore! This my friends, was the magical moment of the night for me! Tyler comes back on-stage, and as he picks up his guitar, he points to his left, and his beautiful wife Joti joins him onstage. As the two sort out the key to the song, I watched at how each of them look at each other, adore each other, completely compliment one another. The song starts. It was the cover of Jules Shear/Cyndi Lauper’s “All Through The Night”! Tyler and Joti singing together is completely love-inspiring, and by far the best way to close the show. Here is a video I took of this lovely performance. I hope you enjoy!

After the show, I had the chance to speak with Tyler briefly. I felt like I had known him my entire life. It was that easy! He is very appreciative of his fans, and expressed this with the biggest heartfelt smile while he greeted everyone waiting to have their chance to say hello.

If you haven’t picked up your copy of “The Valley Wind”, you can do so at iTunes, or at the Fat Possum Records Store. There is still time to catch Tyler on tour if you’re on the west coast! Be sure to check out the three remaining shows here.

Tyler was kind enough to sign a copy of “The Valley Wind”, which will be part of a contest coming up VERY SOON, right here on Ode! So be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the details!

I would like to extend a special thank you to both of the beautiful Mrs. R’s. Thank you so much for your generosity and hospitality.