Ridge Banks, the troubadour deeply entrenched in the melodious core of Nashville, Tennessee, surfaces as a singer/songwriter whose narrative originates from the quaint origins of Fenton, Michigan. His story unfolds against the backdrop of a musical legacy and an inherent penchant for performance that flourished in his developmental years. At the forefront of the burgeoning rugged acoustic movement, Banks adeptly weaves together the enduring fingerpicking traditions of luminaries such as Jim Croce, John Denver, and Eric Clapton, seamlessly blending them with a contemporary, rhythmic pulse reminiscent of Ed Sheeran, John Mayer and Tommy Emmanuel.
Scheduled for release on February 9th, Banks’ upcoming single, “One Note At A Time,” exudes organic qualities with its pristine instrumentation featuring banjo and acoustic guitar. While the influences he mentions are subtly present, this particular track aligns more closely with the stylistic resonance of bands like Mumford & Sons. Banks’ vocals, unabashedly optimistic yet tinged with an undercurrent of melancholy, resonate positively. The lyrical content exudes wisdom, as if Banks has traversed life’s trials, imparting simple truths to the listener, akin to the storytelling prowess of Cat Stevens.
Delving into more recent singles, “Stare Too Long” captures your attention with its warm and inviting melody, showcasing honest storytelling. Banks comfortably navigates his vocal range, delivering an explanation, posing questions and maintaining transparency about the central theme of the song. In “Half a Mile from Normal,” a spirited romp unfolds, marking the most rock-centric of the tracks. The song exudes a hard rock ambiance with subtle hints of blues-inspired vibes, guaranteed to get listeners on their feet. The band’s cohesion is evident, and Banks exudes confidence and excitement in this lively composition.
Banks’ strategic release of singles showcasing diverse facets of his sound intrigues, leaving the listener anticipating the depth of his artistic journey. As the future unfolds, it remains to be seen how profound this musical exploration will go, but for now, it’s well worth listening to what’s on offer.