Podcast Summary: "Taking a Walk" – Celebrating the Release of "Off Broadway" by Ryan Shaw and Ray Angry
Episode Information:
- Title: Celebrating the Release of "Off Broadway" by Ryan Shaw and Ray Angry
- Host: Buzz Knight (iHeartPodcasts)
- Release Date: May 20, 2025
Introduction
In this special episode of the "Taking a Walk" podcast, host Buzz Knight explores the creative journey behind the new album "Off Broadway," a collaboration between three-time Grammy-nominated vocalist Ryan Shaw and acclaimed pianist, composer, and arranger Ray Angry. Joined by producer Scott Jacoby, the trio delves into their inspirations, creative processes, and the innovative blending of genres that reimagines beloved Broadway classics.
The Genesis of "Off Broadway"
Starting Point and Inspiration
At [05:56], producer Scott Jacoby recounts the moment that sparked the collaboration:
Scott Jacoby: “It was so special... witnessing Ray and Ryan together was explosive. It was then that I saw the opportunity to create an album of Broadway songs in a style that would resonate uniquely with them.”
After attending Ryan and Ray's "From Broadway to Soul" show at 54 Below in Manhattan, Scott felt inspired to propose the idea of reinterpreting Broadway classics through a diverse musical lens.
Lightning Bolt Moment
Buzz highlights the spontaneity of the project’s inception:
Scott Jacoby [07:50]: “It was a lightning bolt moment in time.”
This surge of creative energy led Scott to approach Ryan and Ray’s managers, setting the stage for the collaborative album.
Creative Process and Recording Magic
Building the Foundation
At [08:49], Scott emphasizes the importance of preparation and the right environment for creativity:
Scott Jacoby: “Choosing musicians, doing arrangements... the song selection was key. Ryan had to pick from a vast list of Broadway songs that inspired him.”
One-Day Recording Session
The team managed to lay down the basic tracks for the entire album in just one day, showcasing their exceptional chemistry and preparedness:
Scott Jacoby [09:00]: “We did it in one day. When you have great musicians and you’re prepared, it’s possible.”
Exploring Genres and Defining Soul Music
Fluidity of Musical Genres
Ryan Shaw challenges traditional genre boundaries, redefining soul music as an expression of the inner spirit rather than a confined genre:
Ryan Shaw [30:27]: “Soul music is not a genre to me. The first time in the Marine Corps... Shania Twain's 'Is There Life After Love' was soul music to me.”
Blending Styles
"Off Broadway" seamlessly integrates R&B, soul, jazz, rock, reggae, house, and classical influences, creating a rich and eclectic soundscape that breathes new life into Broadway standards.
Notable Tracks and Their Reimagined Versions
“Sending the Clowns”
An ode to artistic freedom, this track exemplifies the album’s innovative spirit:
Ryan Shaw [32:12]: “To take a song like 'Without You' and really put a new meaning on it... like when Miles Davis took 'Summertime' and made it a jazz standard.”
“Gethsemane”
A reinterpretation that infuses a celebratory tone into a traditionally solemn song:
Ryan Shaw [53:26]: “This song is about Jesus surrendering his life... for me, the death is as celebratory as the rising.”
“On the Street Where You Live”
Incorporating a reggae vibe, this track blends traditional melodies with contemporary rhythms:
Scott Jacoby [61:57]: “It's like colors and flavors meeting.”
Impact and Reception
Emotional Fulfillment
Reflecting on the album’s release event, Scott shares the profound satisfaction of seeing their work resonate with the audience:
Scott Jacoby [12:57]: “It's just the greatest pleasure... to see people resonating with the music and the way we've reinterpreted them.”
Creating a New Standard
Ryan emphasizes the album’s dynamic arrangements, allowing any musician to perform the songs uniquely, ensuring their longevity and continual evolution:
Ryan Shaw [55:23]: “We created such a dynamic record that anyone can perform the music and have their own thing.”
Conclusion
In celebrating "Off Broadway," Buzz Knight and his guests showcase a harmonious blend of reverence for musical history and innovative reinterpretation. Through thoughtful collaboration and a fearless blending of genres, Ryan Shaw and Ray Angry, under Scott Jacoby's production, have crafted an album that honors Broadway's legacy while forging new paths in musical expression.
Notable Quotes:
- Scott Jacoby [07:50]: “It was a lightning bolt moment in time.”
- Ryan Shaw [24:28]: “It's an egoless, egoless space to create.”
- Ryan Shaw [30:27]: “Soul music is not a genre to me. We are souls living in this avatar.”
- Ryan Shaw [55:23]: “We created such a dynamic record that anyone can perform.”
This episode offers an inspiring look into the collaborative spirit and creative ingenuity that breathe new life into timeless Broadway classics, making them relevant and engaging for today’s audiences.