The fact that Ryan Shaw was scheduled as a replacement for Jakob Dylan at this year's Edmonton Folk Festival was soon forgot when Shaw lit up the crowd with his excellent covers of classics like ‘Let It Be' and his own original tracks such as ‘We Got Love'.

By: Xanthe Couture (Edmonton Correspondent - Canada)

Ryan Shaw-Main Stage 8:00 pm Saturday 9^th August, 2008 

The fact that Ryan Shaw was scheduled as a replacement for Jakob Dylan at this year's Edmonton Folk Festival was soon forgot when Shaw lit up the crowd with his excellent covers of classics like ‘Let It Be' and his own original tracks such as ‘We Got Love'.

This is Ryan Shaw is his debut album, and an apt title to introduce his amazing voice to those who love soul and those who appreciate a great singer. He has been showcasing his energising stage presence and soulful original tunes and covers on what has been a whirlwind tour of Europe and North America. When asked how many Festivals he has done, Shaw replies with a laugh. "My whole life has been festivals," he says. 

Over the past two summers Festival seasons, his infectious music has made its way from Norway and Switzerland to notable U.S. festivals like Bumbershoot, Bonnaroo and countless Blues, Rock and Jazz Festivals. Having started touring this summer in London on July 4^th, it has been a busy two months but well worth it.  "It's been 29 days, 25 Festivals, and 22 flights and that was just Europe. Last year we did the same thing but in the States" Shaw says.  

Critics and fans have taken to comparing Shaw's vocal abilities to soul icons such as Otis Redding, Bobby Womack and Junior Walker. He takes the compliments as an indication that he is on the right track. "Well I guess as long as they keep up the comparisons I guess I'm doing well," Shaw says.

"We all grew up singing up in church, I just grew up singing in church like 40 years later," he adds with a chuckle. Shaw's original plans were to act and sing on Broadway, but a dislike of the dancing side of it changed his goals. "I was actually one of the favourites, but I couldn't dance so I never went to the call backs because I developed a fear," adding, "there will be no pirouettes tonight!" 

Shaw also honed his singing abilities as a session singer which led to song writing and being chosen to sing with the Fabulous Soul Shakers, a five man group that toured as an Acapella group and also with a band "that is what took off and got me here," Shaw says. Being a solo artist also has its perks. "You're the boss, you follow your gut and hopefully you will be successful."

There is one more week of touring for Shaw and then he will be on a much deserved holiday.

The plans are in the works for a second album, which he will finish before anymore touring.  "No more touring until I finish the second record. I have been touring so heavily that I haven't had time to really focus on it," Shaw says.

The first album was a lot of covers; while this album will feature more original tracks wrote by Shaw; "Writing songs is more liberating. People really get to see who I am as artist and what I have to say in my own writing style," he says. 

The extensive touring has helped too. "I have learned a lot from touring and what I want the next album to be. It has been a learning experience," Shaw says. For Shaw, the energy and enthusiasm of the fans makes the grind of touring worthwhile "I realize why I am doing this and hopefully tonight will be one of those nights."

"The reason I got into music was to share," Shaw says, "When you share of yourself and you believe in what you are doing and people respond it really makes it worth it," he adds. 

Given the electric response of the crowd, who after a day of enduring the hot temperatures and glaring sun, were easily persuaded to get up and dance and sing along to Shaw's catchy tune ‘Do the 45'- it was one of those nights.