Ryan Hart and the Bluehearts
Dubbed “Young East Coast masters of the jumpin’ West Coast sound” by Blues Revue magazine, Ryan Hartt & the Blue Hearts have been at the forefront of the New England blues scene for the last five years. Formed in 2000 by lifelong friends Ryan Hartt (vocals/harmonica) and Eric Ducoff (guitar), the band has consistently strived to keep the classic sounds of 40s, 50s and early 60s blues stylings alive and well.
Playing the same mixture of Chicago,Texas and Jump blues that filled post-war California, singer/harmonica player Ryan Hartt, guitarist Eric Ducoff, upright bassist Jeff Berg and drummer Nick Toscano have performed at some of the best clubs and festivals in the Northeast.
In 2004, the Blue Hearts qualified as semi-finalists in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn. Their debut CD, “Empty Wallet”, produced by Rick Holmstrom, has won praise from fans, critics, DJs and musicians throughout the world. Their latest release, “Yeah Man!”, featuring special guest Junior Watson, adds swamp blues, organ trio jazz, West Side blues, 40’s R&B and just a dash of roots rock to the 50s styled Chicago and Jump blues they have become known for.
Ryan Hartt and the Blue Hearts were voted “Best Blues Band of 2005″by the readers of the Hartford Advocate’s Grand Band Slam poll!