The Ryan Montbleau Band w/special guest Wheels@Canal Street Tavern
By Jimmy Cummings
Canal Street Tavern had a different vibe than I'm used too when arriving to see Ryan Montbleau with special guest Wheels. I was familiar with some of Ryan's material, like the hit 75 and Sunny, but I have never seen him live; so I was looking forward to the show. But I had no idea what to expect from the group Wheels. I had read a little background on the band so I knew they were young, (ranging from age 14-16), and my good friend Chubby Howard had seen them once before and he said they were great. Usually if Chubby tells me to check out a band "they are great"; but I was a little skeptical at first. I mean come on, I know there are child prodigies that can pick up a guitar at age 13 and blow you away, but four in one band, no way. Well Chubby was right again, these boys proved why they are one of the most talked about bands in the area. Regardless of their age, these kids are great musicians who have amazing stage presence. I just kept thinking, "I hope Ryan brings his A game, these guys are tearing it up." We will have more on Wheels in the days to come, including a review of their CD release party that took place on Sunday, May 29, also at Canal Street.
One thing is certain, the Ryan Montbleau Band definitely brought their A game; hell, they brought the entire alphabet. The band calls Boston home, so we were lucky to be on their busy summer tour schedule. The band continues to promote their latest CD titled Heavy on the Vine; their set featured many songs from the new album. Ryan opened the show with My Best Guess and then proceeded to work the crowd and took the Canal Street audience on a musical journey. It would be difficult to place the Ryan Montbleau Band in a particular genre. The band has blended Folk Rock, Reggae, R&B, and Soul into a sound that is unique and refreshing.Whether it's songs like Stretch from the bans 2006 release One Fine Color that shows the bands folk influences, to songs like Songbird (from the new album), that have a Reggae vibe.
Ryan is a great front man and an awesome entertainer. Montbleau has assembled a top notch band that consist of; James Cohen (Drums), Jason Cohen (Keyboards), Matt Giannaros (Bass, Vocals), Lyle Brewer (Lead Guitar), Yahuba (Percussion, Vocals). Ryan has a way of drawing your eyes directly to the stage; you can see the passion he has for his music in his facial expressions, making him a joy to photograph. The band seems to feed off his energy and so does the crowd, particularly the girls. But I have to say, like the rest of the folks in the attendance, I found myself bobbing my head to the groove the band was laying down. And when the band began playing the hit song 75 and Sunny the place went crazy, including you now who. What can I say, these guys put on an incredible concert. They were very personable after the show as well, signing autographs and hanging out with fans. If you see the Ryan Montbleau on one of the festivals you're attending this summer, you are in for a treat! As always, Canal Street proved why they are one of the best venues in the state, thanks so much. And thanks to the Ryan Montbleau Band and the guys from Wheels for getting us ready for the weekend to come.
Canal Street Tavern
Dayton , Ohio
Taped By Chubby
2011 Reviews and Interviews 
