Ry Cooder 

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  • Upcoming 2024 concerts: none

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Past concerts

  1. Jun

    10

    2022
    San Francisco, CA, US

    Great American Music Hall

  2. Jun

    9

    2022
    San Francisco, CA, US

    Great American Music Hall

  3. Nov

    3

    2019
    Philadelphia, PA, US

    The Met

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Biography

  • Ry Cooder (born March 15, 1947) is a seminal and inspiring American roots guitarist, film composer, and session musician, best known for his memorable slide guitar work and cross genres appeal, hailing from Los Angeles, California, U.S.

    Having first picked up the guitar aged three, it would be a further 13 years before Cooder made his debut alongside Jackie DeShannon in his first blues band. Continuing the blues themes, the guitarist subsequently joined Taj Mahal and Ed Cassidy in the Rising Sons, and later worked as a session musician for Paul Revere & the Raiders. On top of this, the gifted guitar-smith has notably worked with Randy Newman, the Rolling Stones, Little Feat, and Van Dyke Parks, of which Cooder’s signature slide guitar work can be heard. Known for adopting the sounds of a host of North American genres including the blues, rock and roll, Tex-Mex, gospel, R&B, folk, Dixieland jazz, and Hawaiian, Cooder’s extolled musical output represents an exploration is sound and American history.

    The singer-songwriter made his debut solo album release in 1970 with a self-titled country-rock record. Two years later its successor, “Into the Purple Valley” arrived, marking a more rootsy album and the contributions of musical friends Jim Keltner and Jim Dickinson. Cooder’s third full-length “Boomer’s Story” was released later in 1972 boasting much the same style as its predecessor and earned similarly popular reviews. Arguably his most revered album, 1974’s “Paradise and Lunch”, is a carefully crafted patchwork-quilt of influences. Featuring railroad songs, blues numbers as well as songs by Bobby Womack, Blind Willie McTell, and Burt Bacharach, the record showcases Cooder’s composition and songwriting virtuosity.

    Drawing influence from Tex-Mex, Hawaiian music, and gospel, Cooder’s subsequent album “Chicken Skin Music” was released in 1976. Three years later the musician’s first major label record to be recorded digitally was issued under the name “Bop Till You Drop”. After this time Cooder would continue to release solo albums however also began composing music for films, notably on the films “The Long Riders”, “Southern Comfort”, “Paris, Texas”, “Blue City”, and “Cross Roads”.

    Following a brief stint alongside Keltner, John Hiatt, and Nick Lowe in the band Little Village, Cooder began to focus on children’s and world music, subsequently winning the 1988 Grammy Award for Best Recording for Children with his “Pecos Bill”. Five years later Cooder was picking up another Grammy Award for Best World Music Album for his 1993 album “A Meeting by the River” with Vishwa Mohan Bhatt. These successes would prove to be the first of six Grammy Awards bestowed upon the talented multi-instrumentalist, with his albums “Talking Timbuktu”, “Buena Vista Social Club”, “Mamba Sinuendo”, and “Beunos Hermanos” also earning the accolade.

    In 1987 Cooder issued the album “Chavez Ravine”, the first in a trilogy of albums documenting the loss of Los Angeles’ cultural history, succeeded by “My Name is Buddy” in 2007, and “I, Flathead” in 2009. Alongside the Chieftains, Cooder issued the album “San Patricio” in March 2010, followed by the live album “Live in San Francisco” in September 2013.

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Live reviews

  • Ry Cooder

    After a career spanning nearly six decades, six grammy awards and being labeled by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, a Ry Cooder live show is something that should be on everyone’s bucket list. The man is somewhat of a legend to anyone who has ever laid hands on a six string and his talent is evidenced by his collaborations with the likes of the Rolling Stones, Van Morrison and Eric Clapton.

    It takes going to a Ry Cooder gig to appreciate the level of talent that the man has, with the skill of his slide guitar work beautifully complementing his folk and blues style songs. Ry Cooder’s fans from all over will be able to testify that the excitement that fills the room when we hear the first few bars of ‘Vigilante Man’ is like no other and we watch in awe of the man who is truly a master of his craft.

    On stage wearing nothing more extravagant than a shirt and jeans, Ry Cooder succeeds in captivating his audience into losing themselves in his melodies. Music-loving strangers create memories that they will never forget at Ry Cooder gigs and only when you see him live will you understand why.

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  • For anyone who saw Ry perform earlier in his career and want more, this tour is for you. Even if you didn't, you will still be blown away. The setlist was nothing short of superb - a combination of some really great older material, plus songs from his latest album "Prodigal Son". Remember the all-male choirs on "Paradise and Lunch" and "Bop Till You Drop"? Ry added The Hamiltones, an amazing group of 3 vocalists from North Carolina. The band? Absolutely top notch including Ry's son Joachim Cooder on drums. Ry himself? The Man. Best slide player on the planet. Shifted effortlessly from electric to acoustic and back. Brought out his Electric Bouzouki (remodeled from a Vox Wyman Bass) for several songs. The tuning is unique. I seriously doubt anyone else on the planet can play it, especially with Ry's finesse.

    Here is a link to the setlist. If you were there, I was the guy in the back who knew that a deuce-and-a-quarter is a Buick (Electra 225).

    https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/ry-cooder/2018/great-american-music-hall-san-francisco-ca-3eb3d17.html

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  • There are few guitarists held in similar acclaim to six time Grammy award winner Ry Cooder. His collaborator list includes the likes of The Rolling Stones and equally talented Eric Clapton to give you some impression of the calibre of artist he is. At almost 70 years old, he takes to stage time and time again as a demand from the fans keeps him enthused and excited to play from his lengthy discography.

    He is considered to be one of the most esteemed guitar players of all time by a number of publications so part of the live appeal is seeing if the hype is all justified. Fortunately it truly is as Ry steps onto stage and performs complex instrumentals all evening and never drops a single note. His fingers move at lightning speeds and you cannot comprehend how somebody would ever be able to play and recall all these songs at such an impressive pace and perfection. 'Down In Mississippi' is a real highlight and is perhaps the best showcase of his talents so far tonight.

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  • Roseanne Cash and Ry Cooder started their tour in Nashville at the Ryman auditorium, the mother church of country music. What a perfect place to play on Father’s Day. The two of them did Johnny Cash songs that were written and performed by Johnny before he split from Roseanne’ s mother. I really like Roseanne but admittedly I was there for Ry Cooder and he did not let me down. Ry’s son Joachim played the drums and Rosanne Cash‘s husband played rhythm. Great articles online all about the limited 5 show tour.

    Songkick was great and very very easy to use. Much easier than going direct through Ticketmaster. I just put in my favorite artists and immediately was informed about Ry’s Ryman appearance before the show was announced to the general public. So I ended up getting great seats without all the hassle and at the correct price.

    What’s not to like? Very impressed and will always use them. No fuss no muss great show.

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  • A wonderful show from a living legend of the slide guitar.

    I'd forgotten how good his voice is. He's up there with the likes of Weller and Daltry imho. he's also got a very wry sense of humour, especially about politics and heaven.

    A mature selection of rockified gospel songs, old and very old.

    Amazing band, including son Joachim on drums.

    I hope he doesn't leave it so long to return.

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  • Fabulous show from a guitar genius. 90 minutes of excellent rhythm and blues and Americana music with a fine 3 piece harmony vocal group. Not to be missed. Particular favourites from the Bop till you drop album.

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  • Outstanding night! Venue and the performers were top notch. All songs were pre 1965 gospel or genuine country. Could of used a little more of Cooder's 70's style guitar though.

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Find out more about Ry Cooder tour dates & tickets 2024-2025

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