Matthew Ryan – A Little Imperfect
This is modern-day troubadour stuff in the tradition of Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, with a dash of Hamilton Camp, the late Australian Gary Shearston, & a pinch of Bill Morrissey. Cape May, New Jersey’s Matthew Ryan has his say, but he’s not a radical singer-songwriter. He’s not as politically assimilated as early Bob Dylan or Phil Ochs. It is easy to suggest he keeps his showcase “conservative,” but because that word is more aligned with a particular political view, it’s more accurate to say he’s a diplomatic songwriter. Yes, he has a wonderfully diplomatic approach with this light repertoire.
15 choice tunes are A Little Imperfect (Dropped March 27/Independent/46:15) but not tedious, shoddy, or simplistic. Produced by Alfred Goodrich (cello/mandolin/duombek) & Matthew, the surprise comes with “Through Your Life,” a fine upbeat, more jazzy number, not expected on a set like this. Definitely welcome. It’s done with skill. It shows Matthew’s diversity, not sung in a Beat Generation crazy jazzy lyrical David Amram style, but with his added scatting, wildly applied trumpet (Eddie Morgan, Jr.) & superb drums (Matt Scarano), it’s an impressively entertaining piece.
Primarily acoustic in presentation, with tasty additions of harmonica (Bob Beach), violin & cello to fill out the spaces, it has quite a special sauce. Folky? Yes. Heavy on the balladry, weaved through good storytelling narratives (“Fan Mail Blues” & “Wiggle That Patch”) in an indulgent John Sebastian style. Delightful. Matthew’s voice isn’t powerful, but for this genre, it’s supple & eschews the necessary folky element with sincerity.
Mr. Ryan (acoustic & electric guitar) is a 30-year music veteran & has some well-conceived songs. He uses average lyrics in everyday lingo that are relatable & superior in their ebullient musicality. Every tune has an earworm of a melody that goes in deep & tickles. “A Little Imperfect” maintains the jazzy momentum, but instead of serious edges or novelty, Matthew presents it with charm.
Songs like “A Lot To Learn” are clever lessons; the message is diplomatic, as mentioned earlier. This is Matthew’s forte with excellent playing & an easy-going style. Nothing is aggressive or weighty. It’s like Joni Mitchell’s “Circle Song” in its gentleness. Mr. Ryan has found his own niche & he’s a warm, graceful listen.
Highlights – “My Angel Fell Too,” “I Never Wanted,” “Things That I Got Wrong,” “Fan Mail Blues,” “Through Your Life,” “A Little Imperfect,” “Wiggle That Patch,” & “A Lot To Learn.”
Musicians – Luis Gonzales (bass), Mike Brenner (lap steel), David Roth (banjo), Valerie Vuolo, Lew London & John Croizat (violin), John Roy Zat (fiddle) with Genevieve, Debra Suplee Donahue & Toni Teschner (vocals).
A 14pp stitched lyric insert is included. Cover art by RMoss Brannon. CD @ Bandcamp & https://www.facebook.com/people/Singer-Songwriter-of-Cape-May/100063619000734/
Song Premiere: https://americanahighways.org/2026/02/05/song-premiere-matthew-ryan-fan-mail-blues/