Artist Bios
Hard Ryde
Hailing from musical backgrounds encompassing bluegrass,
country, old-time and jazz, the sum of these individual parts
equals one dynamic powerhouse of talent taking the Canadian
bluegrass stage. Hard Ryde is an award-winning combination of
musical synergy, adored by their fans and respected by their
peers on both sides of the border.
With more than one songwriter on board, Hard Ryde's music is
fresh, exciting and new, while at the same time respecting and
capturing the essence and passion of traditional bluegrass. Hard
Ryde's strong vocals, stellar musicianship and winning
songwriting abilities have won this band a top spot in the
hearts of bluegrass fans in Canada and beyond...
Doug DeBoer Guitar & Vocals
Doug resides in Cambridge, Ontario, with his partner, Melissa
Sherman. With Doug at Hard Ryde's helm and Melissa attending to
the logistical and navigational details of keeping five to six
widely scattered musicians on the same course, the band is a
tight ship. Bluegrass has been a constant in Doug's life, coming
from a family of musicians, fans and promoters of the genre, so
it came as no surprise when he formed his own band at age
sixteen. He then went on to perform with Crossfire and Wheatland
County before forming the long-running and award-winning
Grassworks, which disbanded in 1996. Doug's many awards for his
powerful rhythm guitar and strong and soulful vocals have earned
him Hall-of-Fame status with the Central Canadian Bluegrass
Association.
Will Meadows Mandolin & Vocals
Will, from Toronto, Ontario, has been playing in country
bands since the age of twelve, earning him a solid reputation on
lead guitar, bass and pedal steel. Will's innate skills with
stringed instruments and intuitive musical sensibilities have
allowed a natural transition into the world of bluegrass and the
disciplines of the mandolin, which he has embraced with
passionate focus and refreshing energy. Will grew up in a
musical household and was mentored from a very young age by some
of Canada's leading country artists and songwriters. His obvious
talents, combined with his dedication to keeping music honest
and real, are rapidly earning this young musician a name as a
dynamic emerging force on the bluegrass scene.
Tyler Beckett Fiddle & Vocals
Tyler Beckett, from the Owen Sound area, has been fiddling
since the age of 3 and has performed on numerous tours across
Canada and in parts of the U.S.A playing, not just fiddle, but
guitar and other instruments. Over the past few years, Tyler has
competed in many fiddle contests, earning himself Ontario Open
Fiddle Champion, Canadian Novelty Fiddle Champion, and a 2-time
Canadian Duet Champion. Tyler has also been on several tours
with the "Memories of Don Messer's Jubilee" Show.
Rich Koop Bass
Since joining the band several years ago, Rich, who resides
in Grimsby, Ontario, is the heartbeat of the band, providing the
steady pulse behind Hard Ryde's energetic sound. A respected
studio musician, Rich honed his performance skills at a young
age playing bass in a variety of bands and genres throughout
southern Ontario. He also played alongside his father in the
bluegrass bands, Sweetwater and the Torchmen, and has a solid
reputation for his professionalism and tasteful contribution to
any musical endeavor he commits his talents to.
Rich is the 2007 "Bass Player of the Year" recipient from the
Central Canadian Bluegrass Awards.
Darcy Cambpell Banjo
Born in Ottawa, Ontario D'arcy started playing Banjo at the
age of 8, his musical influences included J.D Crowe and the New
South, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, Jimmy Martin and The Sunny
Mnt. Boys and Blue Highway. Banjo inspirations come from: J.D
Crowe, E. Scruggs, Terry Baucom, Jimmy Mills and personal
influences from Garry Greenland and Robin Roller. D'arcy worked
as a studio musician while pursuing his education in Fish and
Wildlife studies. Filling in with local northern Ontario bands,
D'arcy has committed to join Hard Ryde. His hard driving banjo
sound is a welcomed addition to the band. If he is not picking,
he's fishin' for steelhead!
Marc Roy Guitar & Vocals
Invariably described as an "instrumental genius" and
"acoustic enigma" Marc Roy is a familiar face at bluegrass
festivals and concert venues across Canada and the U.S. He is
widely known for his continuing work with the Emory Lester Set,
has recorded with numerous artists and plays regularly in the
Toronto bluegrass circuit, including a weekly spot at the
popular Silver Dollar Room with Crazy Strings. Marc is currently
breaking in the first of a new line of acoustic guitars
hand-crafted by the highly respected Toronto luthier, Alastair
Miller, and specifically designed to compliment the unique sound
and style that Marc brings to the instrument.
Marc was honoured with the "Guitar Player of the Year" award
at the 2007 Central Canadian Bluegrass Awards.
Visit Hard Ryde's website at:
www.hardryde.ca
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