Paul James
- Gilbert, AZ
- Singing Guitarist
- 4 Verified Bookings
Joan A. said “Paul captivates our customers with his music and enthusiasm. They always comment on how much they enjoy his performances and it keeps them coming back…”
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Musical performance in the singer/songwriter genre. Mostly original material. I have played concerts, festivals, weddings, birthday parties, house concerts, and music venues of varying sizes all across the country. If given enough notice, full band performance of my music is available as well. I am very skilled at reading a crowd and playing to the mood of the environment, whether it be festive and lively or mellow and intimate. I travel with a small PA system, so everything I need is with me at all times. I am willing to add songs to my repertoire if specific songs are desired, but will require additional monetary compensation for extra time. Sets range from 1-4 hours
Be the first to review Ryan David Orr
Price Range: $250-$1200 depending on expenses; please contact
Gig Length: 30 - 240 minutes
Languages: English
Audience connection through song is my greatest talent. Whether the mood calls for rhythmic, funky, percussive style songs that make people tap their feet, or soft, melodic ballads that make them think and feel, people can expect to connect with the performance.
Ryan has been writing and performing originial music since he was about 14 years old, after being involved in musical productions such as the opera Tosca, performed at the Angus Bowmer Theatre in Ashland, Oregon, and in the First Annual Northwest Children's Honor Choir, which performed at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts in Eugene, OR. He has played as a solo act and with bands all across the US. Inspirations are vast, including artists like Radiohead, Mos Def, Tool, Counting Crows, Beethoven, PJ Harvey, Thelonius Monk, Modest Mouse, Pearl Jam, and Tori Amos. He writes and produces many genres of music, but consistently returns to the rootsy side of things, folk and indie rock being his major passions.
What people have said:
"Tender, powerful songwriting. Ryan will take you right into the moment with him & connect his heart to yours." -John Popper(Grammy winning frontman for Blues Traveler)
"Ryan David Orr has a warm, beautiful voice with which he intimates feelings of sorrow or joy..." -Rootstime, Holland
“Beautiful melodies and unique voice with lots of texture and emotion.” -Alisa Fineman, award winning songwriter
There is a significant difference between my solo acoustic shows and full band shows. Arrangements vary depending on what is desired. I travel with a small PA system for solo shows, and require little more than an electrical outlet, a small space, and time to set up. Obviously, full band shows require greater travel expense, more space, and more electrical power. In these instances, we use at least 3 outlets and enough space for a drum set and a couple of guitars and amplifiers. I can provide all other equipment needed for performance.
Set lists consist almost exclusively of original songs. I have a personal repertoire of around 100 songs and have played 3 to 4 hour sets of original material before. Sets over an hour long require short breaks; generally 5-10 minutes for each additional hour. Songs can be sampled on my Gig Salad profile.
I make a special effort at shows to read a crowd and the environment to deliver a set that is appropriate for the mood. For example, I sometimes play coffee shops on college campuses. Sets in this environment include more up tempo, percussive, danceable songs that are reminiscent of Dave Matthews or Jason Mraz. On the other hand, I also play mellow, dimly lit lounges in which the set includes softer, more melodic tunes that might facilitate a more soothing, romantic atmosphere.
Occasional cover songs include Michael Jackson's "Human Nature", Nina Simone's "Wild is the Wind", Tom Waits' "Clap Hands", Pearl Jam's "Black", Whiskeytown's "Avenues", Cat Stevens' "Wild World", Counting Crows' "Recovering the Satellites", and others.
To sample an extensive list of my original music, go to (link hidden) and check out the "Buy Music" page. On this page you can hear track listings from several albums in their entirety.
If there is a special song or piece that you have your heart set on for the show, I am also willing to add songs to my repertoire (for example, a couple hired me for a wedding and as a special addition asked if I could play "I Can't Help Falling in Love With You" by Elvis, so I did). Specific songs are an option, but will cost extra for my time finding the charts and learning the song.
A given set list might look like this:
Dearest Love (original)
Write it on the Wall (original)
Bottle Rocket (original)
Five More Days (original)
Carry Me Home (original)
Like We Love (original)
Perfectly Fine (original)
Woman (original)
Clap Hands (Tom Waits)
Snow Globe Ballerina (original)
Where the World is Waiting For You (original)
Right in Tow (original)
Counting Crows, Pearl Jam, Tom Waits, Radiohead, Tool, PJ Harvey, Mos Def, Tori Amos, Richard Buckner, Matt Pond PA, Beethoven, Iron and Wine, Jason Mraz, CSNY, Soundgarden, Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, Mozart, A Perfect Circle, Nina Simone, and many more...
electrical outlets (1 for solo shows/3-4 for band shows)
space for equipment (sound system, instruments, etc.)
Joan A. said “Paul captivates our customers with his music and enthusiasm. They always comment on how much they enjoy his performances and it keeps them coming back…”
Cherri H. said “Can’t wait to have him back to play again!”
Chris G. said “Painted us up crazy for the football game. Was a great time”
Jennifer C. said “Casey was absolutely incredible. He kept the energy flowing at our event and the music never stopped. WE highly recommend.”