Ryan Meagher

Sounds like “Marr”

Portland-based jazz guitarist, composer, and educator.

Jazz Journal called him, “the most interesting new guitarist on the scene since Pat Metheny.” JazzTimes remarked that his music was “startingly original stuff.” Downbeat Magazine noted that, “there’s a strong element of folksong in Meagher’s compositions, expressed by his singing melodies and commitment to the gravity and beauty of a balanced lyrical arc.”

He is the Jazz Director at Lower Columbia College in Longview, Washington. He also holds teaching appointments at the University of Portland, Mt. Hood Community College, Willamette University, as well as a private studio. Previous teaching appointments include San Diego State University, West Valley College, Portland Community College, and was the jazz director at Metropolitan Youth Symphony for six years.

 

photo by Reed Ricker

Feature in October 2023 issue of Downbeat Magazine

Pre-order the new album, AftEarth, here on Bandcamp

Ryan Meagher Quartet

Randy Porter (piano), Phil Baker (bass), and Alan Jones (drums).

A live set of swinging straight-ahead jazz at the 1905 in Portland, OR on January 20th, 2021.

 

Live performance of “Tango in the City of Roses.”

The title track from Meagher’s 2014 release on PJCE Records, Tango in the City of Roses features an incredible band consisting of Peter Epstein (soprano sax and alto sax, George Colligan (piano), Chris Higgins (bass), and Matt Mayhall (drums) with Meagher on guitar.

 
 

“Meagher is an accomplished player-composer with an uncliched, freewheeling approach to his solos.” - Bill Milkowski of JazzTimes


Ryan’s Message to Students:

  1. Shed

  2. Get on the scene

  3. Be Cool

  4. Don’t say “no.”