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Biography
While studying Neuroscience at Oberlin College in Ohio, US, Ritter changed his major part way through to American History through Narrative Folk Music which formed an integral part in the development of his distinctive style. In 1999 he recorded his first self-titled album using the on-campus recording studio with the assistance of: Zack Hickman (bass, organ, harp), Tom Graves (cello) and Darius Zelkha (drums). Without label backing, Ritter self-released the album which featured folk inspired tracks such as “Hotel Song”, “Stuck To You” and “Angels on Her Shoulders”.
After graduating from college, Ritter’s fascination with folk music was ever more prevalent and led him to Scotland, UK as he went to study at the School of Scottish Folk Studies for six months before moving back to his hometown of Idaho. Like most graduates, Ritter took up a few odd jobs while performing at as many open mics as he could and selling copies of his album on the side. With a brief stint travelling and performing around Dublin, Ireland, Ritter had finally found his calling as he became a raging success through his open mic appearances. Having accumulated enough money from merchandise sales, finally Ritter was able to begin his pursuit as a full time musician.
In 2000 with a budget of $1000 and recording in three different studios across the US, he self-released his second album “Golden Age of Radio”. Whilst promoting the record, Ritter struck an interest with Jim Olsen, CEO of indie label Signature Sounds who was impressed with him that he offered to re-release the album after witnessing his live performances. In a word-of-mouth whirlwind his popularity in Ireland grew tremendously as Ritter soon saw himself opening for legendary Irish folk band The Frames before embarking on a string of headline shows.
With seven studio albums under his belt, Ritter has performed at festivals such as: Sepomana, Newport Folk Festival and Oxegen playing alongside icons like: Joan Baez, French Kicks and Ron Sexsmith. Often found performing with The Royal City Band, Ritter has been welcomed with open arms by the Irish folk community, seeing him sell out the prestigious Grand Canal Theatre in Dublin, Ireland playing to an audience of over 2,000 people.
Live reviews
I don’t know about you, but anybody deemed talented enough to place on Paste magazine’s list of the one hundred greatest living songwriters has already done enough to pique my interest; I think we can probably conclude that Josh Ritter isn’t there for nothing. Hailing from the comically-monikered town of Moscow, Idaho - I bet they had some fun there during the Cold War - Ritter is primarily a folk singer who occasionally blends country influences into his sound, and has built up an impressive cult fanbase by doing so down the years. It’s probably down, in no small part, to his impressive rate of return in the studio the past decade or so; he’s turned in seven full-length records, with the most recent, The Beast in Its Tracks, dropping last year. He plays shows at a pretty prodigious rate, too; since releasing that last album, he’s toured relentlessly across his home country, playing mellow, stripped-back shows to adoring audiences in apparently every single corner of that enormous nation. He retains an impressive overseas following, too, and accordingly played a slew of shows across Europe last Autumn - that run included shows in Manchester, London, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and, bizarrely, Pocklington in East Yorkshire; apparently, even small market towns need a dose of Ritter every now and then.
Joeg_67
First of all - Thanks to Songkick. I would not even have known Josh was in town except for you guys.
Josh was incredible. Fingerprints is a great music store and venue. Josh was so personable and real and an incredible artist. I think everyone at the show left feeling like Josh was one of their best friends. Highly recommend seeing Josh whenever and wherever you can. And again - I would have missed it except for Songkick - who got me and two close friends there and who also enabled my niece to see Josh in Seattle and my nephew lined up to see Josh when he is in D.C.
BwanaBruce
Holy cow...Josh Ritter AND Elephant Revival in one night?! This is beyond worth the price of the ticket. Neither will disappoint. Gobble a ticket up today.
Josh Ritter is the one artist that I always buy an album before listening to it or any reviews of it....and a concert ticket on the day the show is announced. It's a darn shame he isn't more well-known in the US (he always sells out in the UK).
Elephant Revival will knock your socks off. You will become a fan after being introduced to them.
Get ready for an unreal night of amazing artists!!
iowabeefqueen
This was one of my favorite shows I've ever been to. The opening act, Penny and Sparrow, was so lovely and funny. It's just two men and a guitar but they do so much. Josh Ritter put on one hell of a show. He filled the whole room with love, joy and tears. He is truly one of the most underappreciated artists of today. He is one of the best writers writing today.
jakebmercer2000
What an amazing evening!! Saw him about 10 years ago in Paradiso and now again. A great performance by gifted musicians, who love what they do. The fact, that he chose this venue says a lot. The acoustics are uncomparibly good and he knows he can fill a bigger venue easily. Josh Ritter is one of the best musicians around today.
chantal-buursen
the Josh Ritter show in Cincinnati was incredible!! it was a chill venue and he was so joyful on stage. he seemed so genuinely happy to be with us, singing. he is an incredible musician and the rest of his band was killing it too. I definitely recommend seeing him if you have a chance!
_dais._
Absolutely fantastic concert. Played (I think) all of the songs from his newly released album as well as a good amount of classics. He even covered the great Roger Miller!
Could not sing enough praises for Josh Ritter. Such an amazing songwriter and performer. 10/10
derek-folts
He was the sweetest. Smiling most of the time and just so happy to be in Portland. Made me happy to be here too. Wish I could have gotten to meet him. They(the band) played well, it was a lovely night.
bellabeewitch
I really enjoyed the concert. Performance was great and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the opening bad. I was a little upset that it was very difficult to see the stage.
Tdhazlett2002
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