Guitarist and composer Ryan Liatsis has shared his latest album, Arrival, the first musical statement from his new jazz-rock fusion power trio featuring drummer Mike Yaw and bassist Anthony Bianco. The record, which marks the culmination of years of collaboration, musical exploration, and a return to live, improvisational recording, is available for purchase on his website and BandCamp, with streaming services to follow.
The roots of Arrival can be traced back to the mid-2000s, when Liatsis first crossed paths with Mike Yaw at William Paterson University in their home state of New Jersey. United by a shared love for jazz fusion, the two musicians spent countless hours jamming and bonding over their favorite records from legends like Chick Corea and Weather Report. Though their paths diverged after college, with Liatsis going on to tour with his jam band ShwizZ and Yaw forming his own fusion project Moon Sugar, the spark of their early connection would reignite years later.
In 2020, as ShwizZ began to wind down, Liatsis invited Yaw to his home studio, where they collaborated on what would become Arrival’s second track, “Enter The Riff Vault”. After several years of musical evolution and life changes, including a dramatic uptick in Ryan’s social media following, the duo reconnected again, this time with Moon Sugar bassist Anthony Bianco in tow. Together, the trio began to explore and refine Liatsis’ original compositions, fusing their collective influences and improvisational prowess into something entirely new.
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By the time they hit the studio in April 2024, the trio had a clear vision. Drawing on the likes of Guthrie Govan, Plini, Rush, Chick Corea Electric Band, and Frank Zappa, they tracked several pieces live, weaving in connecting musical interludes and themes to craft a concise yet impactful 33-minute record.
“I love to touch upon all different feelings and genres,” Liatsis told Live For Live Music. “So when we brought these songs to life, we tried to do as much of that as we could, while still making an effort to maintain a unique voice as a band.”
A standout on the album, “Oregon Trail”, blends the guitarist’s newfound inspiration from classic country music with the trio’s jazz-rock sensibilities. Liatsis cited instrumental country artists like Ry Cooder, Danny Gatton, and Speedy West as key influences on the track, while also highlighting its gradual build. “The whole song just keeps going up and up until we peak at the end,” Liatsis explained, recalling how the song’s climactic energy even won over Yaw’s mother during a rehearsal. “She came running downstairs to tell us, ‘That’s a hit, that’s a hit!’”
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In an era in which studio perfection and polished production dominate the landscape, Arrival offers a refreshing contrast. “I’m very proud of the fact that most of the solo sections are improv and cut live on this album,” said Liatsis. “A lot of projects I’ve been involved with in the last five years or so are based on structured songwriting, so it felt really good to let loose and just jam with the three of us.”
Arrival represents not only a creative milestone for Liatsis but also a celebration of the unpredictable, collaborative spirit that has defined his musical journey. The record offers a brief but powerful glimpse into a trio of musicians pushing each other to new heights, channeling their influences while embracing the spontaneity that only comes from playing live.
Listen to Arrival below and find the album on Ryan Liatsis’ website and BandCamp before it hits streaming service. For more updates, follow him on Instagram and YouTube.
Ryan Liatsis – Arrival
Arrival by Ryan Liatsis
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