Something new from Montbleau

With a seductive sound like that of the Ryan Montbleau Band (RMB), some might think their heads are a bit too big for their bodies, but that conception is just plain wrong.

Starting the first quarter of their fall tour schedule off with a bang, RMB held a CD-release party complete with an intimate live performance at The Stone Church in New Market, N.H. on Oct. 10. Their latest effort is titled "Patience on Friday."

RMB came out to overwhelming applause. It was easy to tell that much of the crowd was like family, cheering on and supporting the band they love with ample enthusiasm.

"We love our fans and try to build a strong community with them," said Montbleau.

The fans are not the only thing on RMB's mind. Their current tour is one of the biggest they've done and will likely expand their fan base even more.

"We're going to have a lot more touring this year," said Montbleau. "We'll end up doing about 200 shows."

"Patience on Friday," was released on Oct. 9, 2007. It was the follow-up to their critically acclaimed debut album "One Fine Color," which came out in 2006.

The album's title describes Ryan Montbleau and his attitude towards life perfectly.

"There are major themes of loss and renewal throughout the album that interconnect," said Montbleau. "I'm 30 and at a point where I'm seriously thinking about growing up. Patience is simply something you have to learn and Fridays are the days you go balls out."

The connection he makes between these two opposing ideas can only be fully understood by listening to the album.

"Love and Love Lost" is a charming song that's hard not to love. The lyrics only reinforce Montbleau's modest and honest outlook on life.

He seductively sings "Lost like patience on Friday, like a star behind the moon…I've thrown it away in the interest of time, in this dream of mine. Dreams, they happen out of order, nothing is real but the ticking of the clock on the wall."

Along with being one of the highlights on RMB's album, "Love and Love Lost" is even better in concert.

RMB will be focusing on showing off what is their self-proclaimed "best album yet" throughout the tour. This time around, they went into the studio with a different mindset.

"'One Fine Color' was recorded and mixed in 13 days. Our latest was more spread out over a year or so," said Montbleau. "All CDs are about the best versions of songs, not the single licks. The fans can get those in the concerts."

In the midst of their hectic fall tour schedule and their battle with money issues, RMB still made the decision to give a portion of the ticket sales to the Rex Foundation.

This non-profit charitable organization was founded by The Grateful Dead in 1983. It has since granted $8.2 million of support to over 1,000 individuals and organizations.

"We are as broke as we've ever been due to touring, but it's time that we start giving back," said Montbleau.

If you've never been to The Stone Church then make plans as soon as possible. The atmosphere is unlike anything you've ever experienced. Its quaint sense of style paired with a full bar and the hypnotic tunes of bands like RMB is something no one should miss.

At one point during the show, a gigantic dog was just strolling around the floor like it was nothing. The Stone Church is that kind of place.

"Patience on Friday" is evidence that RMB has evolved as a band and will continue to do so as their years roll on. Their chemistry is unmistakable and their "real people" attitude stands synonymous with their eclectic mix of soul, jazz and downright heartfelt lyrics.