Hiram on guitar, vocals - in possible combination with the following:
John Haughery (drums, percussion), Cliff Lewis (bass), Tony Guyer (guitar, sound recording), John Teeter (guitar, sound recording)... and a few others as time and venue permit...
Influences
African choirs, tribal rhythms, Simon and Garfunkel, Sting, Ben Okafor, Bob Marley, Bebo Norman, Steve Taylor, Charlie Peacock, Sixpence None The Richer, Stavesacre, Ella Fitzgerald, Eric Clapton, Ben Harper, BB King, WEs Montgomery, David Wilcox... Flight of the Conchords.
"Sublime is a good word for Hiram Ring's music; it has a property of smoothing things out, of improving your mood. Mine can certainly use some improving. How about yours?" - Hank Shiffman, disordered.org
"'Go From Here'... unleashes a rare talent, hidden in suburban outskirts of Pennsylvania (USA). If "Go From Here," the song, is anything like the future (full length) album, then I think Ring will have to get used to being in very high demand.
Everyone has an "introduction" faze that lets the world know they are here and to listen up; I believe "Go From Here" is it for Ring. Hiram's sound is laid back-acoustic, with adventurous lyrics. His songs lead you into his world of self questioning, yet scream of one man's confidence behind the journey of understanding their passion." - Richie Freeman, PensEyeView.com
"Hiram, a missionary child, was born and raised in Ghana and the musical influences of his travels have influenced his music today. The songs on “Go From Here” are spiritual and uplifting. The CD lends itself to an agreeable unplugged gig perfect for coffee-shop stages and other more intimate settings." - Ken Wiegman, AlphaOmegaNews.org
Hiram's music being played on: FM 88.5 WXPN (Philadelphia, Lancaster area) FM 90.3 WJTL (Susquehannah Valley)
Hiram paraphernalia designed by Ned Bustard (worldsendimages.com) - Click on the picture below to chuckle.
Reviews for Breathe Deep:
"What makes this album, Breathe Deep, so good is Hiram's penmanship. He is a great songwriter/wordsmith. Combine that with the airy guitar-based folk of his musical style, it makes for an enjoyable listen... It is poetic, musical, and honest. Hiram has put together an excellent album full of hope you can sit down and contemplate your navel to, or just play for enjoyment." 4/5 stars! - Robert Boynton, The Phantom Tollbooth full review
"Breathe Deep is built upon Ring’s Acoustic Folk sound and his love of African Rhythms; melding two distinct sounds into one you won’t forget... a songwriter and word smith... Ring writes and sings music about what he knows, believes, feels and sees... artistically mature and intelligent songs... Breathe Deep is an incredible listen." 5/5 stars! - Wildy Haskell, Wildy's World full review
"In addition to being an incredibly nice guy, Hiram is an unassuming, yet extremely talented singer/songwriter... On Breathe Deep, Hiram takes us on a journey, one both personal and universal... You know you are listening to someone very well aware of his humanity, and not interested in putting on airs and pretensions." - Ken Mueller, Inkling Media full review
some quick facts about Hiram:
2007 - Tony Guyer produces his 4-song EP Go From Here - after spending September in Spain, Hiram teams up with Matthew Monticchio, David Green, and other local Lancaster musicians to produce, record, and release a full-length Christmas album of original and sacred songs entitled "Word >>> Flesh". With a release date of Black Friday, the album sells over 500 copies in 3 weeks, largely by word of mouth. Two of the tracks, Hiram's original song "O Little Child" and a world-music inspired rendition of "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" are selected to be in regular rotation on local radio: FM 90.3 WJTL
2008 - Hiram continues working on his full-length album as well as recording other musicians. His song 'Go From Here' is played on local radio - 'Go From Here' is selected as one of the songs for the Music For Everyone benefit album. Another song that he produced and recorded with local musician Katie Becker also receives placement on the album. - Hiram then decides to live in western Norway with his uncle for 3 months, learning some Norsk (Odda dialekt) and helping Ove Danielsen record a full-length album. - Returning in July to the US, he helps Katie Becker finish up her EP, "Firstborn" and co-produces a second Christmas with Matthew Monticchio and David Green entitled "Love >>> Begotten". Songs from this album are again picked up by local radio, and another song that he wrote (Just a Single Season) is offered as a free download by WJTL and WXPN. The album is carried by four central PA Borders stores - you might still catch them now...
2009 - Hiram releases his first full-length album, 'Breathe Deep' to a packed crowd in Lancaster on February 7, then hits the road (which is where he is now) to play shows down the east coast, updating his blog daily with videos of where he's been. Visit themadafrican.blogspot.com to stay updated!
Online Now!
