Ryland Moranz is an Alberta singer-songwriter who plays clawhammer banjo, electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin, mandola and harmonica. He’s just as comfortable playing solo as he is in a band or a group. For an upcoming gig at The Canmore Warm Up, he’ll be part of a duo.
Joining Moranz on stage will be Kurt Ciesla, whom Moranz calls “bass player to the stars.” Ciesla is known for his work with Corb Lund, and in the Alberta jazz music scene. Moranz says, “The fact that he even talks to me is no small miracle, and getting to play with him is an absolute treat.”
Moranz is on the road a lot these days, which he describes as “a lot of fun,” even if he feels that it would be nice to be home more often. His roots are in southern Alberta. Originally from Fort Macleod, he now lives in Lethbridge.
Songs from his 2024 album, Better/Worse, will make up a big part of the Canmore playlist. “I reach into that album most, because it’s my newest record, and I’m still excited about playing those songs. But I go into the back catalogue as well. And we might do some re-imagined covers, too.”
A new album is also in the works. Williwaw is a collection of original and traditional bluegrass songs and instrumentals. It’s scheduled to be released this June on Tonic Records. It’s a collaboration with Dan Fremlin, an internationally acclaimed mandolinist and songwriter from British Columbia.
After The Canmore Warm Up, Moranz can already see his spring and summer schedule filling up. He’s got some gigs with Fremlin, and others with Leeroy Stagger. He also plays with The Lucky Ones, a Yukon band that calls on him whenever they need a banjo player.
When asked whether guitar or banjo is his go-to instrument these days, Moranz says that banjo is the one plays most. “It is such a special interest of mine, and the one I work on being the most creative with.”
Before our phone call ends, Moranz shares some gratitude for CKUA and its audience. “Thanks for being CKUA listeners. The greatest gift you can give an Alberta artist is listening to CKUA.”
Ryland Moranz will play The Canmore Warm Up on Friday, February 13. Find info and tickets here.
“New Civil War” is the opening track from Ryland Moranz’s album Better/Worse.
