Tyler Ramsey

North Carolina is like one big potluck for musicians it seems. Last week, while walking around Greenlake with songwriter David Karsten Daniels (a recent transplant to Seattle by way of NC) he spoke of the musical climate he left behind as a non-competitive, collaborative community where musicians are never in just one band. Granted, he lived in a music collective dubbed Bu Hanan, but many other folks from the area can attest to the love-in nature of the area. It served Asheville-based artist Tyler Ramsey well when his long time buddy (and Band of Horses bassist) Bill Reynolds called him on down to South Carolina where he was recording with the band. The group got along like peaches and cream and Ramsey joined up as the band’s new guitarist, also landing an opening slot on their most recent US tour. The newly trained spotlight illuminates a talented solo artist, who’s A Long Dream About Swimming Across the Sea navigates calm, clear waters: mellow, fleshed out arrangements dappled with the deft, steely finger picking that the man is known for and spare vocals that recall a more refined Damien Jurado. Though the BOH association certainly doesn’t hurt, this cheese—sharp, complex and smooth at once—can no doubt stand alone. Great American and Husbands Love Your Wives. Tractor Tavern, 5213 Ballard Ave. N.W., 789-3599. 9 p.m. $8. AJA PECKNOLD
Tue., April 29, 9 p.m., 2008