Shawn Ryan's sophomore effort builds on his solid debut CD.  I enjoy his renditions of "Blue Skies," "Moon River," and (especially) "Baby It's Cold Outside."  It's nice to hear the latter outside the context of a "pure" Christmas album.  I'm not keen on the other holiday selection, "Christmas Wish," but its inclusion is an artistic leap.  Probably many of Ryan's fans (myself included) appreciate his gender specific lyrics--even in 2006, there ain't so many boys singing about boys.  That Ryan does so, and does so well, makes his CDs immediately memorable.  Good work!
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Following up his self-titled debut, Shawn delivers a one-two punch that leaves one waiting for his next album. An engaging performer, this cd features two live cuts that show him in his element, not just as a "crooner" but as a full-out entertainer.  Highly worth buying...
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Openly gay and flat-out adorable, Shawn Ryan is also blessed with a warm, buoyant baritone that you can really relax with: He never sounds forced, and he always sounds like he’s having a wonderful time. His second disc of cabaret and pop standards (available at www.shawn-ryan.com) more than fulfills the promise of his first, thanks in part to Kelly Park’s swinging arrangements and a jazzy studio combo. High points include a gay rendition of Mel Tormé’s underperformed “The First Thing You Know” and Jay Leonhart’s “Beat My Dog,” performed live with witty panache. Tom Steele
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If you think a CD can't be simultaneously sweet and swinging, if you think a singer can't be vulnerable and vivacious, then you haven't heard Shawn Ryan. Blue Skies is his second album and, like his first one, it's been living in my CD player a lot. Shawn is a young, openly gay performer who uses the pronouns "he" and "him" when singing love songs. In his liner notes, he dedicates the album to his "true love," John Ainsworth, who is one of its producers. 

This smooth-voiced guy could have easily crooned his way through a full album of ultra-romantic ballads (which he can do very well), and called it a day, but instead he shows us his versatility. A happy, finger-snappy "The First Thing You Know" by Mel Torme is a great pick-me-up that could make a statue smile. Shel Silverstein's "I'm Checkin' Out" displays broad humor, a flair for parody and the otherwise unexplored deep tones his voice can reach. It's a hoot. "Feeling Good" (Anthony Newley/ Leslie Bricusse) from The Roar Of The Greasepaint ... shows some soulfulness. He has fun with "Beat My Dog" from the fertile mind of Jay Leonhart, master of the quirky tongue-in-cheek tune. Two Frank Loesser gems are featured: a warm-all-over "I've Never Been In Love Before" (Guys And Dolls) and "Baby, It's Cold Outside." Duetted with a spunky lady named Kim Nalley, the latter is not handled with its usual boy-girl playful seduction scenario, but is playfully gayfully fun, with spoken asides. I especially like the old-fashioned treatment of "Goin' To the Dance With You," complete with a sound effect at the beginning to simulate the scratches of an old vinyl (or shellac) record. 

There's one original song ("Fools In Love") by musical director-pianist-co-producer Kelly Park, with whom Shawn continues his partnership. Park's musicality and skilled playing are even more in evidence in their second outing. Rolf Johnson's trumpet is a welcome presence, and sax and guitar are used very effectively on a few tracks. Although it's enjoyable to hear David Friedman's brilliant and outrageous "My Simple Christmas Wish" and Barbra Streisand's 1960s tour-de-force version of "Down With Love" with snippets of famous love songs, I'd rather see this talented performer get ahold of some comic special material numbers of his own, tailor-made. Two of the cuts are from a live show, and it's clear that he has comic timing and a way with an audience. 

Much as I like this recording, and I like it a whole lot, I am willing to bet that each succeeding album will succeed even more to show the full potential of this still-burgeoning talent. But don't hesitate to get his first two albums now. This one will make you smile a lot, from the comically "coy boy" moments to the happy-go-lucky numbers to the lush valentine-worthy love songs like the nicely-phrased trip gliding along "Moon River." Highly recommended and a treasure of pleasure. Bravo!
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