A Little Imperfect
Self-Released, 2026
8/10
A singer-songwriter with a fingerstyle approach, Mathhew Ryan makes an impression with this debut album that incorporates a variety of styles alongside much sincerity.
“My Angel Fell Too” opens with Ryan’s warm guitar alongside Lew London’s meticulous violin that suits the warm climate, and “I Never Wanted” follows with a heartfelt delivery that’s poetic and emotive.
Further along, “Fan Mail Blues” recruits Bob Beach’s spirited harmonica amid Ryan’s vivid storytelling and cozy guitar, while “A Little Imperfect” enlists Mike Brenner’s radiant pedal steel via the playful atmosphere.
Landing close to the end, “A Lot To Learn” allows for David Roth’s banjo to shine next to the warm guitar playing and wise singing, and “Hold On” exits with John Roy Zat’s fiddle surrounding the eloquent and articulate finish to a very thoughtful record.
Although it’s his first album, it sure doesn’t seem like it, as Ryan’s retained a lot of the songwriting ideas of his youth prior to a long hiatus while being professional chef, where he cooks up folk, blues, jazz and Americana ideas with much relatability.
Travels well with: Dave Miller- Party In The Pines; The Burning North- The Burning North