Tyler Stafford is a Reno singer/songwriter with a fresh new album and plans to throw a killer party this Saturday to celebrate.
Stafford grew up in Reno, and is a Galena High School graduate. He left the fair city for college, where he started playing music. He came back to Reno, hit some open mics and became obsessed. He’s been on promoter and concertgoer radars ever since.
His first album, “On a String,” came out in 2011 and the release party at Bartley Ranch is still heralded by some of his [pullquote]The family-friendly event at Wingfield Park Amphitheater will feature performances by Tyler Stafford and special guest Buffalo Moses (Bryan Jones of Buster Blue), lighting and front-of-house sound, Slater’s Ding-A-Wings and beverages provided by The 395 – Craft Beer and Spirits.[/pullquote]fans. Stafford says his new release, “Before We Get Carried Away,” is a change in perspective. His first was mostly introspective, while he has now pivoted to a greater worldview.
“While buying a house and getting married, you start paying attention to different things,” Stafford said in a phone interview.
“Before We Get Carried Away” has the same somber beauty of Stafford’s live show, but with small embellishments of drums, vocal harmonies and a miniature who’s who of Reno performers, including Chris Stosic on drums, Gia Torcaso on bass, Zac Terran at the upright and Lisa McCuiston’s beautiful voice.
“Pocket Full of Pennies” is a standout track. It’s relaxed, catchy and the percussion is just right.
After covering a pocket-full of Stafford’s concerts, it’s hard to hear his voice and not picture his closed eyes as the music seems to casually escape him.
There’s some tension and struggle I wasn’t expecting in “Me and the Devil.” The song is driven by an entrancing Torcaso bass line. The semi-dark verses build to an enjoyable release when the chorus brightens back up.
Tony Contini / Tahoe Onstage
Stafford’s vocals are crisp and the melodies are beautifully straightforward. His music always makes me feel like the start of a journey.
“This album is special because I had so much time to write it and present it,” Stafford said. “The lull between albums felt like forever as people started asking about it. It’s like chapters to me — it clears a spot in my brain.”
Stafford said there’s a connotation that local CD release concerts need to be low budget. His goal is to create a unique event and an elevated experience.
The event will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at Wingfield Park Amphitheater in Reno. The family friendly event will feature performances by Stafford and special guest Buffalo Moses (Bryan Jones of Buster Blue), lighting and front-of-house sound, Slater’s Ding-A-Wings and beverages provided by The 395 – Craft Beer and Spirits.
Tony Contini / Tahoe Onstage
“Bryan and I played Studio on Fourth on New Year’s Eve together a while back,” Stafford said. “I love the way he plays and presents his music.”
If you like wings and good music half as much as I do, this event is for you.
“It’ll make for a really nice night down by the river,” Stafford said
— Tony Contini
Photo by Tony Contini / Tahoe Onstage
- Before We Get Carried Away Album Release with Buffalo Moses
When: Gates open at 5 p.m., the music starts at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14
Where: Wingfield Park Amphitheater, downtown Reno
Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/209347433316394/?__mref=mb
Tickets: https://tylerstaffordalbumrelease2019.bpt.me
