Ralf Buschmeyer picked up his first guitar at the age of 13 and hasn’t set it down since. Growing up, Buschmeyer was influenced by artists like Ray Charles, Eric Clapton and Booker T & the MGs, who collectively inspired him to first start playing music. Since then, his musical style has evolved from blues and rock to R&B and jazz, resulting in a unique sound that resonates with any music lover. As an accomplished jazz guitarist, instructor and composer, Ralf Buschmeyer’s music echoes the eclectic journey he’s taken and graciously invites the audience along for the ride.
Over the years, Buschmeyer has carved out an impressive career path for himself. Keen on learning every aspect of his craft, Ralf studied alongside jazz great Lorne Lofsky at Hamilton’s Mohawk college, where he developed and honed the skills that would eventually make him a dynamic studio musician, intuitive live performer and incredibly well-rounded artist.
He currently serves on the faculty for Mount Royal College’s Jazz Diploma Program, co-leads Bebop-jazz ensemble Manic Thematic Trio, and works as a freelance guitarist and composer. He also co-led the Contemporary-jazz quartet Terrain, acted as musical director and composer for Rogers Cable TV show ‘The Metal Mike Show, toured with country acts, earned a WCMA nomination, humbly accepted the 2004 TD Canada Trust Jazz Festival Writers Commission Award, was featured in Guitar Player Magazine and was nominated for the Instrumental Album of the Year for the 2007 Hamilton Music Awards.
As a passionate artist with six albums under his belt, the talented Calgarian has crossed genres, disciplines and borders in order to evolve into the distinct musical chameleon that he is today. Buschmeyer's 2009 release 'Renewal', the first to feature vocals, hints of sultry jazz and hearty blues grooves that like the name of the album itself, feels like something new. 'Renewal' earned three 2010 Hamilton Music Awards nominations for Best Instrumental Recording, Best Blues Recording and Best Guitarist. 'Renewal' received praise in the January 2010 issue of Blues Review Magazine and in February 2010 Ralf and his quartet represented Alberta at
the Alberta Plaza on-site at the Vancouver Olympics
Live performance credits include: Adam Rapa, PJ Perry, Ingrid Jensen, Eric Marienthal, Bobby Shew, Peter Appleyard,
Frank Mantooth, Guido Basso, Ralph Bowen, Amy Sky, The Platters, The Swinging Bovines, Johnny Tilotsen, Johanna Silanpaa, Jack Semple, Hugh Fraser, Phil Nimmons, Curtis Grambo, TR3, Swinging Bovines, Kevin Turcotte, Steve Slagle,
Mike Tomaro, Amos Garrett, Paul Wertico, Gary Fjellgaard, Susan Jacks, Brad Turner, Lisa Brokopp and Gene Watson
Ralf Buschmeyer is a Godin Guitars endorsed artist