Scottish Guitarist Ross McEwen is an intuitive musician whose instincts and passions are balanced by his versatility and technical dexterity. Known for his guitar skills and stage presence. Since 2003 Ross has been performing and recording with various bands, artists and even symphony orchestras, including national touring, several releases, and various session work.
I started off performing as a singer in stage and music productions in my hometown of Inverness in the Highalnds of Scotland, which included a lead in a national theatre production which saw myself and the cast perform to over 21,000 people over a 6 week period. I got a start with guitar playing by playing in high school bands, taking inspiration from Deep Purple, Rainbow, Whitesnake, Queen, Eric Clapton to name a few and listening and learning from the parnets record collection, as any good rock fan does!
I have performed and worked with many bands, artists, and projects in a wide array of musical genres including rock, blues, acoustic, classical, metal, and Scottish traditional, but my main area of focus is classic rock. I currently play with Scottish rock band ROADWAY, touring, writing and recording with them regularly. I also work on occassion with former RAINBOW/YNGWIE MALMSTEEN vocalist DOOGIE WHITE.
From 2007-2010 Ross performed as guitarist/vocalist in Scottish rock band KETIMINE DECO, touring and recording with them over the 3 year period, the band shared concert bills with the likes of Wishbone Ash, Nazareth, The Quireboys, Jefferson Starship, Twin Atlantic, Justin Currie and many more. The band broke up on the 26th November 2010 with a farewell concert in their home town of Inverness. The band were mid-way through completing a brand new EP of material at the time of the break up, if that EP will ever be finished remains to be seen...
Since leaving high school in 2006 I have been studying music at a higher educational level, and since then have obtained a HN Certificate in Music from Aberdeen College, a HN Diploma in Music from James Watt College, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree with Honours in Commercial Music from the University of the West of Scotland.
In 2009, aged just 20 years old, Ross was given the great opportunity and honour to record with former
Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow vocalist Doogie White. The resulting song "This Is Why", recorded between Glasgow, Scotland and London, England in the summer of 2009 features 4/6 of Ross' band ROADWAY handling the instrument duties and Doogie on vocals.
"I tried my best to write a song which would suit all the aspects of Doogie's voice. It's a simple song, it took only an afternoon for us to record the music, but its Doogie's performance which adds the magic to it.
Rainbow were such an important band to me growing up and learning to play the guitar, it was a real thrill to work with Doogie, he deserves far more credit than he gets, a real professional, super guy to get on with, and a terrific vocalist."
As well as being a performing and recording musician I occasionally work in stage management, concert production, and tour management. I have worked production/technical for Michael Schenker, Nazareth, Chris Slade (AC/DC), Seth Lakeman, Out of Samsara, The Proclaimers, Peatbog Faries, Iain McLaughlin & The Outsiders, several festivals both nationally and internationally and many more.
I have been fortunate enough to have played/recorded/worked along side many great and reputable musicians in the various projects I have been involved in, including former Mariann Faithful band members Brian McFie, and Andy May, ex-Ozzy Osbourne keyboard player John Sinclair, and former Rainbow/Yngwie Malmsteen vocalist Doogie White, with more names to be added to the list shortly I hope!
Music education is also something which is very important to Ross, after graduating with an honours degree in Commercial Music from the University of the West of Scotland in 2010, he was then invited to join the Commercial Music teaching team by programme leader Allan Drumbreck. Since then, Ross has been a proud member of the Commercial Music teaching team, working out of the Universities music campus in Ayr. As part of his responsibilities, not just classroom teaching but international work including running events in several European countries as well as the training of young tour managers on the course. “It’s a dream job, a fantastic team of people and a clear objective, be the best music course possible and do our best for the students always. Couldn’t ask for more.”
Ross’s Music Education:
2007 – HNC in Music – Aberdeen College
2008 – HND in Music – James Watt College, Greenock
2010 – BA(Hons) Commercial Music, University of the West of Scotland, Ayr
2012 – PG Cert Teaching and Learning Higher Education – University of the West Of Scotland, Paisley (Currently Studying)
With regards to session work, I am available world wide for both touring and recording.
I have a home studio facility which uses Pro Tools to enable me to add guitar to sessions via file transfer from anywhere in the world. If you wish to contact me regarding guitar for your project, my availability, or any other information please email: rossmcewen01@hotmail.com.
www.soundcloud.com/roadwaymusic
www.facebook.com/roadwaymusic
Ross on stage with Ketimine Deco.
Ross performing on stage with Doogie White.
Ross McEwen proudly uses Schecter Guitars
Discography
2011 - 'Count Us In...' - The Blues Affair (*Currently Recording*) - (Guitar/Bass/Backing vocals)
2011 - Roadway - Roadway - (*Currently Recording*) - (Guitar)
2010 - *currently unnamed* - Ketimine Deco - (Recorded but never released)- (Guitar/Vocals)
2009 - This Is Why (Ft. Doogie White) - ROADWAY - (Guitar) - SINGLE
2008 - Father Father - Ketimine Deco - (Guitar/Vocals)
2008 - The Weight - The Big Pink - (Guitar)
2007 - Melodramatic - Frazer Mustard - (Guitar)
2007 - AfterRain - AfterRain - (Guitar/Vocals)
2007 - Dead To The World - Yvonne-Marie Evans - (Bass)
2007 - Sketchbook of Dreams - Craig Souter - (Drums)
2007 - Forgive The Silent - Forgive The Silent - (Bass)
2005 - PILOT - Manson-Inc - (Guitar/Vocals)
