Durango Blue

Based in the Borders of Scotland, Durango Blue formed in 2017 after a chance meeting and a shared love of American roots music. Durango Blue are songwriter/guitarist Ryan Hooper and multi-instrumentalist Paul Templeman.

The duo combine Ryan’s gravelly vocals, heartfelt, intelligent, hook-laden lyrics, memorable melodies and funky acoustic rhythms with Paul’s tasteful and inventive playing on Guitar, Weissenborn and Lap Steel. Add a dash of digital foot percussion, and you have a duo that sounds like a band.
Durango Blue tell tales of lost love, found love, good times, and hard times, andsound perfectly at home doing so. Paul and Ryan can make you sit up and think,shed a quiet tear, smile a wistful smile, and remember a long forgotten someone…...sometimes all in the same song.

Durango Blue perform regularly from Northumberland to the Highlands, and have been seen at numerous festivals including The Edinburgh Fringe, Eden, Wild On The Wall, Belladrum, Bute and Lindisfarne.

For fans of rootsy, country, bluesy grooves in the vein of John Hiatt,
Jackson Browne, JJ Cale and James McMurtry.

"Profound lyrics and rich musical texture evoke a collaboration between Mark Knopfler and Ry Cooder, showcasing exceptional artistry and depth" - lastdaydeaf.com

"The duo has developed a distinctive sound that resonates with fans of Americana, highlighting their ability to blend traditional American influences with their own unique musical touch” - waxvinylrecords.co.uk

“Two fine guitarists, two fine vocalists, one distinct sound, Durango Blue should be on the jukebox in every tavern worldwide.” Americana legend Sid Griffin - The Long Ryders

“Great Songs and an unfeasibly big sound, one of the hits of Belladrum 2023”
Rob Ellen - Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival

“From the exquisite melodies of ‘Put Up A Fight’ to the grungy ‘Go With The Flow’ there is plenty to please here” - The Hawick Paper

“Cool vocals and absolutely stunning guitar work” Dr David Skeele, Professor of Theatre, SRU Pennsylvania.