Ryan Shaw is a new face bringing back the timeless sound of classic rhythm and blues. The 26-year-old Georgian is out to revive the Golden Age of Rhythm & Blues (1960-1972) by mixing standards and overlooked gems from that era with his own work and powerfully expressive voice.

Shaw brings “a refreshing authenticity to the soul-revival movement that has made stars out of Amy Winehouse, Joss Stone and John Legend,” according to The New York Times.

Ryan Shaw kicks off CAPA’s Spectrum Series at the Southern Theatre (21 E. Main St.) on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. The Spectrum Series is made possible through the support of David and Mo Meuse.

Shaw’s debut album, This is Ryan Shaw “resuscitates soul in an electrifying way” (Billboard) with his interpretations of songs like Jackie Wilson’s I’ll be Satisfied and Bobby Womack’s Lookin’ for a Love. He rounds out the album with some original material he wrote with guitarist Johnny Gale and percussionist Jimmy Bralower, including We Got Love, which was picked up by the ABC-TV show

Shaw first met Gale in 2004, when he picked up a steady gig with the Fabulous Soul Shakers, a group specializing in classic soul and doo wop. Gale was the guitarist for the group, and he immediately recognized the newcomer’s talent. He brought his friend Jimmy Bralower to see Shaw play at a New York club. The three men cut four tracks in Bralower’s home studio on the way to the release of This is Ryan Shaw.

Tickets are $22.50 at the Ohio Theatre Ticket Office (39 E. State St.), any Ticketmaster outlet, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, please call (614) 431-3600 or (614) 469-0939. The Southern Theatre Ticket Office will open two hours prior to the performance. Students between the ages of 13-19 may purchase $5 High Five tickets while they are available.