Gordon Lewis and Grace Easley make up Roma Ransom — an eclectic, bohemian, world folk duo that’s been together since 2010, performing across America with music from across the earth.
Old-Time, Traditional Sounds
Easley and Lewis have a sincere love for enriching lives with their repertoire of old-time, traditional sounds from Eastern European cultures. They form a transcending style with sonic landscapes that transports an audience.
“Grace and Gordon are truly exceptional,” says Ryan Flores, local musician, singer and performer. “Gordon is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer—but really shreds the guitar. Grace has an excellent sense of melody and a great instinct for improvisation—with an infectious sense of wonder.”
“Together, they create rich, textural soundscapes, weaving influences from over the world,” continues Flores. “I’m fond of their swirling Hungarian and Romanian melodies over hypnotic, primal rhythms.”
Classically Trained
The two trained classically while young—Easley on violin and viola and Lewis primarily on guitar.
“I had a desire at an early age to be a musician; it was something that called to me,” Easley says. “I attribute it to Minnesota Public Television; they always had symphony concerts airing and I was like, I want to do that!”
Lewis also grew up in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” He fell head over heels with guitar when he discovered Nirvana while surrounded by folk. In the 19th century, immigrants brought folk music from their homelands—and today, Celtic, German, Scandinavian and Eastern European influences remain part of Minnesota’s musical vernacular.
However, Lewis and Easley didn’t meet in Minnesota, but in Missouri, while busking in Springfield. Easley was attending Missouri State and Lewis was at a private school. They began spending increasing time playing music together. Eventually, they left the Ozarks and lived a bohemian life busking in California, solidifying their sound on the streets.
“These are rhythms and melodies that date back to the 1700s and further—and from cultures further east than Western Europe,” says Easley. “We want to play music that people have to think about and be engaged with.”
Decade in the Springs
Before busking in California, a stop in Colorado Springs left an impression. Roma Ransom now calls the Springs home—and has for a decade. Here, they’ve performed at Axe and the Oak Whiskey House, Wild Goose Meeting House, Kinship Landing, COATI Uprise, the Colorado Wine Festival in Manitou Springs and the MeadowGrass Music Festival in Black Forest. They also perform at weddings, banquets and private events.
“I’ve known Roma Ransom for three years, since hosting yard concerts,” says Sue Daugherty. “Their music is magical and uplifting. I have nothing but great things to say about Grace and Gordon.”
Easley and Lewis make music for a living through performing, teaching lessons, collaborating with yoga instructors and licensing tunes to brands such as Huckberry, Pure Michigan, Patagonia, Bud Light and Vice.
“My wife and I live on the westside and host concerts in our home, Casa DeVilbiss,” says Gary Coleman. “Five years ago, while at our favorite breakfast spot, Adam's Mountain Cafe, Roma Ransom performed. Since then, Grace and Gordon have played our annual October concert....I appreciate their individual virtuosities and collective passion to create a compelling vibe."
Three Roma Ransom EPs are available for listening on Spotify: Isolation (2020), Hiraeth (2019) and Roma Ransom (2015).
Website: https://romaransom.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: @romaransommusic
Instagram: @romaransom