Artist description In music, James Ryan can truly be described as a cult phenomenon. His approach to songwriting spans the heart of blues and rock but also reaches out to the sophistication of jazz and Latin influences. In a period when commercialism and production-line bands have dominated the music business, his resolute faith in writing original and heartfelt material has spawned critical acclaim.

Music Style Adult Contemporary

Musical Influences Rock, Blues & Latin

Similar Artists Bruce Hornsby, JJ Cale, Eric Clapton, Gary Moore, Chris Rea, Mark Knopfler

Artist History James Ryan was born in Surrey, England but grew up on the beaches of Cape Town, South Africa. He returned to the grit of Canvey Island on the Thames where an introduction to the local rock and blues bands of the area lead to a fascination with guitar-based music. His songwriting developed naturally alongside his guitar playing and like so many artists was influenced by the great players such as BB King, Santana, Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton and JJ Cale. In 1999 his album Ghost of the Wind was released independently and captured a blend of styles in Blues and Latin rhythms, ranging from soft ballads to driving rock with cutting lyrics and an unmistakable guitar style. Lyrically unique, this highly original work is concluded by the haunting Beach Blues - a charged atmospheric song which was recorded with the minimum of overdubs - the guitar solo was played by James throughout in one take. The popularity of the music led to a TV documentary entitled Wild Spirits which was broadcast on Sky Sports and Meridian TV, together with the use of two tracks on Brian Talma's Windsurfers' Paradise video. When tracks from the album were played on local Spanish radio, the switchboard to the station jammed and shops sold out of Ghost of the Wind within days! The music continues to receive superb reviews from local and international press. James Ryan performs live acoustic versions of all his songs in a four-piece set and though very different from those on the album, these 'roots' performances have gained popularity along the south coast of England. He continues to write and a whole album worth of incredible new songs are now ready for the recording studio.

Group Members James Ryan (Guitar Vocals), Mark Arnold (Guitar Vocals), Steve Smith (Keyboard Vocals), Paul Beavis (Drums), Chris Vass (Bass)

Instruments Guitar, Keyboard, Drums, Sax

Albums Ghost of the wind

Press Reviews "I have listened to the album Ghost of the wind with some colleagues and we like what we hear. It is not only the music I relate to, but believe it has great potential internationally." Discovery Records, Madrid, July 1999 "James Ryan is an experience never to forget! Brilliant talent in guitar musicianship and songwriting, all the songs are well produced and beautifully arranged. No room for amateurs when it comes to James Ryan! My favourite song is Beach Blues which shows incredible talent and feeling for music, you're really swept away by the soft mood of this song. Maybe a bit too much like Dire Straits and Gary Moore but regardless of that this should sell in the millions!" Rating: 4.5/5 Reviewed by Matt, Hits Are Here, May 2001 "Classic rock full of fantastic guitar work. It has moments of jazz and blues that sweep you away. Very professional, great listening music." Hits are here - www.hitsarehere.com May 2001

Location Christchurch, Dorset - United Kingdom

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