Keeping
em honest in the realm of instrumental guitar rock, the Flying
Ryan Brothersguitarists Jimmy Ryan and Johnny Ryanarrive
in style with their summer 2008 CD Totality. In sync with the
Ryan Brothers world class approach to hi-energy instrumental
fusion, Totality features thirteen new instrumentals. Track
after track the Ryan brothers simply shine on a wide range of hi-tech
gearall manners of electric guitars, lap steel, sitar, theremin,
keyboards and programmingwhile the rhythm section of William
Kopecky and Johnny Mrozek lay down a rock steady groove
for the brothers to layer their intertwining guitars deep into the
mix. Sometimes ethereal, sometimes provocative, always rocking, Totality
is a comprehensive, compelling guitar experience . Dig it and then
check out the wide range of already released FRB gems from prior years.
Give Totality a spin, its well worth the return trip.
{The current condition of the planet makes you homesick for Summer
2008! So what can we fondly recall from that golden summer of 08?
Well for one, how about Totalitya fantastic CD from The Flyin
Ryan Brothers. With their impeccable approach to progressive instrumental
rock fusion, the Chicago based Ryan Brothers guitar team of Jimmy
Ryan and Johnny Ryan were a mainstay in the reviews section of 20th
Century Guitar magazine and on MWE3.com from the late 90s till
the mag sadly and unexpectedly closed in late December 2008. Looking
ahead, Jimmy recently told mwe3.com about an upcoming Flyin
Ryan Brothers album but till then, looking back again, mwe3.com presents
Guitars Center Stage with the Flyin Ryan Brothers. - editor
August 2010}
MUSIC WEB EXPRESS 3000 presents
JIMMY RYAN & JOHNNY RYAN
of THE FLYIN RYAN BROTHERS
Guitars Center Stage - Guitarists making waves
in the music world,
their new recordings and gear!
Musical Background
We have been playing guitar together for over 35 years. In
that time we have developed our own individual styles while perfecting
our signature harmony lead approach to our music. We both started
playing piano at a young age. Our mother was an accomplished pianist.
Once we heard the guitar-based rock music of the late '60s and early
'70s, we were forever changed. We both started playing guitar by ear
(we're both self-taught) and that was it!
New CD
Our new CD, Totality was recorded in 2007 at our home
studio. We used Alesis ADATs and a host of outboard gear. We feel
it is our most creative and melodic project to date. Being influenced
by so many different styles of music, we tend to think more outside
the traditional format and constraints of guitar-based music. That's
what we believe gives us our unique sound.
Favorite Guitars
Johnny loves to play his Zion electric and an Ibanez Steve
Vai signature acoustic. Jimmy plays his trusty '73 Fender Strat and
a Peavey EVH Wolfgang. These might be the main weapons of choice,
but we like to experiment with different guitar/amp configurations.
We are not purists in the sense that it has to be a certain guitar
and amp. We try a variety of setups to reflect the particular mood
and vibe of each track. Jimmy also plays lap steel and Johnny plays
keyboards. We use a variety of pedals and effects including a Theremin.
We usually record tracks pretty dry and add effects judiciously later
in the mix.
Musical Influences
Johnny's favorite guitar players include Jeff Beck, Phil Keaggy,
Ty Tabor and Steve Lukather. Jimmy likes Leslie West, Joe Satriani,
Gary Moore and Scott Henderson. Favorite albums of all time include
Humble Pie - Rockin' The Fillmore, Deep Purple - In Rock,
Wishbone Ash - Argus, Billy Cobham - Spectrum and
anything by Kings X. We also love some of the great film composers,
especially Bernard Herman. He was a true genius.
Web Site
www.ryanetics.com