Dr. Music's Weekly Checkup

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT "Legacy" - The Flyin' Ryan Brothers

It's records such as "Legacy" that remind me why I love Chicago so much. With acts like this playing from club to club, everyone in the country should be flocking over here to the "Windy" one. Yes folks, Chicago has another dynamic band getting recognized by executives and critics alike from around the country. When I say executives, I am primarily speaking of the Grammy Award panel of judges; the panel that endorsed "Legacy" by showering the record with 4 nominations! "It's very rare for any independent release to 'make the cut' for the Grammy Awards, particularly in the composing and arranging fields," notes Jimmy Ryan. "Even though we didn't make it to the final ballot, we feel "Legacy" is still a winner." Right you are, Jimmy, ......"Legacy" is a huge winner.

The Flyin' Ryan Brothers, headed by brothers Jimmy and Johnny Ryan, are a confident and comfortable act, with a sharp prowess for instrumental excellence. Taking up where acts such as Wishbone Ash left off, The Flyin' Ryans do it double lead style, baby! You betcha,....two brilliant guitarists trading blazing lead licks, while being blessed with a background rhythm section of tremendous proportions. This is an act that can clearly accomplish all that it sets out to, musically. With song arrangements ranging from fast paced "boogie woogie" guitar rock, to classical tinged pieces that are both delicate and elegant. These boys are the real deal, folks.
"Legacy" is a musical journey that begins in one place, makes stops at every imaginable musical depot you could possibly imagine, and ends back where it started. It takes you uphill, it takes you through the fruited plains, and sends you screaming downhill, all within one recording. It's a difficult record to skip around on. It flows so well when played straight through, you hate to interrupt any of the sleek transitions that this record contains. From the opening bars of a Celtic influenced "Amazing Grace", straight into the depths of a hungry title track that rocks with astonishing passion and freedom. You'll venture through a cultural piece entitled "Leprechaun's Ball". You'll run with the crashing waves of "Baja Breeze". Take a gentle nature walk through "Fairehaven" and, afterward, take a dive from the "Cliffs Of Moher",...and that's only half of this epic journey. I must make special note of a sweet piece titled "Sweet Virginia", an undeniable ode to the late mother of these two amazing guitarists. It is a delicate, loving song that is reminiscent of the most tender Alan Parsons titles; with a vocal arrangement much like those of the legendary Parsons singer Eric Woolfson. Then comes the highlight of the record for this writer; "Stevie Dan" is a most honorable nod to both Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Steely Dan. The mixture of those two varying influences on this track is astonishing. The track captures the cool jazz renderings of Steely Dan, while also encapsulating the raw blues of Stevie Ray. Incredible stuff. And the fun never ends. With the record starting to return home again, we pass a "speed bump" entitled "Yeah, Man!" which rocks with fire and fury.
Not being able to say enough about the awesome talent of the Ryan Brothers themselves, I must mention the company they keep on this record. Check out William Kopecky playing an incredible bass line on the title track, and "Cliffs Of Moher" where he plays an incredible fretless line. Or, bassist Chacho's brilliant playing on "First Blood" or "Yeah, Man!". Or, listen to drummer Bob Behnke's incredible cymbal work on "Malo Mori", ...etcetera...etcetera. This is an album loaded with talented musicians that are confident, relaxed, and just genuinely gifted.

Don't miss your chance to experience Chicago history. Log on to the website at www.ryanetics.com, and get your very own copy of "Legacy", and take a musical journey unlike any other....with The Flyin' Ryan Brothers.