Ryan's Bio

Ryan started playing Alto Saxophone at age 11 in his school band. He quickly progressed on the instrument, and went on to win numerous awards in middle and high school, and was awarded a seat in the coveted KY All-State Band two years in a row. In high school, he found the rich and deep sound of the baritone sax and knew he was on to something. The baritone quickly became his instrument of choice.

After high school, he played in a few bands until he was accepted to the world famous Berklee College of Music, in Boston, MA. He went on to study under the award winning arranger, Fred Lipsius and leader of the "Woody Herman Orchestra", Frank Tiberi. Ryan was highly coveted as one of the few “true” baritone sax players, and this helped him excel in many bands in this prestigious institution where he also played with Jeff Coffin on several dates.

After returning home to Bowling Green, and playing with a few bands, he got the opportunity to go on a national tour with Guy Smiley Blues Exchange and had the privilege to play all over the country from New York City to Honolulu and most everywhere in between. After the tour, Ryan moved to Seattle, WA and began to collaborate with some of the most talented young jazz musicians in Seattle, but was ready to return home to Bowling Green, KY.

Now in demand in the area, Ryan has been lucky enough to play with some of the most talented musicians in Kentucky, among them the Fender Benders, which he became a permanent member. Ryan is very capable to play most any style, but loves to play the great Stax/Motown sound that he grew up listening to and makes him the happiest of all the styles that he has played through the years! The only baritone sax player in the area and plays it with the soul of all the greats!