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He was influenced early in his career by the soulful funk sounds of performers such as James Brown and Tower of Power. Other inspiring artists were Stevie Wonder, Giovanni Hildalgo, Mario Bauza, and Arturo Sandoval. Collectively, these influences would steer him into the musical worlds of R&B, Jazz, and Latin.
In a quest to learn more about Latin music and culture, Ryan studied abroad in Puerto Rico in 1998 and 1999. While working with his teacher Jesus Cepeda of the internationally famed group Los Hermanos Cepeda, he focused on traditional folkloric music of Puerto Rico, such as Bomba, Plena, and Salsa. With a flare for travel, Ryan had an opportunity to perform overseas, touring on multiple occasions for the U.S. Department of Defense and USO. These tours traveled throughout Europe, Asia, South America, and the Mediterranean.
Ryan has toured with the acclaimed Paul Cebar and the Milwaukeeans, and has performed with Janet Planet, Madisalsa, and Grammy nominee Jeff Lorber. Ryan has opened up for many national acts, his most memorable being Spyro Gyra, Arturo Sandoval, Tower of Power, Nestor Torres, and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.
In addition to his busy schedule with Streetlife, Ryan teaches drum set and Latin percussion to students at Milwaukee’s Interstate Music Company. He also conducts clinics at schools and with youth groups. Ryan has academic staff member status at UW Milwaukee and works in the department of Dance and Theatre as an instructional specialist accompanist. Ryan is currently working on his first solo recording project, scheduled for release this fall.