A Few Snippets

M.I. Pro

Review of Lloyd Ryan's album 'Bangin For Britain': A CD collection of drum solos by Brotherhood of Man drummer and official spokesman of wrestler Kendo Nagasaki (it says here), Lloyd Ryan. Bizarre trivia aside, Mr Ryan certainly seems to know his stuff: he was a drum tutor to Phil Collins and many other well regarded session musicians. The CD showcases Mr Ryan's awesome technique and will no doubt appeal to drummers of all styles and levels. Drummers only, mind.

Rhythm - Issue 94

Audience Participation: Dear Louise, I've just been to see Lloyd Ryan and his quartet play at the Black Sheep bar in Croydon and I felt I had to tell you what a fantastic drummer and a great character he is! I recommend that all young drum students go and see the likes of Mr Ryan in action, not just for his superb skill with the sticks, but also his humourous banter with the audience. It's great and so reassuring to see someone who takes their instrument seriously, but not themselves... I have seen many artists that have appeared 'aloof' to say the least. Mr Ryan came and sat at our table straight after his 15 minute solo in 'Caravan' and we talked about many things. And for the ultimate in audience participation? He asked me to help carry the drum mat to his car! An honour sir! What a gig. What a guy!

Drummer - Issue 15

Drummer's historian and drum guru finally releases this long awaited disc. Ryan knows his jazz beans inside out and there is not a bum track on this record, just positive swinging tunes, displaying his alarming drum vocabulary at all times. From Charlie Parker's 'Billy's Bounce', through to Duke Ellington's 'Caravan', Lloyd never overplays, or takes his foot off the throttle. His '4 Minute Wonder' composition shows his use of a more funky approach to swinging. All the collective musicians play their hearts out from beginning to end. Sadly, only available via the web at: www.lloydryandrums.com

Drums U.K. - Volume 1, Issue 11

Lloyd Ryan has just had a new CD released on the continent. Circular Storm is a very good CD with Lloyd displaying some class performances. Most notably is a great attempt at the Beatles classic Norwegian Wood. The piece is largely played in 5/4 and adds a diferent lilt to the track. Another track worthy of mention is I Feel Pretty, a cover of Bernsteins song from The Boyfriend. The song is played at a breakneck pace and Lloyd must have been in good physical shape to play this one on a regular basis. Lloyd is a student of the Buddy Rich school of drumming and the tight ruffs and drags evident in Buddy's playing crop up in Lloyds at regular intervals. His drumming is crisp and the man can swing.

The other players featured on the disc are also performers of note, with Derek Nash playing saxes, Richard Madwick on keyboards and Eric Richards on bass. Mr Nash pulls out some great solos and is also largely responsible for the majority of the arrangements. All in all a good CD with some very creditable jazz performances.

Drums U.K. - Volume 1, Issue 12 - Nick Simms (Cornershop) Interview

What do you think you gained most from studying with Lloyd Ryan?

First and foremost, discipline. He taught me to play with the metronome - very useful for playing to click tracks as I have to nowadays. And of course he also taught me to read music. Depsite the discipline and hard practice on technique he also taught me to play as part of a band and not just as a solo player. He taught me that although the main point is that you're keeping time, you also have to fit in melodically with everything that's going on in the band, not just with the bass player. I don't know if he realises that he does that - it's something in the way he teaches. Like if you're studying a drum part. When you get to play it with a record, feel is the thing you want. So once he's got you through the basics of technique and reading he concentrates on getting the feel right rather than just playing the part like a robot.

DrumNet.co.uk - Buddy Rich Tribute

Last night's Buddy Rich Tribute concert at Basildon's Belvedere Country Club must have delighted its organisers as much as the audience, not to mention the musicians taking part. Playing to a packed house, The Dave Marion Big Band featuring Lloyd Ryan in the driving seat having run the gamut of big band classics from Basie, Ellington etc. during the first half, devoted the entire second half of the evening to music from the BR repertoire. Many of the numbers most associated with Buddy including Big Swing Face, Basically Blues and especially the challenging West Side Story compilation were executed with great style and authenticity and, it has to be admitted, there are few British drummers who capture so well Buddy's essential spirit as Lloyd Ryan. All in all, one for the connoisseurs.

Sabian Cymbal News

Lloyd Ryan recently announced another nationwide tour. Lloyd has popularised the drum clinic with over 250 clinics to date. The showpiece of this tour will undoubtedly be the drum spectacular at the Lewisham Theatre, South London. Lloyd will perform in the afternoon followed by Buddy Rich and his Big Band, appearing in the evening.