Larry has been described as the biggest rock star that no one has ever heard of. His soulful voice is reminiscent of Greg Allman (who he met and jammed with in a hotel room) and Dan Fogerty.
Larry was born and raised in Mississippi. As a young man he worked in the cotton fields, so you can say he’s got the blues thing in his blood. The man that introduced Larry to the guitar was a one-armed blues player, he would watch intently, as the man would beat out a rhythm and chord with just one hand. Larry has a degree in music and vocals. A few years back he put this to good use doing some studio work in Nashville, and also some touring.
Today he loves to tear it up on the local scene; it keeps him close to home. This fall Larry and his newly wed bride Jo bought a new house outside of Muscatine.
My name is Jim Ryan. I have been living in the Quad Cities all my life. I make my own original concrete indoor/outdoor sculpture designs in Isabel Bloom's original technique with a variety of color finishes since 1984, however, my greatest love is entertaining people with music. I have been playing in the Quad Cities for the past 20 years. I first started my musical career at Tortilla Flats around 1985 after being heard at local venues during Toys For Tots Fund Raisers. Since then I have entertained thousands over the last two decades at many local establishments
I currently perform as a solo artist for Quad City marathons, fund raisers, and small venues. Larger venues I play with my main band "GRAY WOLF" (since 2001). I came in second to the Band "Keep Off The Grass" in the Oil Music Awards under the Acoustic Section as a Solo Artist.
The music I love to play is mostly Classic Rock and Blues, Country Rock, or my own originals. I produced my first original music CD (Just James 1st. Attempt) in 2003, and have a 2nd CD in the works. I have sold many copies during the shows I’ve played over the last couple years. The appreciation and positive feedback I’ve received from my fans has given me the greatest sense of accomplishment I’ve known
People tell me I sound like a cross between Jim Croce, James Taylor, and Jimmy Buffet. I’m blessed if I can sound like any of these three (must be in the name)!!
Contact me, Jim Ryan, at 309-764-3909 or 309-236-9356, for either a great Band or solo performance.
Sincerely,
James M. Ryan
The former Ex Special Forces Green Beret has been drumming since the age of 12. In the late 60’s his band, the Conspirators, opened for many national acts like Buffalo Springfield, The McCoy's , The Turtles Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, Sam the Sham, Ect.
An avid water and snow skier, he was also into Barefoot, Trick, Slalom and wake board Skiing
He competed on the Chicago Ski council Midwestern Alpine racing series and the U.S. Ski Associations masters circuit successfully. Also for many years in slalom, Giant Slalom, Super G and down hill events. He was Alpine Race chairman for several U.S. Ski Associations National events, and for the Chicago Ski council Alpine racing series in the Midwest.
He has drummed in many Jazz groups like Larry Russo Trio, Jude, Jazz wave, Ect. Also several swing bands such as, The Ted Brooks Orchestra, and one country band. The rock bands he’s played in include The Conspirators, Accents, Coyote, Roamin Souls And now Gray Wolf. A graduate of the University of Alabama Medical Center Physician Assistant Program, He is a P.A. For the Orthopedic and Rheumatology Associates in Moline.
There were always plenty of instruments around growing up in the Carleton house, every thing from kazoos to drum sets. But I didn't get serious with the guitar until I was 16 . My brother Jerry bought me my first (playable) guitar, a black Cort les Paul copy. At 18 I picked up the bass, playing with Jerry on the riverboat doing day-long cruises. This was a real learning experience, 7 days a week playing everything from sing-alongs to hard rock. It seemed there was always someone sitting in, from kids to grandma's. I had to really be on my toes. I learned to watch the guitar player and anticipate the changes.
In the early 90's I went back to the guitar, playing originals in a band called Shrinking Violets, again with Jerry, also Steve Rose and Butch karns. At that time it seemed the only places that had original bands were Ribco and Stickman's.
In the mid 90's, I was playing guitar in a country/rock band called the swinging doors. Also, an occasional gig with the Trusdells, when they would put a full band together for a big show like opening for Merle Haggard at palmer . I didn't play much in the early 2000's. I became more of a guitar collector than a player. I focused my attention on starting a family. Its important to have a solid home foundation. My beautiful wife Missy has had to endure a lot of band wife trials. When Lilly was born, I felt it was important to be there for the first couple of years. But any how its great to be back playing again
Missy, Lilly and Alyssa come to many of our outdoor shows.
I've learned a lot playing with Tom, Jim and Larry. These guys are pros and Gray Wolf is a first class operation, and they know how to keep it fun.
Gray Wolf Rocks!
