RYAN YOUMANS
Son of a vocalist and a drummer, Ryan Youmans marries together sonorous melodies with soulful syncopation to create music that has been described as “impossible to ignore”. He's a premier ambassador of Jazz, R&B, Funk, and all music demanding soul. Ryan's reverence for both traditional and innovative musical expressions results in a refreshingly unique style that's a rarity in today's music landscape. He draws inspiration from musical luminaries such as Chris Potter, James Brown, Bruno Mars, Frank Sinatra, Charlie Parker, Maceo Parker, Aretha Franklin, Michael Brecker, Michael Jackson, BB King and Dexter Gordon.
Ryan was born and raised in San Diego, and cut his teeth in his teens as a regular street performer. He developed the ability to think quickly on his feet, read an audience, and always prioritize the music over himself. His love of performing for others propelled his passion for music forward and his drive to improve his craft. After playing for an impromptu and unforgettable wedding proposal he realized the impact he could have on others and committed to earning his place as a professional musician. "I realized early on that playing music is a superpower. What motivates me to always put my best self front and center is knowing music can be a much-needed escape from reality for any audience. Music is the universally understood language of emotion, and absolutely integral to who we are as human beings. My mission in life is lifting up those around me through my craft and doing everything in my power to give my audience an experience to remember"
In 2019, Ryan won a position as a full-time saxophonist for the U.S. Army. He moved to Killeen, TX in December of that year, and spent the following 3 years as a core member of the 1st Cavalry Division Band. The band's wide variety of musical groups gave him the opportunity to further develop his versatility as a musician. Ryan has performed with every group the 1st Cavalry Division Band has to offer, including the jazz combo, brass band, rock band, big band, and many others.
Outside of the army, Ryan has established himself as a premier solo performer and band leader. His experience ranges from intimate cocktail hours, farmer's markets, sold-out Arenas, and everything in between. He regularly performs solo and with various groups across Central Texas. Some of his notable accomplishments include performing for U.S. Congressman John Carter, the Texas Motor Speedway, Disch–Falk Field, Amon G. Carter Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field, and General John B. Richardson IV. Remaining faithful to his roots, he still consistently brings his performances to streets nationwide, including the mecca of all street musicians: New Orleans.
In addition to his extensive experience as a performer, Ryan is a highly seasoned and enthusiastic music educator. He boasts over a decade of experience providing private music instruction, three years of serving as an instrumental coach for multiple school districts, and a track record of delivering numerous improvisational masterclasses to musicians up to the doctoral level. His expertise lies in teaching the art of improvisation to musicians of diverse instrumental and educational backgrounds, using an approach that makes it accessible and applicable to anyone.
Ryan's own musical education has been shaped by years of study under the mentorship of world-class saxophonists who have collaborated with some of the most prominent figures in the music industry. Notable mentors include Charles McPherson (Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers), Steve Kortyka (Lady Gaga & Tony Bennet), Steve Torok (Stevie Wonder), Geoff Vidal (U.S. Army West Point Band), and several other accomplished music professionals.
His most recent recording work is Delphinus Orcastra's debut album, "Ice Mirror". The groups mission is to raise awareness and support for cetaceans, the infraorder of aquatic mammals that includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
Ryan is the proud proprietor of Soulful Sax Entertainment, a boutique independent booking agency that specializes in arranging musical experiences for weddings and private events. Operating in Central Texas, he serves as a representative for a select group of like-minded professional musicians who share his commitment to enriching their community and simplifying the booking process for those seeking live music. He is a new Music Business and Technology student at Austin Community College His unwavering conviction in the transformative power of music to uplift others propels him forward, and he shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.