With a powerful voice and charisma on stage, Eamonn Ryan entertains people with his catchy tunes with his group The Eamonn Ryan Band every Thursday night at P.J. Ryan’s in Jersey City.
After several years of playing with rock bands and touring regionally with several musicians, Ryan formed The Eamonn Ryan Band in the mid-’90s. He has experienced success with his popular Celtic rock band, which specializes in Irish and popular classic rock tunes.
"It’s a hybrid between Irish songs and rock," Ryan said during a recent interview. "The feedback we’re receiving is great."
The Eamonn Ryan Band is the current house band at P.J. Ryan’s on the corner of Marin Boulevard and First Street in the heart of Jersey City’s nightlife scene. Mike Ryan, the bar’s owner and Eamonn’s brother, asked him to play on Thursday nights at his establishment more than a year ago. Since his first gig, Ryan has been keeping downtown Jersey City residents entertained with his music and charisma. Ryan said he wants the Irish community in downtown Jersey City to come out and celebrate their culture at the popular venue.
"Bring the family to the pub and have a good time. We encourage people to rediscover their heritage." Ryan said. "Many people have come up to us and said our songs bring back lots of memories for them."
The band plays popular Irish songs like "Spancil Hill," "Whiskey on a Sunday," "Carrickfergus," "Black Velvet Band," "Galway Shawl," "Red Rose Café," "Whiskey in the Jar," "Little Girl from Omagh," "Danny Boy," and "Four Green Fields." They also play songs by The Beatles, Elton John, Van Morrison, The Monkeys, The Beach Boys and ZZ Top.
New CD
Ryan grew up in North Jersey listening to traditional Irish songs. He was never taught how to play a guitar, but that didn’t stop him from picking one up and teaching himself how to jam at an early age. Ryan always loved rock music, he said, and after his adolescence, he began to seriously pursue performing in a band.
Last year, Ryan released his first album titled Where the New World Meets the Old. The 10-song compilation includes five original songs from Ryan and five popular early rock melodies. It is receiving airplay in Ireland and at several independent radio stations in the East Coast.
"The album is an accomplishment for the band. We’re now receiving more exposure and people like what we do," Ryan said. "The band is starting to get bigger and better."
During their performances at P.J. Ryan’s, the band performs for almost two hours to average crowds of 50 or more people. Several couples head to the dance floor to enjoy the beats and sounds emitting from the large stage in the middle of the restaurant. P.J. Ryan’s also offers drink specials throughout the night, and plenty of free parking.
In addition to P.J. Ryan’s, the band performs at about 30 weddings throughout the region, and on a half-dozen cruises a year. During one cruise in 1997, Ryan recalls performing at a club in Bermuda, and having the locals cheer for the band requesting songs throughout the night.
"We played the whole night. They wouldn’t let us off stage. The club owner told me to keep playing," he said, smiling.
According to Ryan, while the band has been through several changes, the current lineup includes Tom Defranza on drums. Performing in the local bar scene for several years, Defranza has backed up several Irish musicians and he is very versatile. Eamon Ryan plays the keyboards. In addition to sharing the same name as the band’s frontman, Ryan is a classically trained musician. Rick Street is the bass player and singer. With a unique vocal range and powerful stage presence, he is an integral part of the band’s sound. He brings to the group years of professional experience. And on guitar and vocals is Ryan, the band’s frontman. He is responsible for assembling the band, and creating the image and sound of the group. In 2001, Ryan placed fourth in the "World" category of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.
"Some people play music to live. I live to play music," Ryan said. "No matter what I do, I use my music to bring me closer to my family. I love playing music."
Ryan, 38, now lives with his family in Verona. He maintains his day job while keeping a challenging touring schedule with his band. The most important elements of his life, he said, are family, heritage and love.
"Remember where you came from, and you’ll know where you’re going," Ryan said.
Every Thursday night the band performs at P.J. Ryan’s. They will also entertain guests for P.J. Ryan’s New Year’s Eve celebration. And in the spring, they will start playing weddings and festivals. For more information on The Eamonn Ryan Band, call (973) 239-5275 or visit them at www.ryanband.com. To purchase the band’s album send $15 plus $4.95 to: Eamonn Ryan Showband, P.O. Box 3162, West Caldwell, NJ 07007-3162. q