Ed Ryan – A Big Life

Ed Ryan may be best known for his extraordinary guitar work. In no small part, 2021’s Don’t Follow Where They Lead was one of our top LPs of that year due in no small  part to its incredible guitars. A Big Life ups the ante as Ryan not only gives us the great guitar work we’ve become accustomed but an album worth of great melodies and undeniably big hooks.

Getting Better All The Time

The first few tracks stick to a power pop formula that has always proven effective for Ryan. We hear the customary big guitars he is known for in “As I Am” and “Mary Anne”. While these tracks act as a worthy introduction for those less familiar with Ed’s work, here’s where things get really good.

From the get-go, “A Big Life” grabs your attention. The melody is a real winner and the chorus, a monster hook. “Lighthouse” has the unique appeal of those early British Invasion tunes. Then, he throws us a curveball with “You Keep Me Up All Night”, a straight ahead rocker reminiscent of something Chuck Berry might have written.

The last few songs on A Big Life such as the contemplative “The Dreaming Moon” and the blues rocker “Overnight Romance” are not just departures from the norm but killer tracks, ensuring that Ed Ryan makes good on an old showbiz adage. Always leave ‘em wanting more.

Get A Big Life at Kool Kat Musik

For those who prefer their music on CDs, you can get hour copy of Ed Ryan’s A Big Life at Kool Kat Music. If its digital you crave, go to Ed’s Bandcamp page.