WORD ON THE STREET IS...
"HE IS THE WHOLE PACKAGE"
Ryan joined el-live Productions in September 2012, His first gig was in Shenzhen, China, he was only 23 years old, I don’t always remember details but I do remember meeting Ryan very clearly, he was smiling
and full of life and enthusiasm. 5 and 1/2 years later, he is still full of life and enthusiasm. Playing 6 nights a week year after year can be quite taxing or the best thing you’ve ever done as a musician, it all depends on the musician’s attitude,
Ryan took that a few levels up, as he moved from band to band. We decided to promote him to band leader, but to be honest we were very nervous about it. First, because he was young and second, because he was very good natured and sometimes as a band leader dealing with artists daily, you have to know when to be assertive as artists can be quite challenging.
We also entrusted him in opening the nightclub at Park Hyatt Guangzhou, you have to understand this is not an average hotel, nor an average venue. It’s as high end as you can get, so the pressure was high. We put together a very unique and hip concept, using Cocktail drums and combining music with DJ, not a typical concept. Needless to say, it became the talk of the town in no time and the venue became
super successful.
The hotel management team loved him, the customers loved him, and so did his artists. At head office, we had no doubt that if you gave Ryan a project, he was going to get it done without having to spell out every single task that makes a project come to life. The hotel asked us if they
could keep Ryan and move musicians around him which we did.
In a nutshell, he is the whole package. You can not say that about many people, oh and by the way, he’s a slamming drummer.
For me personally, it was an absolute pleasure having Ryan with us for almost 6 years. He will excel no matter what he decides to do.
Georges Elchakieh
CEO
el-live Productions
"INHERENT PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE"
I have known Ryan for quite some time. Ryan joined el-live Productions in September 2012. He was quite young but was mature in his playing and attitude, he fit right in from the start. I have always been struck by his strong musical skills but also by his inherent professional attitude, as well as just simply being a great guy to work with. Over the years, I have seen Ryan develop continuously through his journey with us. His drumming reflects his experience and his unselfish devotion to supporting the music and his fellow artists with whom he shares the stage.
Ryan has also developed as a singer and performer of highest quality. If that was not enough, he stepped up to the challenge when we asked him to become one of our youngest bandleaders. This was a few years ago and I must say, it was one of the best decisions we've made. He has shown great leadership and team building skills throughout the many different gigs and member changes over the years.
To whomever has the good fortune to work with Ryan in the future, I am sure all of the above will become self evident. It goes without saying that I would highly recommend Ryan to anyone seeking his professional services.
Marc Lajoie
Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer
el-live Productions
"EXTREMELY RESPONSIBLE"
I have worked with Ryan Bair for 4 years, initially as a band member and eventually as a bandleader and a band manager, he managed several bands. Ryan is extraordinary, he intuitively knew what to do and is extremely responsible. Every time I needed Ryan to do something, he took the responsibility on and did it very well. I was always comforted knowing that whatever Ryan had to do, it was going to get done in a thoughtful way and on time. Ryan is a natural leader, at a very young age, he led his band very successfully, he managed the band, and everything that had to do with it; personnel, accommodation, repertoire, and managed the hotel managements expectations. Good all around guy, if he needs me I will be there for him.
Joseph Elchakieh
Chief Operating Officer
el-live Productions
"PROFESSIONAL"
I’ve played music with Ryan for many, many years. If I had to choose one word to describe him, it would simply be “professional”. He is by far the most hard-working, professional, and goal oriented musician I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. His work ethic and level of dedication is through the roof and anybody would be lucky to share the stage with him. He is also well versed in all styles of music, which makes him a very strong asset to have in a band. Not only is his drumming top notch, his vocal ability and knowledge of harmony is second to none. Like I said, he is a professional through and through and anybody would be lucky to share the stage with him!
Teddy Snyder
Guitarist | Vocalist
"TOUGH, DEMANDING, PROFESSIONAL, KIND, INSPIRING"
It was a pleasure and an honor working alongside one of the toughest, demanding, professional, kind, and inspiring musicians I've ever met. Ryan Bair helped me to grow not only as an artist but as a person through his great abilities as a bandleader, musician and friend. He knows how to handle tough situations and share happy moments. Our work together has become a very important step in my career which I'm grateful for. I have no doubt I'll share all those moments again. See you on stage Mr. Bair!
Legna Vazquez
Vocalist
"FASHIONABLE, ORGANIZED, OUTGOING"
In the music industry, there are desirable traits in leaders that you look for; fashionable, organization, an outgoing people person. I truly believe that some are just born with leadership qualities, Ryan Bair exemplifies that.
Sherman W. Jones III
Band Manager & Entertainment Director
el-live Productions
"EXCEPTIONAL, DEDICATED, HARD-WORKING"
Ryan is an exceptional, dedicated and hard-working individual. His talent goes well beyond his ability as a drummer. Ryan is focused, goal-oriented, dependable, and responsible.
I've known and worked with Ryan on many musical projects and Ryan has always come through as a true professional. He knows when to lay back and when to step it up. Ryan can play a wide variety of musical styles including jazz, funk, rock, and country. I recommend Ryan for any number of potential musical endeavors.
John Latimer
Promoter
Undercurrents, Inc
"COOL HAIR"
Ryan has cool hair!
David "Dreadlock Dave" McDougald
Bassist | Vocalist | Songwriter
Cool & Groovy Productions
"PUFFS OF SMOKE COMING OFF THE CYLINDER HEADS!"
When my production partner David McDougald recommended Ryan to do the drum tracks for our musical project, I wondered how long this was going to take because he was in China and constantly traveling. I also wondered if he would be able to capture the distinctive percussive representations we were looking for.
It took only a few weeks, less than a month, for him to produce exciting drum tracks that added life to our entire production. In particular, one piece involved an intro to the song with spoken dialogue while the music simulated an old propeller airplane being started, choking and puffing and stalling and then trying again, all while keeping perfect time. It was AMAZING! If I close my eyes and listen, I can almost see the puffs of smoke coming off the cylinder heads!
We are so pleased with the drums Ryan provided and it has actually moved our project forward, ahead of schedule! By the way, his vocal audition was simply amazing. Clear and accurate and emotive!!!!
Thanks for everything, Ryan. Working with you is a joyous breeze!
Bill Shafer
Partner
CGA Productions Group
"A SOLID GROOVE AND A KNOWLEDGE OF TRADITION"
Ryan's work ethics and preparation are second to none. On top of that, he's a top notch drummer who possesses a solid groove and a knowledge of tradition. He can also sing lead or harmonies while laying down a solid foundation for the band. Ryan is someone you want to have on your team.
Marc André Veillette
Band Manager | Bandleader | Bassist
el-live Productions