Tommy Taylor with Special Guest RYAN

One could say that Tommy Taylor has one of those classic “you don’t know me, but you’ve heard me” musician stories. He has spent years as the drummer and backing vocalist behind singer/songwriter (Grammy and Oscar winner) Christopher Cross and guitarist Eric Johnson. Tommy has also played behind: Stevie Ray Vaughan, Charlie Sexton, Will Sexton, Sara Hickman, Charlie and Bruce Robison, Kelly Willis, Jake Andrews, Jerry Jeff Walker, Ray Benson and Shawn Colvin.

Tommy has been preparing himself and his music for years to become the album Across The Stars. It is a recording comprised of what Taylor calls “Chekovian vignettes” – nine cinematic stories filtered through a lifetime of insights and emotions, delivered in his tenor voice that falls somewhere between the lilt of Jackson Browne’s and the edge of Don Henley. Taylor’s lyrics are incredibly personal and incredibly universal simultaneously.

Enter RYAN: In the midst of recording his album, he received an email from a curious 15 year old kid who was a fan of Eric Johnson’s. After hearing Ryan express his interest in pursuing music, Tommy became a mentor to him, and would end up not only helping him to produce his currently released singles (such as Someday I’ll Fly, Sweet Music, Summer Nights), but would coach him from a songwriting perspective as well.

The two work side by side now as close friends and musical confidants. RYAN not only will open the show with a set of his own songs, but accompany Tommy on piano during the headlining portion of the show.