BIOGRAPHY
Miami, FL 2021. Photo credit Chris Diamond.
Ryan Hollander is a vocalist and bandleader whose rapidly growing résumé includes an array of performances given across the country and around the world. Having already established himself as a vocalist of great range and depth, his recent efforts as a composer, arranger, and bandleader have allowed him to further develop his unique style, which includes an exciting blend of classic sophistication and contemporary relevance. With deep roots in the jazz tradition, Ryan’s mature and historically-informed sound carries with it an uncompromising sense of freshness and individuality, integrating elements of pop, R&B, and rock.
A native of Springfield, Massachusetts, Ryan attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where he studied jazz voice performance under Catherine Jensen-Hole. During his years there, he performed in several capacities with many of the school’s most prominent ensembles, including performances as a guest soloist with the Jazz Ensemble I and Studio Orchestra. He was also a member of the university’s acclaimed Vocal Jazz Ensemble and in 2017 earned with them a ‘Student Music Award’ from Downbeat Magazine.
Since graduating, Ryan has cultivated his role as a bandleader, bringing together some of the finest musicians from the Western Massachusetts area. His group opened the 2019 Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival main stage, which subsequently featured such prominent acts as Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles and Tia Fuller.
Also active as a recording artist, Ryan released his self-titled EP in June of 2019. This recording, which solidified Ryan’s identity as an authentic exponent of the vocal jazz lineage, also showcased his burgeoning voice as a composer and arranger. Its centerpiece, Ryan’s original tune, “I’ve Seen That Face Before”, was issued for special release as a single on Valentine’s Day.