The sound of Chopin and Rachmaninov often filled Jeff Ryan’s Walnut Creek home, an introduction provided by his father, a concert pianist and teacher. While classical music was his earliest influence, Ryan found his calling in the soulful sound of jazz, launching a journey as a saxophonist and songwriter.
Ryan was just 11 when he picked up the saxophone in his school band. His talent was clear early on, leading him to private lessons. Around the same time, he stumbled upon a Tower of Power album and a CD sampler from KKSF, the Bay Area’s former smooth jazz station.
“It just clicked! The power and the presence spoke to me in a deep, visceral way. By the time we were selecting instruments in elementary school, I was already set on the tenor sax.”
That “click” blossomed into a celebrated career, making him an essential young voice in contemporary jazz today.
While his father provided inspiration at home, Ryan’s jazz path was shaped by the sounds of Michael Brecker, Dave Koz, and Richard Elliot. His professional career took off with the 2018 debut album Embrace.
“That year I was so honored to be awarded the JazzTrax Breakout Artist of 2018 and the Smooth Jazz Network Debut Artist of 2018,” he noted.
Accolades have followed ever since. Ryan has scored five Billboard No. 1s, was named Billboard’s 2020 Artist of the Year, and received Song of the Year in 2021 for Sentimental Soul.
Despite the recognition, Ryan stays focused on the bigger picture: the vitality of the genre itself.
“I am so grateful for the support on the radio, even as the format is not as supported by local radio stations nationwide,” he said, acknowledging the crucial role of platforms like SiriusXM and nationwide festivals. “All the successes of my tracks reaching Billboard No. 1 go hand in hand with my desire for genuine quality and the support of all the passionate radio hosts and promoters around the world.”
For Ryan, the accolades are humbling. “It is (also) confirming (that) people appreciate the talent given to me, enjoy the music being given to them, and are following the music, which is very exciting and encouraging for me as an artist,” he said.
His creative process is rooted in emotion. “For me, writing a song always starts with a feeling - a moment captured, an experience distilled,” he said. “Without the weight of life behind it, music loses its meaning.”
This approach has yielded his well-received 2025 album, Into Focus, which features current hits “Missing Your Love” and “How I Feel With You.”
He is now preparing his fourth album under a new label, Trippin N Rhythm Records.
“As an artist, I am always reaching for greater freedom, which this new partnership provides,” he said. “They are more in tune with the artist inside.”
While Into Focus explored pop and rock music, Ryan said his core remains rooted as a soul artist.
“Smooth jazz has been the perfect medium for me – a space where I can blend my artistry with the emotion and expression I strive to deliver,” said Ryan, who has been a Walnut Creek resident for over 25 years.
Ryan holds deep affection for the city, the restaurants, and the quaint charm.
“It’s the gem of the Bay Area if you ask me,” he said. “It’s been very interesting to watch it grow after all these years.”
This year, Ryan performed locally at Almost Famous in Livermore and Blue Note in Napa. In September, he was on the Dave Koz Somma cruise on the French Riviera and at the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival in October.
“I have several shows around the USA as well as other countries, but not specifically in the Bay Area,” he said, with a laugh. “At least flights would be cheaper.”
If not for music, Ryan’s path might have gone in a completely different direction.
“Most likely structural engineering, as I have always had a strong interest in that,” he said. “At the same time, I have a deep love for animals and the outdoors, and if I were not in engineering, I could easily see myself pursuing a life in farming or ranching.”
For now, his primary focus is on his saxophone.
“It’s an incredibly genuine and emotional activity. From blazing fast licks to soft drawn-out phrases and tones, there’s a communication and connection that is unparalleled,” he said.
Find his music on all major streaming platforms and follow him at Jeffryansax.com.