Barron Ryan Releases World's Funkiest Classical Piano Album

TULSA, Okla. — Barron Ryan is releasing the funkiest, ‘countriest’, most calypso-y classical music you’ve ever heard on his third solo album, First of Its Kind.

The pianist that Smithsonian Magazine recently named One of Ten Innovators to Watch in 2021 is debuting his first full-length album of original compositions. The recording will be available on all major digital streaming platforms and through the artist's website.

Barron’s entire musical career has prepared him to compose music influenced by various sources. At six years old, he astounded house concert audiences with his skill at the shaker, recorder, and slide whistle.

As an undergraduate piano student he was known to perform jazz during recitals ... against his piano professor’s wishes. When he’s not playing concerts around the world, he makes rap song videos featuring virtuoso kazoo playing.

“I wanted to show audiences that all styles can get along,” Barron said. “So I used the influence of artists like James Brown, Elton John, and Sam Cooke to write classical music. It should feel familiar to modern listeners while including delightful surprises along the way."

The album features two works: a dance suite called Suite Thing and Barron’s Sonata in B flat major, nicknamed “Magic City”. Both include four movements, with musical influences ranging from a country waltz to ‘80s rock and Trinidadian calypso.

Barron will publish these compositions and recordings in the public domain, allowing their unlimited use without royalties.

“No one had to pay Bach or Beethoven for the rights to use their music, and their careers turned out all right,” he remarked.

“I want other artists to take my work and turn it into something different and wonderful without having to ask for permission.”