Born in Erath, Louisiana in 1971, Bryan was soon after adopted into a loving home and at a early age music was a part of his life. Starting piano lessons at the age of seven it didn't take long for music to take over every aspect of everyday life. Playing his first gig at the age of 13 at the local country clubs steak night playing the music of his parents generation, known as the greatest genera...
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Born in Erath, Louisiana in 1971, Bryan was soon after adopted into a loving home and at a early age music was a part of his life. Starting piano lessons at the age of seven it didn't take long for music to take over every aspect of everyday life. Playing his first gig at the age of 13 at the local country clubs steak night playing the music of his parents generation, known as the greatest generation, jazz and big band music became a staple of Bryan's repertoire. Through Bryan's high school years he was the band geek, trying out for every band ensemble and every honor band there was to try out for. Through his school years he made several parish honor bands, was a member of the All-State Jazz ensemble and also was a member of the National Band Associations All American Jazz Ensemble. After high school Bryan went to Mcneese State university to study Jazz under conductor Rick Condit being a member of the Mcneese State Jazz Band. After 2 years he moved back to Lafayette to study Jazz at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette under the tutelage of Doctor Garth Alper a Jazz pianist. Every day was filled with the theoretical study of music and every night was filled with the practical application of music as there was never a shortage of gigs. Bryan in his teen years played with a band called Borrowed Express a local country big band, The Harry Greg Orchestra, who's members included Santy Runyon, and spot gigs with Louis Meaux, and the rhythm kings who's members included Pee Wee Whitewing and Rufus Thibodeaux. In his early college years at Mcneese he played with a blues and classic rock band called the Breeze band, and in college in Lafayette he played with a little three piece variety band called Blynde Ambition. In 1992 he picked up a gig playing with then young Roddie Romero, and With Roddie Romero he played many high profile gigs including Jazz fest in New Orleans, Festival International in Lafayette and even touring Canada culminating in playing the Montreal Jazz Festival, one of the highlights of his career. In 1994 Bryan offered a house gig with a local band called Hurricane at the Yellow Rose in which he got to play with exceptional country musicians. Lead singers of the group were local artist Kip Sonnier and Jeff Dugan. Eventually Jeff left and the band became Kip Sonnier and Hurricane. This is the time where Bryan's teeth were cut in the music business. 5 to 6 gigs a week weren't uncommon and the band was exceptional and if anything could be said about this time is it taught Bryan the most about how to play and sing in a group. While with Kip he got to play Sammy Kershaw's yearly concert series and one year played with artist Tereva Henderson who at the time was in Nashville performing on the Crook and Chase show. In 1996 Bryan was offered a gig with, at the time the most famous cajun and zydeco musician Wayne Toups. Life became filled with big gigs and tour busses and travel all over the country and beyond. He got to play on two of Wayne Toups recordings, More than just a little and Little Wooden Box. More Than Just A Little was recorded in Nashville with renown producer Barry Becket, and Leon Medica from Louisiana Leroux produced Little Wooden Box. He got to go back to play Jazz Fest in New Orleans and Delbert Mclinton's cruises which included, Asleep at the Wheel, Michael McDonald, Pam Tillis, Sonny Landreth, and a plethora of well renown blues artist. After Wayne Toups, Bryan got a chance to play with up and coming local artist Damon Troy, getting to play on two recordings Blowing Like a Hurricane and What Next, writing or co writing three songs on What Next including the song Give Me Your Heart. After Damon in the mist of trying to take time off Leo Hayes called to see if Bryan could fill a hole in his sons band. Soon after Bryan found himself playing with at the time Little Hunter Hayes. While playing with Hunter Bryan was given the opportunity to give him piano and vocal lessons for a summer (He didn't need them) and while with Hunter He got to play and co write three songs on his Make A Wish Record and played and co produced his Christmas CD, Holidays with Hunter. After Hunter it became spot gigs hear and there with Richard Leboeuf and many Local artist, then in 2006 His cousin Tracy Menard called with a novel idea. He was putting back together a band who's popularity was unrivaled in our area in the 1980's. Being a member of 5th Avenue was a great time in Bryan's career and one of the most rewarding. Playing cruises and gigs where patrons remembered their nostalgic days, there was never a slow night as 5th Avenue filled a need in the local music scene. While playing with 5th Avenue Bryan got to play with and record with Kevin Naquin, collaborate with local artist and friend John Trahan, and back up cajun Legend DL Menard. Still to this day no matter how many gigs He has played or will Play in the future Bryan's biggest and most rewarding gig will be His mother and Fathers 40th high school reunion while he was still in high school. Bryan now lives in Milton with his beautiful wife Jeri, and kids and is never far away if someone is looking for a piano player to fill in.
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