Ryan Westbrook - Drums

Ryan Westbrook wasn’t exactly born drumming, but it was only a matter of a couple of years before he discovered his true passion. He received his first drumkit, a toy set, at the age of 3, then graduated to pots and pans, before recieving his first real set of drums and beginning formal training at the age of 10. Ryan spent his teenage years developing his technique and rudimentary skills. In high school, he captained an award winning percussion ensemble and performed and recorded with the school’s Show Band, while working to form his own rock trio, Thinking Plyers, with twin brother Paul on bass and schoolmate Colin Allured on guitar.

At age 16 Ryan began drumming professionally. He cut his teeth in the blues bars of his native south Louisiana with Swamp-Pop guitarist Giles Sonnier and the Bayou Idols among others. While attending college at McNeese State University Ryan focused his studies on Business while continuing to study percussion and perform with the MSU Salsa/Fusion Band and Jazz Band on the side.

In the spring of 2000, Ryan (along with brother Paul) relocated to Nashville, Tennessee - abandoning school for some “hands on” experience. The brothers launched a successful campaign to promote the music of their band, Thinking Plyers. Ryan took the lead and became the band’s booking agent and manager. Within a period of months the band was touring the southeast U.S. and making quite a name for themselves. Thinking Plyers created a regional touring route that has yielded over 150 performances in the past few years. 2003 brought the independent release of the band’s groundbreaking third album, Fourteen Real Dreams. The album showcases the band’s eclectic sounds and features major guest artists like Jeff Coffin of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.

Ryan is currentlly living in Nashville, TN where he performs with a number of acts ranging from jazz and acoustic to country and rock. Catch him on the road with Thinking Plyers or Rachael Warwick or Visit Ryan at www.thinkingplyers.com for more information.