"We Were Memory" - In Memory of Gerry Ryan
Donation protected
Who am I?
I have been a professional musician (singer/songwriter) and percussionist since I was 13 years old. I have had the pleasure to work with numerous brilliant musicians in Latin America, Spain, and Canada, such as Frank Quintero, Pedro Castillo, Kiara, Arturo Sandoval, Adonis Puentes, Andres Carrasquero, Mike Machalkow and Jack Duncan amongst others. The talent that I have been surrounded by has been humbling and inspiring.
In Memory of The Talented Gerry Ryan
In 2011, I met a jovial Irish man by the name of Gerry Ryan. He was a musical genius with whom I spent many hours creating music while we laughed and cried supporting each other through the ups and downs of life. Gerry had recently moved to Canada with Paul, his husband of many years. When we met he had not done any music here in Canada. He said that my voice inspired him to start making music again, which moved me greatly, so we started writing and pre-producing an album that we believed would change our lives forever. Unfortunately, life, as it happens, got in the way and we were left with amazing music but with an incomplete album on the shelf. This saddened both of us and we vowed to return to the studio as soon as we could.
Sadly, Gerry passed away January 13th of this year. When I found out, I was struck with grief and disbelief. I didn't feel like Gerry's purpose on earth was over. I felt he had much more to say...
For months I struggled with the desire to finish this project because the music that we created and that he inspired needs to be heard. His legacy should continue through his music.
This Project
This project is to honor Gerry, his creative genius, our friendship and the music that we created together.
A group of extremely talented international musicians have signed on to make this album with me. Joining me on guitar is Venezuela's premier guitarist Juan Angel Esquivel, on keyboards the extremely talented Mary Ancheta (Vancouver), on bass the grooviest bassist around JeanSe (Vancouver) and on drums my favourite drummer and internationally recognized powerhouse Mike Michalkow.
Who Will Benefit
The funds raised from this campaign will go directly to paying these talented musicians for their indispensable work. I have also hired the incredibly talented photographer and graphic designer Elvira Yebes to shoot the cover art and design the CD insert. Finally, we will print a limited edition run of 500 CDs for this campaign.
I am extremely grateful for your support of this campaign and your honouring of Gerry's music and memory. We can't do this project without you.
With Many Thanks,
Susana
I have been a professional musician (singer/songwriter) and percussionist since I was 13 years old. I have had the pleasure to work with numerous brilliant musicians in Latin America, Spain, and Canada, such as Frank Quintero, Pedro Castillo, Kiara, Arturo Sandoval, Adonis Puentes, Andres Carrasquero, Mike Machalkow and Jack Duncan amongst others. The talent that I have been surrounded by has been humbling and inspiring.
In Memory of The Talented Gerry Ryan
In 2011, I met a jovial Irish man by the name of Gerry Ryan. He was a musical genius with whom I spent many hours creating music while we laughed and cried supporting each other through the ups and downs of life. Gerry had recently moved to Canada with Paul, his husband of many years. When we met he had not done any music here in Canada. He said that my voice inspired him to start making music again, which moved me greatly, so we started writing and pre-producing an album that we believed would change our lives forever. Unfortunately, life, as it happens, got in the way and we were left with amazing music but with an incomplete album on the shelf. This saddened both of us and we vowed to return to the studio as soon as we could.
Sadly, Gerry passed away January 13th of this year. When I found out, I was struck with grief and disbelief. I didn't feel like Gerry's purpose on earth was over. I felt he had much more to say...
For months I struggled with the desire to finish this project because the music that we created and that he inspired needs to be heard. His legacy should continue through his music.
This Project
This project is to honor Gerry, his creative genius, our friendship and the music that we created together.
A group of extremely talented international musicians have signed on to make this album with me. Joining me on guitar is Venezuela's premier guitarist Juan Angel Esquivel, on keyboards the extremely talented Mary Ancheta (Vancouver), on bass the grooviest bassist around JeanSe (Vancouver) and on drums my favourite drummer and internationally recognized powerhouse Mike Michalkow.
Who Will Benefit
The funds raised from this campaign will go directly to paying these talented musicians for their indispensable work. I have also hired the incredibly talented photographer and graphic designer Elvira Yebes to shoot the cover art and design the CD insert. Finally, we will print a limited edition run of 500 CDs for this campaign.
I am extremely grateful for your support of this campaign and your honouring of Gerry's music and memory. We can't do this project without you.
With Many Thanks,
Susana
Co-organizers (2)
Andrea Flamenco
Organizer
Vancouver, BC
Susana Williams
Co-organizer