Worldwide, RyanDan are attracting a broad, popular audience and the duo is receiving wide acclaim, particularly for their ability to match their striking voices perfectly in pitch, range and tone. Ryan and Dan's inarguable good looks and magnetic personalities are firmly backed by their astonishing four-octave vocal ranges and their ability to write equally dynamic music. As former members of the Juno Award nominated group B4-4, they are already multi-platinum selling artists internationally and in Canada. Produced by Steve Anderson (Kylie Minogue, Paul McCartney, Take That), the twelve tracks on RyanDan are a fresh beginning for the twins as they define their vocal maturity. The new CD leads off with the emotionally stirring ballad "Like the Sun." The international hit, which was composed by English folk-pop legend Judie Tzuke (who also wrote the album's uplifting "High"), showcases from the outset the brothers' unique vocal blend--particularly their complementary tone and phrasing. The remaining 11 tracks that make up the album RyanDan, were culled from 50 songs recorded and produced by Steve Anderson (Kylie Minogue, Paul McCartney, Take That) at London's State-of-the-Ark studios in Richmond, Surrey. Owned by Terry Britten (famed for writing Tina Turner's breakthrough hit "What's Love Got To Do With It"), the album was recorded using a sound desk previously employed by The Beatles, Pink Floyd and The Rolling Stones--and a microphone frequently used by Frank Sinatra. "I'll Be There" is another stand out track, thanks to a gospel choir backing the twins' soaring vocals on the Jackson 5 classic. But two songs have special significance from a personal standpoint. The intensely operatic "The Prayer" is their mother's favorite song on the album, and was recorded for her after she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (the diagnosis also catalyzed the sons' return to their musical roots and the ensuing new phase of their music career). Their mother's huge formative influence is further noted by Ryan: "We're both very open and introspective--we get that from our mother." They wrote the album's last song, the poignant "Tears of an Angel", in honor of their young niece when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent chemotherapy. Sadly she passed away late last year.
