Following his 2017 solo album 21st Century Riffology, Jimmy Ryan is back in action with a new album that some long-time fans are calling his finest musical achievement to date.

Released in 2021, the 13-track Astral Café finds the guitar legend behind the Flyin’ Ryan Brothers in stellar form.

As the co-founder of The Flyin’ Ryan Brothers, Jimmy Ryan and his brother Johnny Ryan released 7 albums between 19999-2011 and Astral Café brings his sound back alive and well in the roaring ‘20s.

Although Jimmy Ryan released his solo album, 21st Century Riffology to favorable critical acclaim in 2017, the 2021 release of Astral Café proves to be a most auspicious release.

No guitar genre is overlooked on Astral Café – from new takes on the soaring hard rock instrumental sound to inspired symphonic fusion instrumentals, couple with several vocal tracks featuring Jimmy’s vocals.

Every track here has something to offer long time Flyin’ Flynn Brothers fans.

1. Starlord (4:16)
2. Shatterbrain (5:21)
3. Crossroads (5:29)
4. Earthrise (2:57)
5. Skydance (4:35)
6. Black Ice (3:35)
7. I’m Ready (5:09)
8. Dulcinea (3:31)
9. Beserker (4:12)
10. Plectrumelectrum (4:53)
11. Dreadhulk (1:51)
12. Celestial Voice (8:07)
13. Quiet Flight (8:12)

This vibrantly alive and heartfelt new album opens on the symphonic trio of Starlord, the energetic Shatterbrain and Crossroads, and then brings us the sculptured Earthrise and then both the diligently maneuvered Skydance and the fusional dexterity of Black Ice.

Next up is one of my own personal favorites, the vibrant allure of I’m Ready which is itself backed by the dulcet tones of Dulcinea, the aprly-named Beserker, the brilliantly-named Plectrumelectrum, the tour-de-force that is Dreadhulk, the album coming to a close on the thrilling Celestial Voice, closing on the beautifully free flowing, eight minute Quiet Flight.

Adding to the sound of Astral Café is drummer and album co-producer Dab Van Schindel, whose style combines both power-rock combined with a jazz-fusion dexterity.

Fans that miss the guitar interplay between Jimmy and brother Johnny will note the appearance of Johnny Ryan on the album’s eight-minute closer Quiet Fight.

In closing, when it comes to the classic instro-rock sound you would be challenged to find a more talented composer / artist than guitar great Jimmy Ryan.