Ryan cut his teeth in the studio (Renee Sound Studio in David City, NE), playing for hours to albums of his favorite rock bands from the 60s and 70s. Some of his early influences were: The Beatles, Grand Funk, Led Zeppelin and Chicago. Throughout high school (DCHS Rules!) he was in band, including 1st chair on trap set for Stage Band from his sophomore year on. Although he got to play in his dad's big band (The Bud Comte Orchestra) a few times during his high school years, it was only for a handful of gigs because the bands regular drummer was just WAY too dependable. While in college (Go Wayne State !!) he co-founded Magnum (a two guitar and bass line-up playing the hits of the day) with three other dorm-mates. They gigged for a couple of years in the area and performed numerous times on the campus television station.

After graduation he got married (to Connie who is both beautiful and understanding of his musician's life), eventually moved back to David City and joined the family business. He was idle from a playing standpoint for a few years but was busy musically helping in the studio and running lights for a show group called "Country with a Touch of Brass". The group pre-dated but was similar to "Danny Davis and the Nashville Brass" by taking country standards and adding a big band horn section. When the drumming chair was vacated unexpectedly a few weeks before that summer's tour, Ryan stepped in and took over the drumming duties until the group disbanded four years later. He then was asked to join the band that was the "country" portion of the group "The Dalton Gang". Six years later when they decided to go out on "the road" he quit the group to continue his career in "DC".

He knocked around in various country bands for 10 years or so, then he met up with some old musician buddies that were jamming to classic rock and blues tunes (his true musical love). That collaboration culminated in a group called "The Blues Infectors". The group was formed to do a concert for the Arts Council and ended up doing community oriented fund raisers for over two years. Out of the ashes of the "Infectors" comes "Out Of The Blue ".

"Out Of The Blue" is a collaboration by five of Ryan's friends. Some friendships fairly new and some over 30 years old. The chemistry of the members is amazing both on and off the stage and something that you have to witness live to completely understand and appreciate. So come see the band (check out the Schedule page here on the web site) and experience "Out Of The Blue". You won't be disappointed !!