Ryan’s Fancy
was a conglomeration of three Irish emigrants to Canada, that rose out of
the folk music scene of the late 1960's. Denis Ryan, Fergus O’Byrne, and
Dermot O’Reilly, had met and played together as members of various
musical incarnations (most notably Sullivan’s Gypsies) before
finally taking the stage as a trio in 1971 as Ryan’s Fancy.
After relocating from Toronto to St. John’s to attend university the
group became popular on the local music scene and regular performers at
the Strand Lounge. Shortly after meeting CBC television producer Jack
Kellum the trio became stars of there own national TV series and travelled
throughout Atlantic Canada highlighting the areas rich cultural and
musical heritage.
In 1983 after many successful recordings and a long run on television the
three members of Ryan’s Fancy decided to disband in favour of individual
pursuits but their effect on the Atlantic Canadian music scene resounds
strong to this day. The current popularity of East Coast music owes a lot
to the achievements of Ryan’s Fancy.
In 2001 The group released a selection of songs recorded specifically for
their televison program on a CD entitled Songs From The Shows, an
excellent reminder of this wonderful band.
To see what the band members have been up to since Ryan's Fancy click the links below:
Dermot O'Reilly
Denis Ryan
Fergus O'Byrne