Ryo Okumoto

Ryo Okumoto was born in Osaka, Japan. He began playing classical music on the piano at the age of 3 and continued through 13. He became a professional musician at the age of 15 performing at the Live House in Osaka for a year. Because of his great desire to learn more about different styles of music and his strong independence, he moved to Tokyo at the age of 16. Ryo performed in nightclubs and discos for the next 5 years.

Ryo's first real break started in 1978 when he was 19. He toured with a well-known group called Creation and recorded on their album "Best of Creation." The next year Ryo toured with the legendary, Kitaro and recorded on Kitaro's album, "Live in Parco."

In February 1980, Ryo's first solo album, "Solid Gold" with Canyon Records was released. He recorded this album at Air Studio in London with well-known musicians: Richard Baily (drummer for Jeff Beck), Kuma Takeda (bass), Katsutoshi Morizono (guitar) and Delandro Winston (guitarist for Elton John).

Two month later in April, Ryo released his second solo album, "Makin' Rock" with Canyon Records. This record was recorded at Sound Labs Studios in Hollywood. He once again had the best musicians recording behind him: David Foster (keyboard), Jay Graydon (guitar), Steve Lukather (guitar), Jeff Porcaro (drums) and Neil Stubenhaus (bass).

Ryo's third album was released in June that same year with Canyon Records. This was called "Synthesizer"; and recorded at Sound Design Studio in Tokyo.

The next year, Ryo decided to move to Los Angeles in March. Tokyo seemed stagnate to him now and he yearned to learn more about the different styles of music that LA had to offer.

Ryo studied at Dick Grove School of Music for the next 4 years. Upon graduation his talent and creativity were welcomed by the American music scene, and he has been involved in a numerous projects worldwide ever since. The artists he has performed with include Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, Barry White, Eric Burdon, Peabo Bryson, and Roberta Flack. He also has been part of countless world tours. His professional credits are listed below.

It was 1997 when Ryo became part of progressive rock group Spock's Beard. Their 8th album Octane was released this year, and their Europe tour was a great success. Ryo's talent is internationally recognized now and he is reaching audiences all over the world. He has been featured on many magazines worldwide. Dutch rock magazine "iOPages" is one of them.

Ryo's talent has no limitations. Ryo's undying passion for music, will always keep him visible, whether it be rock, jazz, R&B or a broadway production. He will always be in the public's eye.

Performed and/or Recorded with:

Phil Collins, David Foster, Debbie Gibson, Al Green, Eric Clapton, Steve Lukather, Lamont Dozier, Nichele Nichol, Natalie Cole, Jeff Porcaro, Richard Elliot, Roslyn Kind, Barry White, Simon Phillips, Jennifer Holliday, Louis St. Louis, Kitaro, Jay Graydon, Sue Raney, James Ingram, Peabo Bryson, Original 5th Dimension, Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, Aaron Neville, Marilyn McCoo, Melissa Manchester, Johnny Gill, Eric Burdon of the Animals, Roberta Flack, The Pointer Sisters, Brenda Russell, Glenn Hughes, Patti Austin, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Bobby Kimball, Sheena Easton, Eric Carmen, Teena Marie, Robbie Robertson