Piano Las Vegas

Deft fingered and full of charm – it's hard not to draw comparisons with the man modern Las Vegas hails as a “21st Century Liberace”, but Ryan Ahern isn't here to fill a void! For a start his on-stage presence is rather more conservative; Ahern opting for understated suit attire, rather than the extravagant embroidered suits and mink magnificence synonymous with the Vegas icon. Latterly, the World Champion pianist has ascended the perilous cliff to stardom on the basis of his own raw talent – his earliest album “Solo” released in 1995 when he was just 16! Solo pianists aren't the most common entertainment headliners on the Las Vegas Strip, but an open mind and an open ear are a must for Ahern's spell-binding show at Planet Hollywood's 'V' Theater.

Since his tender teens, Ryan Ahern has been enthralling the world with his piano prowess – and he's one hundred per cent self-made. At the age of 16, Ahern entered (ironically) the International Liberace Pianist Competition alongside 28 international competitors, thrashing all of them to secure the first of several successive global competition wins. Spurred by the victory, Ahern released his own self-produced album (“Solo”), encompassing classical Broadway hits such as “Music Of The Night - Phantom of The Opera” to the chart-topping Jerry Lee Lewis hit “Memory of You”. By his early 20's, Ryan Ahern was plugging a second album entitled “Pure Imagination” - a compilation of modern and classical cover versions, coupled with several self-penned ballads performed on regional tours of the U.S. It was his second album that earned him a South Bay Music Award for “Best Contemporary Adult Artist of The Year”, alongside the honor of being named one of America's top artists by Billboard Magazine.

Four years and a five-track album later, Ryan Ahern is commanding the same kind of presence in Las Vegas, as the enigmatic Elton John has done at Caesar's Palace and the L.V Hilton. Most are intrigued by the mythical mystery of the “world's fastest pianist”, while others are curious as to whether Ahern even has the backbone for Vegas.. Getting off to a surprisingly contemporary start, Ahern seizes Maroon 5's “This Love” and drags it into semi-jazz territory, backed by a an ambient six-piece orchestra. Up-tempo and vivacious, it's the perfect warm-up for a show with more twists and three-sixty spins than a “Stripper 101” lesson!

Ryan Ahern cuts to the quick from the moment those curtains are hauled apart on the V Theater stage – it's just him, his piano and no distractions, save for his 6-piece jazz band who occasionally provide accompaniment, and a few strategically placed down-lights to set the mood. For an expansive theater, the “V” is surprisingly intimate with the right lighting, and for a lounge act (as vintage Vegas pianists were once known) it can really enhance the impression of a show. Not that Ryan Ahern really needs visual trickery to improve delivery – although his finger work could be likened to that of an illusionist, such is his speed. Queen's “Bohemian Rhapsody” is as fascinating to watch as it is to absorb, since Ahern takes the rock ballad up a notch with increased tempo, and drama befitting of a “Phantom” solo. Coincidentally, he slots in several numbers from the revived Las Vegas show, much to the delight of the audience. There's something so darkly melancholic about “Music Of The Night” as an instrumental.

As surprising as his talent, is the raw vocal power when Ryan Ahern pulls out yet another surprise from his metaphoric musical box of tricks, launching into an impromptu Jerry Lewis number like “Great Balls Of Fire” or Elvis Presley's “Hound Dog”. Sure they're done to the nth degree in Vegas, but not like this! Many agree the highlight to be his movie soundtrack mash-up, which melds themes from “Superman”, “E.T” and “Footloose”, finishing with the “Beaches” tear-jerker “Wind Beneath My Wings”. Aside from the dynamic Elton John, there's really very little comparable to “Piano!” apart from sister-act “The Twins Duelling Pianos” down at Harrah's Hotel and Casino. Raucous and upbeat, the girls embody the kind of music they're known for, which ranges from AC/DC to the Andrews Sisters! It's a pleasure-trip for those seeking casual surroundings and request led set-lists, yet “Piano!” is the polished alternative, offering a string of “favorite hits” guaranteed to get feet a-shuffling!