Deacon

Deacon represents the alias of singer/songwriter Ryan Winkle. In the past four years, Deacon has written and recorded 7 albums out of his home in Fayetteville, AR. Currently he is recording a professional studio album in Nashville, TN with Deacon's co-producer Shannon Forrest and Michael McDonald of Steely Dan/Doobie Bros./solo artist.
The music of Deacon is a product of the typical "I listen to all kinds of music" suburban kid. The variety of musical influences combine to form an eclectic gathering of genre crossing songs. Generally, Deacon can be categorized as funky rock. The in depth listener will be able to pick out the jazz, blues, reggae, pop, and R&B characteristics as well. The musical connection of genres and influences provides Deacon with a high-quality show that is energetic and uniquely original, tingling the musical taste buds of many different audiences.
For the live show, Winkle has hand picked an arsenal of musicians to represent Deacon as the band. These members include: Bryan Burkhart, the fury funk drummer, who has been in bands with Winkle for over 8 years; Peter Reis, a Hendrix blazed guitar slinger with a jazz guitar degree; Fa-real, formerly of the hip hop cover band sensation The 17th Floor, plays keyboards and backing vocals. Fa-real has also been a touring musician with major artists Usher and TLC; and finally, J. L. Jennings, the soulful saxophone player who's gospel church roots extend into his college musical education with the University of Arkansas' marching band.