Throughout his career as a writer, arranger, and
performer he has never confined himself to one style of music.The one thing that remains constant in his musical journey is writing, exploring, and painting musical pictures in various styles. From Jazz to Classical, R & B to Reggae, the music is whats important not the label.A message from Richard Lamonte Williams ( Flick ).
I have been blessed to express the feelings of
the soul through music, and what I've received through these blessings far exceed what I could ever give. Through the love of my family and friends, and those close to my heart. Through the strength of my ancestors, and through the grace of God, May the Light of Wisdom always shine upon your path.
Much Love
Flick
Richard Lamonte Williams
( Flick )
The amazing seed of music was planted in his spirit when
as a child he watched his great uncle, Richard Davenport play his
guitar. When in his youth his father made him a set of bongos from
coffee cans. When his mother encouraged him to explore his gifts.
From that point on he was hooked on that thing called music. Flick
was born and raised in Buffalo, New York at a time when the music
seen was vibrant. The sounds of bands playing and musicians
practicing could be heard in every corner of the city, and he knew
that he had to be a part of that sound.
In grade school he took violin, and clarinet lessons. In Jr.
High he moved on to the saxophone, flute, and was a member of
the Choir. Flick went on to Buffalo's East High School, which
at that time was a musician's candy store. People like Grover
Washington, Rick James, Kenny Hawkins, the Shaw brothers, Jerry
Livingston, and most of the hottest musicians on the local scene
passed through those doors. He was in the school band, the choir,
participated in talent shows, and though he was under age, Flick
was playing in clubs with some of the hottest bands in town.
It was at this time that he began to write and arrange
music in various styles. He practiced and grew musically with the
help of his brothers who are also musicians, Steven Williams
( Trombone ), and Barry Williams ( Trumpet ). Though not musicians
his brother Raymond, and sister Sandra supplied him with the focus,
and spiritual center needed to stay grounded and at the same time
reach outside one's self. Flick had the talent but lacked the discipline
needed to excel. Wile at East High, Donald Hilliard, his high school
music teacher talked to him about the importance of a college
education in attaining his goals and arranged an audition at Hampton
University ( Hampton Institute at the time. ) He was accepted and
received a music scholarship. That chapter of his life was a blessing
that he could have never imagined. He was not only amazed by the
tradition of excellence at Hampton, but was also blessed to study
under people like Dr. Sheila Maye, Dr. Doughtry, Dr. Usti, Consuella
Lee Morehead, Roland Carter, and many other outstanding musicians
and educators.
During his stay at Hampton, Flick served as President
of his freshman class, worked on the school newspaper, was a member
of the Concert and Gospel Choir's, The Hampton Players Drama Club,
Quaza, and was active in all aspects of college life. After Hampton
he was blessed to work professionally with artist such as Bill Lee,
Ron Carter, Olivia Newton John, and Steve Wonder.
Flick recorded, and toured with many
groups and artist including Rick James. Flick not only flourished as
a performer but also blossomed as a writer. It was during this period
that he wrote and produced two video productions for cable 10 in
Buffalo. " Buffalo More Than a City ", and " The Wish ". Flick has
also performed as an actor in many productions: "Tremonisha"
, "Porgy and
Bess", "The Duplex", Don't Bother Me I Can't Cope", Two Trains
Running", and "The Depot". Flick has served as a teacher in the
Buffalo Public School System, worked as a music teacher at the State
University of New York at Buffalo's summer youth program, Musical
Director of Ujima Theatre, and was an Artist in Residence at the
Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts.
Throughout his career as a writer, arranger, and
performer he has never confined himself to one style of music.
The one thing that remains constant in his musical journey is
writing, exploring, and painting musical pictures in various styles.
From Jazz to Classical, R & B to Reggae, the music is whats
important not the label. And a message from Richard Lamonte
Williams ( Flick ).
I have been blessed to express the feelings of
the soul through music, and what I've received through these
blessings far exceed what I could ever give. Through the love
of my family and friends, and those close to my heart. Through
the strength of my ancestors, and through the grace of God, I
leave you with this:
Plant a seed of Love,
In the soil of Hope.
Nurture it with the Nectar of Wisdom
Smile and watch it Grow.
Flick
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