Born in the Bronx, New York, Rick Began playing piano at the age of 9, drums at age 11, congas and vibraphone at the age of 14. He started playing professionally at the age of 15.
Composer and arranger, Rick appeared in The Coral Reef Lounge at Mandalay Bay every Monday night for four years with his 10 piece Latin dance band, The Latin Percussion Ensemble. He has played at The Blue Note, The House Of Blues, The Rio, The MGM Grand, Bellagio’s, Caesars Palace, The Stardust, New York, N.Y. and many other locations around town. Rick has performed at several of The City Of Lights Jazz Festivals, The Clark County Amphitheatre, The Reed Whipple Community Center and other venues including radio and television.
Rick has recorded and or played with Luis Conte, Michael Fitzhugh (of Shalomar), Artie Webb, Dan Weinstein, Bill Laster, Art Velasco, Ramon Flores, Francisco Aguabella, Poncho Roman, Joe Torres, Dick Berk , Pachito Alonso, Papo Conga, Karen Briggs, Dick Mitchell, Dan St. Marsais,Papo Rodriguez, Johnny Conga, Larry White, Hector Casanova, Tata Palau, Johnny “Dandy” Rodriguez, Luis Miranda, Bobby Matos, Johnny Polanco, Eddie Resto David Romero. Shared the stage with The Yellow Jackets, Fatburger, The Rippingtons, Gerald Albright, Carl Fontana Everrett Harp, Gilberto Santa Rosa and many others.
He has opened for Tito Puente, Willie Chirino, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Jesus Alemany, David Benoit, Richard Elliott, Michael McDonald, Donna Summers, The Beach Boys and many others.
Whether with a trio, quartet, quintet or full 10 piece orchestra Rick can provide Latin Jazz, straight ahead jazz, Funk or most styles of music.
On Fire In The Desert has 2 special guests Johnny (Dandy)Rodriguez 35 years plus with the Tito Puente Orchestra. Johnny is on tracks 1,2,and 6. Tata Palau on tracks 4 and 9 has recorded and played with Tito Puente and is currently working and recording with Cachao.
Contact (702) 278-1982
www.rickarroyando.myeweb.net
raltnjz@cox.net
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