Album Notes

For his 1st CD release, Rick has chosen 20 of his favorite original pieces & combined them with elements of improvisation. His choice of solo piano as the environment for the performances lend an overall sense of peace to the proceedings. Even though the music posseses certain meditative aspects that will appeal to both New Age & Smooth Jazz lovers, the depth of the compositions broaden its appeal to include fans of more traditional jazz, folk & even classical music.
Here's what Mike Garson, David Bowie's keyboardist, has to say about "Sanctuaries":
"Well Rick, I would say that you not only achieved your purpose with this CD, but surpassed it!
Well recorded, the piano sounds beautiful & your touch is excellent. The pieces as compositions are great & your interpretations of them are wonderful. The only other thing I could say is, what took so long & when's the next one?"
Here's a little bit about Rick:
He has been playing drums since the age of 5 1/2 & keyboards since his teens. He studied both at the Julliard School as well as with jazz great Chick Corea.
He has performed in many Broadway shows including "Hair", "The Wiz", "Candide", "They're Playing Our Song", "Woman of the Year" & "Seesaw".
He has written much music for TV, Film & Radio. Some of his work in this field include the Emmy-nominated theme for "Dateline NBC", "Later Today" on NBC, the theme for the New York Yankees on MSG Cable & the "Outlaws & Lawmen" mini-series on the Discovery chanel.
For 18 years, he served as keyboardist & musical director for tap dance legend Gregory Hines. His composition, "Boom", was choreographed by Mr. Hines & performed at the nationally televised "Gala For The President" with President & Mrs. Clinton in attendance. He was also the composer of all of the original music for "The Gregory Hines Show" on CBS-TV.
He was one of the original percussionists for Leonard Bernstein's "Mass" which was written & performed for the opening of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. He performs on the original recording of that piece with Mr. Bernstein conducting.
He has also played on countless TV & Radio commercials & themes. Some of the artists he has performed & recorded with include Liza Minnelli, Leonard Bernstein, Michael Franks, Noel Pointer, Herbie Hancock, Freddie Hubbard, Don Rickles, Billy Eckstine, Gloria Gaynor, Rodney Dangerfield, Regis Philbin, Donna Summer, Larry Coryell, Jon Lucien, Johnny Hartman, Perry Farrell (of Jane's Addiction), Richie Stotts (of the Plasmatics) & Charles Aznavour. He currently tours as keyboardist for Liza Minnelli.