Album Notes

Christmas jazz, holiday jazz.

Jazz pianist Rick Gallagher has been a part of the Pittsburgh music scene since the late 1980's. Over the years Rick has done solo and group work in a wide range of contemporary styles but has found a voice as a player and composer in classic jazz. He has worked with many of the area's top performers and bands as well as solo piano work at diverse venues such as the historic Grand Concourse; the Gandy Dancer Saloon piano bar; and the PPG Holiday Series. Regularly Rick can be seen with small groups at Palomino and Pines Tavern, the Orchard Hill Church worship team, and the Boilermaker Jazz Band, as well as his long-standing spotlight as the pianist with the US Steel Tower and One Oxford Center downtown. Gallagher is noteworthy for his classic jazz style, creative arrangements, and his memorable originals.

Rick has five recordings as a feature artist and has played on a number of other CD’s as a sideman. His recordings have been played on hundreds of radio stations across the United States, and Canada including nationally syndicated jazz shows like “Jazz After Hours.” They all include Rick’s rich harmonic concepts, lyrical melodic ideas, creative arrangements and soulful organic sound.

A Pittsburgh native and father of four, Gallagher received a Bachelor of Music at Duquesne University where he studied under the mentorship of David Budway. His influences include Herbie Hancock, Horace Silver, Red Garland, Vince Guaraldi, Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, Benny Green, Ray Brown, Wynton Kelly, Cyrus Chestnut and George Shearing. He currently balances his performances with teaching, arranging, composing and recording. Rick is available for studio work, jazz festivals, concerts, church performances, and other private and public events.

Credits include:

Jazz Christmas, iTunes Essentials (2007) - Various Artists
Coldwater Creek: Home for the Holidays Volume One (2004)
Coldwater Creek: Home for the Holidays Volume Four (2007)
Divine Unrest (2007) - Tamarack Road Productions

-About "Snowriding"-

Following the success of "A Sleigh, A Song, and a Baby Boy", Rick's second holiday release, "Snowriding" brings the warmth and joy of the season home to you again. Joined by Paul Thompson on bass, Thomas Wendt on drums and George Jones on percussion, Snowriding features a winter-spirited original title track along with a unique mix of holiday classics re-arranged in his traditional jazz style. The crisp, lively swing of "Silver Bells," and Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime" is complimented by the warm, peaceful ballad renditions of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" Comforting waltzes "Carol of the Bells" and "I Saw Three Ships" are balanced by the Latin-gospel grooves of "The First Noel" and "Joy to the World." His best recording yet, Gallagher has redefined holiday favorites, so bundle up, relax and enjoy the "snow ride."