Rick Moore's music is "Curiously refreshing" - Paul Bley
RICK MOORE was born in Plainfield, NJ on May 10, 1954. He began playing the organ at age 5. After hearing Benny Goodman on his parents records, he took up the clarinet and began playing in his school band. He also began playing the drums at an early age.
While in high school, Rick took organ and piano lessons with Barbara Zincraf. He became a church organist and played for a variety of social functions. After graduating from high school, Rick attended the French School of Music in Plainfield, NJ. He also began playing the organ and piano professionally in restaurants and lounges.
In 1974, Rick's interest turned toward jazz. He joined the New Jersey Jazz Society and began attending jam sessions as a listener. He began studying jazz improvisation with Fred Amend and was learning to play jazz piano at weekly jam sessions with other jazz students.
By 1975, Rick was playing the piano for many society engagements and jazz gigs throughout the NJ-NY area. He lead a jazz quartet for an extended engagement at O'Connor's Beef & Ale House in Watchung, NJ. He worked with Frank Slingerland, Dean Robinson, Fred Amend, Don Messina, Bill Chattin, Judy Niemack, Irv Fenner, Joshua Breakstone and Vic Juris.
Rick Studied classical piano with Keith MacDonald for 3 years. Then in 1978, he began jazz piano lessons with Sal Mosca in Mount Vernon, NY. For the next 8 years Rick studied jazz harmony, ear training, polyrhythms and improvising with Mosca. During the early 80's, Rick gave many concert performances, including 3 at the Watchung Arts Center.
In 1986, Rick moved to West Palm Beach, FL and resumed performing. He found steady work in many country clubs and restaurants throughout the Palm Beach and Martin County area. He worked with Vinne Burke, Christian Buckholz, Bob Mortensen, Ed DeMatteo, Greg Power, Todd Walker, Doug Verga and many other notible musicans.
In recent years, Rick worked extended solo piano engagements at the International Polo Club, Jupiter Island Club and Taste Restaurant in Hobe Sound, FL. He has also performed at Mar-a-Lago, Everglades Club, Mariner Sands, Ritz Carlton, Breakers West, Lyric Theater, Loblolly, Heidi's Jazz Club and many other venues.
Rick has performed for Sarah Ferguson-Duchess of York, Donald Trump and Tommy Lee Jones, the Williams sisters and many other celeberties. He recently returned to the Watchung Arts Center in NJ to play 2 successful jazz concerts with his old friends, bassist Don Messina and drummer Bill Chattin. In 2009-10, Rick recorded a series of "free jazz" solo piano selections with hs friend PAUL BLEY at Echo Beach Studios in Jupiter florida.
Rick carries a repertoire of more than 600 standard songs covering a broad range of popular music, jazz and original compositions. He is very comfortable playing in ensembles or as a soloist. In 2011, Rick is still working hard at his music and is always ready to play the piano when called to do so.
(inside panel album notes)
1. I LOVE YOU (Porter)
(Taddy Mowatt - bass, Christian Buckholz - drums)
2. I'M JUST A LUCKY SO AND SO (Ellington)
3. DONNA LEE (Davis-Parker)
(Arron Wright - bass, Brian Menendez - drums
4. A FAMILY SONG (Mosca)
5. MY MELANCOLY BABY (Burnett-Norton-Watson)
(Peter Ind - bass, Christian Buckholz - drums)
6. PLAYING WITH RICK (Moore)
(Christian Buckholz - drums)
7. WHAT IS THIS THING CALLED LOVE (Porter)
(Chris Aiello - Alto Sax, Don Messina - bass, Bill Chattin - drums)
8. DETOUR AHEAD (Ellis-Frigo-Carter)
9. SOFTLY, AS A MORNING SUNRISE (Romberg-Hammerstein)
(Steve kapp - flute, Ed DeMatteo - bass, Christian Buckholz - drums
10. CEORA (Morgan)
11. LESTER LEAPS IN (Young)
(Arron Wright - bass, Brian Menendez - drums)
12. EVERYTIME WE SAY GOODBYE (Porter)
Photography and Design by Rick Moore / Photo: Cherie Moore / Total Time 62:34 / Website: www.rickmoore.yolasite.com
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