About Rick

The first time Rick heard Dexter Gordon's tone on tenor he fell in love with the "old-school" saxophone sound and has had one ear turned towards the past ever since. He spent his final years of high school privately studying jazz with renowned bebop saxophonist George Benson and the amazing John Wojciechowski who now lives, performs and teaches in Chicago. Rick continued to be absorbed in the tenor "old school", but also had his flings with the lyrical altoist Cannonball Adderley and funk saxophone OG Maceo Parker.
By age 22 Rick had toured most of the USA performing with legendary Chess Records recording artist Alberta Adams and her all-star band led by Detroit's own R.J. Spangler on drums. Age 23 brought extended tours and gigs with Dennis Edwards of the Temptations ("Papa Was A Rolling Stone"), Martha Reeves ("Dancing In The Street"), Sir Mack Rice ("Mustang Sally"), the Contours ("Do You Love Me?") and Doo-Wop artists The Tokens ("the Lion Sleeps Tonight"), The Reflections ("Just like Romeo & Juliet") and the Crystals ("Da Doo Ron Ron"). A New Years Eve gig with the O'Jays was the icing on the cake for a great year of Motown and soul music.
Age 24 brought Rick to the seas aboard Norwegian, Holland America and Celebrity Cruise Lines as a showband musician where he advanced his sight-reading, doubling, and musical diversity. He performed on saxophones as well as flute and clarinet in small jazz combos, ballroom dance ensembles, musical theatre productions and behind featured artists such as pianist "Hollywood" Pearl Kaufman and xylophonist Ian Finkel.
After returning to land, Rick joined up with the hardest-working event band in Detroit, The Sun Messengers, for three years of excellent Motown, funk and commercial music. Besides performing in packed music clubs and exclusive private events, this band also had the honor of being the house band for Detroit's professional basketball team and the band would entertain court-side at most of the home games.
By age 27, Rick decided it was time to add another feather to his cap. He was contacted by a local music agent and given the opportunity to work as an entertainer, where Rick began singing commercial music accompanying himself on piano and acoustic guitar, next to being called upon to work as an accomplished woodwind player.
In his 30's Rick made a life-changing decision and left the USA. He began living in Germany, successfully working as a musician around the EU and Switzerland. Today he makes his home in Bonn and continues to perform.
In his 30's Rick made a life-changing decision and left the USA. He began living in Germany, successfully working as a musician around the EU and Switzerland. Today he makes his home in Bonn and continues to perform.