People ask me all the time what kind of music I play. My first response is usually “whatever they are paying me to play”. After a laugh they'll ask what kind do I like to play. The answer is easy. Whatever moves me or the audience. Songs that I wouldn't normally listen to can be enjoyable to perform based on the audience response. Sort of like telling the same joke over and over again. It may be old to you, but it is still fun to say just to get a laugh. That being said, I play all styles. I've played solo classical music for weddings, I've been in blues bands, jazz bands, and rock bands. I have even dabbled in flamenco and American fingerstyle.
In 2008 I finished recording "Calling All Guitars", an acoustic guitar based reference library disc published by Flash Forward Music.
In high school and college I recorded tapes (yes, tapes) for my friends and parents to listen to. I did three albums in college. Someday they'll be collector's items. Until then I consider them low quality recordings of covers and originals I had been working on at the time. My first CD project of originals was in late 2000. It is titled “High Class” and is available online on the store page. It is a mix of blues and jazz based original tunes. It features Jimmy Russell (vocals), former Sounds of Blackness members Doriel Demps (keys) and Trenon Graham (drums), Matt MacPhail (bass), Maria Versalles (vocals), and Jeff Nordquist (trumpet).
In the late 90s I did some work on a Christmas Album by Kecia (Johnson) Winter titled “O Holy Night”. This recording is available at her website www.keciawinter.com. I also performed on and recorded/produced Jimmy Russell's album “Soul Shack Sessions” which is available from his website www.myspace.com/soulshacksessions.
I am always writing and recording new music. Stay tuned or join the mailing list to stay up to date with the latest news about current projects.
To hire 8 FOOT 4 call Greg Absey Entertainment at 651-771-7759. To hire me in any of my other projects or for solo/session work please contact me directly at 612-701-2439 or via email at ric@ricoliva.com.
