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Biography
A native of San Pedro, California, Richard started playing guitar at the age of 13. Although primary self taught, his early studies were with Robert Mitchell and later on with John Collins. John was Nat King Cole’s guitarist for many years. Thence the introductions to standards, show tunes, classical and latin, bossa novas and sambas. The art of playing chord melody style and single-note phasing was to follow.
Richard grew up playing in early Southern California 60s surf bands as Eddie and the Showman as well as playing with rhythm and blues groups. Later he played with Ray Charles, Elvis, the Temptations, Four Tops, Frank Sinatra and many others. In the early 70s through the 80s, he owned and managed Sounds and Strings Guitar Shop by day, and played gigs by night. As a bandleader and sideman he worked with the top orchestras and musicians in Los Angeles.
A published BMI writer, he has and recorded for television and films. As the director of The Music Company he has provided first class music for hundreds of private events in Southern California, from bands to his jazz ensembles.
He has recorded six CDs under his own name: Eloquent Reflections, Carry On, More than Words, Jazzscapes, My Favorite Christmas Things, and his latest release, Songs From The Cafe.
Today he performs as a soloist, or with his jazz duo and trio for private events and concerts. He performs regularly at fine establishments in the South Bay Area, such as the Palos Verdes Golf Club, the Admiral Risty restaurant, the Torrance Hilton Hotel, and at Neil's restaurant in San Pedro.
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