RICK CARLSON taught himself to play the piano by studying the vast works of Count Basie and Duke Ellington and capitalizing on a long string of happy accidents. He has also perfected the art of “circular drinking”, whereby he can sip martinis uninterrupted while still playing a cohesive piano solo.
He has been the pianist for the Wolverines Big Band since 1980. He has performed on concert stages in London and New York City, and has appeared with Count Basie drummer Butch Miles, horn stars Warren Vaché, Delfeayo Marsalis, Evan Christopher and Wycliffe Gordon.
His credits as musical director, arranger and pianist include the Guthrie Theater presentation of “Coward’s Women”, the Capri Theater “Legends Series” and in various concert and cabaret presentations internationally. He once opened for Rosemary Clooney, accompanied Kathryn Crosby in various cabaret shows, and counts Madeleine Peyroux among his many unwitting fans.
The pianism of Rick Carlson references the stride-style wizardry of Waller and James P. Johnson. A first-rate solo pianist.
UPCOMING SHOWS:
August 2:
Afternoon Tea
Saint Paul Hotel
August 8:
with Geoff Jones
Maggie’s Piano Lounge (Crooners)
August 14:
with Judi Vinar & Gary Raynor
The High Hat
August 16:
Silver Screen Songs
with Maud Hixson
The Dunsmore Jazz Room (Crooners)
August 17:
Pillars of the Great American Songbook:
Harold Arlen
with Maud Hixson
Saint Albert the Great
August 22 & 23:
with Dorothy Doring
Maggie’s Piano Lounge (Crooners)
August 24:
The Music of Louis Armstrong
with the Boat Note Five
The Belvedere (Crooners)
August 29:
The Lady Is A Tramp:
Mistress Ginger Sings Rodgers & Hart
with Mistress Ginger
The Dunsmore Jazz Room (Crooners)
Promotional photo credits: Paul Irmiter
Top photo with teacup:
Ann Marsden
Calendar photo:
Kathy Tauer