In the rhythmic realms of jazz, Rich, your guide through the melodic landscapes, has been an unwavering companion to the music that transcends time. Born into a family deeply intertwined with musical notes, Rich’s father led a swing band in the 1940s, gracing stages with the resonance of saxophones and clarinets. It was in those formative years that Rich took his first steps into the world of music, finding himself wielding one of those ancestral clarinets in his grade school band. High school brought the strumming of guitar strings into his repertoire, yet jazz remained a listener’s pleasure rather than a performer’s pursuit.
The catalyst for Rich’s jazz immersion emerged during his time at Stanford University, where serendipity introduced him to a roommate, Ian McIlraith—a jazz saxophonist with a profound knowledge of the genre. Under Ian’s tutelage, Rich’s ears became finely tuned instruments, discerning the nuances of different artists’ playing styles and embracing the timeless allure of classic jazz standards.
Rich’s journey into jazz wasn’t confined to lecture halls or textbooks; it unfolded in the dimly lit ambiance of concerts and vibrant energy of jazz festivals. Recollections include the captivating notes of Mike Stern at The Regatta Bar in Cambridge, MA, the soul-stirring melodies of Milt Jackson at The Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, CA, and the avant-garde brilliance of Bill Frisell at The Blue Note in NYC. Local gems, like The Green Mill in Chicago and The Blue Room in Kansas City’s Jazz District, added layers to Rich’s sonic tapestry.
The concert halls echoed with legends, and Rich reveled in the live performances of jazz luminaries such as Chick Corea, Gary Burton, Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, and the immortal Miles Davis.
“Rich Tones Curated Jazz on KPCW” is more than a radio show; it’s a bridge between seasoned jazz enthusiasts and those taking their first steps into this rich musical tradition. Whether you’re a newcomer eager to discover new players and sounds or a seasoned jazz aficionado, Rich Tones promises a fresh and personal perspective, making each jazz session a unique and enriching experience. So, let the jazz jukebox come alive as Rich punches those buttons, inviting you to join him on a musical odyssey through the diverse and ever-evolving realms of jazz.
