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, has accompanied Kathryn Crosby in various cabaret shows, and counts Madeleine Peyroux among his many unwitting fans.
Contact: rick@rickcarlson.net
The pianism of Rick Carlson references the stride-style wizardry of Waller and James P. Johnson. A first-rate solo pianist.
UPCOMING SHOWS:
March 1:
Music from the Betsy-Tacy Books
with Maud Hixson
Mora Public Library
March 1:
with Charmin Michelle
Maggie’s Piano Lounge
Crooners Supper Club
March 5:
Pick-A-Rib
Eagles Club
March 7:
with Arne Fogel
Maggie’s Piano Lounge
Crooners Supper Club
March 8:
Music from the Betsy-Tacy Books
with Maud Hixson
Aitkin Public Library
March 9:
Twin Cities Winter Jazz Fest
Maggie’s Piano Lounge
Crooners Supper Club
March 14 and 15:
with Katie Gearty
Maggie’s Piano Lounge
Crooners Supper Club
March 15:
Music from the Betsy-Tacy Books
with Maud Hixson
Princeton Public Library
March 21 and 22:
with Dorothy Doring
Maggie’s Piano Lounge
Crooners Supper Club
March 22:
Music from the Betsy-Tacy Books
with Maud Hixson
Pine City Public Library
March 23:
Jazz Age Rumpus IV: Sounds of New York
The Hook and Ladder Theater
March 25:
Music from the Betsy-Tacy Books
with Maud Hixson
Cambridge Public Library
March 28:
with Colleen Raye
Maggie’s Piano Lounge
Crooners Supper Club
March 29:
Music from the Betsy-Tacy Books
with Maud Hixson
Rush City Public Library
March 29:
Remembering Doris Day
with Maud Hixson
The Dunsmore Room
Crooners Supper Club
Promotional photo credits: Paul Irmiter
Top photo with teacup:
Ann Marsden
Calendar photo:
Kathy Tauer