Review Text
Caution, Jazz Enthusiasts: Rick Ranum's jazz style is not intended for the timid or the meek! But it is for the listener who loves high-powered, melodic, energetic, jazz sounds. Not only does Rick compose and arrange every song on his CD's, he performs all of the instrumentation, (guitars, guitar synth, synthesizers, keyboards), and creates the drum and percussion programming. Influences for Rick's music include artists such as The Rippingtons, Nelson Rangell, George Benson, Tower of Power, Joe Pass, Pat Metheny, and Earth Wind & Fire, Cirque Du Soleil, and Danny Elfman. 'Echoes of a Dream', Rick's latest CD, was inspired by some of his compositions created for a theatrical score. This fusion of jazz styles resonates the dramatic power of the journey, both real and unreal. Rick's musical journey began in grade school playing clarinet. Later he changed to saxophone, but it wasn't until he picked up a guitar that he found his passion.Rick received his formal music education at the Conservatory of Music in Kansas City. His professional career as a lead guitar player includes extensive touring in the U.S. and Europe playing Jazz, Pop, and R & B. After working with vocalist James Bradley, Rick collaborated with him on a ballad for James' debut album. As a composer and arranger, Rick has created many original musical transitions in scores for theatrical productions. Currently his studio time is spent creating a soon to be released 3rd CD.
