Jazz

As well as leading his large ensembles and his own quartet “Full Circle” Rick has played with artists such as:-

Gil Evans, George Russell, John Surman, Mike Gibbs, Michael Reissler, BBC Radio Big Band, Cologne Radio Orchestra, Tom Bancroft Orchestra, Martin Green’s Green Machine, Phil Bancroft Octet, Tony Faulkner Jazz Orchestra, Ryan Quigley Orchestra, David Milligan’s Burns Project, Joe Temperly “Ellington Tribute”.

Rock and Pop

Rick has played with and arranged for artists such as:-

The Bluebells, The Three Degrees, Men at Work, Joan Armatrading, The Weather Girls, Jonny Mathis, Wham, Elton John, Difford and Tilbrook, Vow Wow, George Michael, Terrence Trent D’Arby, Joe Jackson, Jimmi Hendrix, Dr Robert and the Blow Monkeys, Linda Lewis, Wet Wet Wet, Lulu, Kenny Jones/Paul Rogers, Chris Rea, David Essex,Orange Juice, Tom Jones, The Spice Girls, Atomic Kitten, Embrace, Shirley Bassey, Jamiraqui, Robbie Williams, The Lighthouse Family, Shane Ritchie, Justin Currie, Yusef Islam (Cat Stevens).

Ensemble Teaching

Rick is an inspirational teacher and ensemble leader. He credits his college lecturer Tony Faulkner as his ‘Blue Print’. Rick composed for and led various sized groups throughout his college years. ‘Tony Faulkner was an amazing teacher, he was forthright, spirited and he taught me without, teaching me to be like him and in music that’s hard man!’

On leaving college (Leeds College of Music) Rick, already a member of The National Youth Orchestra, took many of the weekly rehearsals which led to Him becoming the Assistant Musical Director of the ‘European Community Jazz Orchestra’ until 1985 when he became Musical Director.

In 1984 Rick became Musical Director of Youth Jazz Orchestra North and in 1985 Rick was warded ‘Dean Clough Fellowship Lecturer in Contemporary Music and Jazz’ at York University.

From 1983 for several years he was the organiser for the Musicians Union jazz workshops.

He has taught on the prestigious courses run by Wavenden All Music summer schools, Jamey Abersold Jazz Summer Schools and continues to this day on The Scottish Youth Jazz Orchestra courses in Perth and Blazin’ In Beauly Course.

2005 to current he is Ensemble Leader and Guest lecturer at Sabhal Mor Ostaig Gaelic College - Isle of Skye and at Lews College Benbecula.

2005 – 2008 at Birmingham Conservatoire Rick rehearsed and conducted over 40 world premieres. For the Distil Course run by Dave Francis and Simon Thoumire, featuring works by David Milligan, Andy Thorburn, Luke Daniels, Sandy Strange, Wendy Stewart, Sarah Macfadden and Mike Seattle, amongst them.

Since 2006 Rick has been the Conductor of ‘La Banda Europa’ – Composer Jim Sutherlands Pan European ‘ Folk Orchestra.