Pennsylvania resident Freddie Rick Gilbert was weaned at an early age on a broad array of jazz and blues artists. Between Dad's vocal and instrumental favorites of Arthur Prysock Joe Williams, Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk along with Mom's blues and soulful favorites of Sam Cook, B.B. King, Johnny Taylor and Al Green, this Pennsylvania native cannot remember a time when music was not a part of his very existence. It's no wonder his jazz current interests are extremely broad and diverse. Rick's initial introduction to performing started at the ripe old age of nine at St John Missionary Baptist church in Aliquippa Pennsylvania. The shy young man, encouraged by his mother, began singing solos in church and for different church functions, belting out gospel classics such as How Great Thou Art and The Lord's Prayer. He also had the opportunity to expand his exposure to music as a member of the Aliquippa Bach Choir of Pennsylvania which performed some of Broadway's most exciting musicals. Rick was also a member of an on campus theater group while attending California State University of Pennsylvania. He had starring and supportive roles in Pippin, Jesus Christ Superstar and several Broadway musicals. He also helped to provided behind the scenes support to incoming performers such as Maynard Ferguson and Peaches and Herb. Rick has continued to use the talent he has been blessed with to perform at various local functions and special events including live jazz performances for several Starbucks locations. He has performed locally with bands such as Total Package, Casanova, Rudy Zetz, and the infamous Doug and Dave. For the last three years, Rick has performed live at the Fish-Middleton East Coast Jazz Festival held annually at the Doubletree Hotel in Rockville Maryland. His involvement at the East Coast Jazz Festival has provided him with the opportunity to work with Maryland jazz greats like pianist Ron Elliston and The Larry Brown Trio. |
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