Meet Rick Ross | Entertainment on Piano, Sax and Vocals

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rick Ross and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rick, what do you attribute your success to?
Versatility! In addition to playing solo background piano, I also perform a multifaceted one-man show on piano, three saxophones, and vocals. I can create the sound of anything from a jazz trio to a full orchestra or big band. My repertoire spans styles from the classic standards to light jazz and rock. I also play a festive array of party music and can create themed shows based on specific artists or genres. I was able to use my computer and programming skills to create realistically tailored backing tracks with vocal harmony. I incorporate these in a way that complements my singing and the instruments I am performing live. That versatility has been the backbone of my brand, and continues to be the most noteworthy element in my career’s success. To the client, I bring the advantage of saving the space and cost of multiple musicians. To the audience, I bring the surprise of seeing such great sound and variety produced by one person.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I don’t know, but I’ve been told it’s rare to find a piano player who can sing and play the saxophone. Did I mention I speak fluent, German? These things definitely set me apart. I was awarded a scholarship to attend Cornell University where I received two degrees in non-musical fields. I came to believe the sign of a great school was its ability to teach you everything you don’t want to do. And while Cornell was not known for its music program, I was still able to hone my skills by playing piano for anything from elegant campus events to fraternity parties. I received a one year fellowship to attend the university in Göttingen, Germany. I majored in German Area Studies, but I also played sax in several bands. I then returned to Cornell and completed a master’s degree in Hotel Administration, I was recruited by Inter-Continental Hotels to join their management team in San Diego. This luxury hotel had several lovely pianos, and whenever I saw one I had to play it. It was not long before one of the catering managers heard me and started hiring me for weddings and corporate events. I worked in the hospitality business for less than two years before leaving it all behind and actually earning a living as a musician. At times, I’ve doubted the necessity of my college experience. But over time I’ve learned not to question what brought me from point A to point B because point B is pretty damned good. Of course, it doesn’t come without challenges, and COVID has been one of the most recent and monumental. The gigging industry still has not fully recovered. Everything shut down in March 2020, but in April, I created an online “TV Show” called the “Rick Ross Virtual Parlor Party.” It is an interactive livestream where viewers can make requests. I use amusing graphics as well as multiple cameras to capture the room from various angles. Occasionally, I will feature and interview guest artists. Then we perform together. I think of it as “Hugh Hefner After Dark” meets “Mister Rogers.” Aside from being a lot of fun, this show allows me to reach an audience far beyond the boundaries of the city I call home. Moreover, it has helped me maintain my skills in an interesting way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Southern California is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Most of my visitors already have a good idea of what they would like to see and do. In that sense the itinerary writes itself. I can focus on my role as host by providing nice accommodations, memorable home-cooked meals with my SoCal friends, and a guided tasting of my home brewed ciders and meads. My years of living here might afford them the advantage of having someone who can offer a unique perspective on some of the more nuanced aspects of our local attractions, the most scenic routes to drive, and what theme park rides to avoid.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents were the first to recognize my unusual gift when at the age of six I started playing songs on the piano by ear. Of course, they believed the next thing to do was to find a piano teacher. Neither they nor the poor teacher knew that I was not learning to read music. Once I heard the teacher play the tune, I could memorize it. When she realized I wasn’t reading, she advised my parents not to waste their money. Mom and Dad encouraged me to continue playing, often calling me in from having fun outdoors to perform for their party guests. My father played in the Army band, and was excited to see his kids pick up band instruments. At age 9, I chose the saxophone, and when I started to show some promise, guess what they did. They found me a sax instructor, and not just any. I was to learn from the most renowned classical saxophonist in the state of Indiana. Though at the time I considered the term “classical saxophone” somewhat of an oxymoron, I tried to go along with it for a few months. That is, until he told my parents, “Don’t waste your money. I think your son might be a good marching band sax player at best.” My dad’s response to him was, “I think my son might need a better teacher.” They found an instructor who understood my talent and helped me achieve a perfect score on my solo at the Indiana State Contest for High School Students. And if there is such a thing as musical justice, then it was gratifying to receive that perfect score from none other than the very instructor who said I would never make it. After my performance, he told me, “I take it all back… but you were a weird kid.” So my inspiration may have come as much from those who encouraged me as from those who didn’t believe in me. I give them all credit, but my parents get the trophy.

Website: www.rickrossentertainment.com

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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-ross-67877220/

Twitter: @RickRossMusic

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Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/rick5ross