Meet Rick Taub | Music Booker and Bass Player

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

Hi Rick, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My business really started as a labor of love. I was hanging out a lot at different underground art galleries/bars where there would be an art opening, and they would sell booze. I was bringing in the bands I played with to entertain. I inevitably became friends with the proprietors, and would help them bring in other kinds of music as well. I’ve always been excited to put people together when it benefits all concerned. Eventually legal bars started to open in dtla. I was playing a weekly gig at the whiskey bar, Seven Grand, and eventually I started booking other nights there as well. The nights that added music got busier, and that eventually led to more nights there, and opportunities at other establishments.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I hopefully provide the right music for any event, venue or bar. I have very diverse tastes, and have hung out on so many different scenes, so I’m able to find just about any kind of band. I’m a musician myself, so I strive to treat musicians the way I want to be treated. I’m aware that if it don’t maker dollars , it don’t make sense! Obviously to sustain any professional relationship, all involved have to benefit. I’m really excited to be working with the caliber of musicians that I’m lucky enough to know. I’ve just started working with Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas. Tom is the voice of Sponge Bob, and the nicest person you could ever meet. He has an incredible 12 piece retro soul/rock band. I’ve also booked Robby Krieger’s (The Doors guitar player) new band Krieger & The Soul Savages.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d drive them down Sunset Blvd., from Cesar Chavez in East LA, all the way to where Sunset Blvd. hits the PCH. I’ve always felt this is a great introduction to the diverse neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Then we could head south to take a walk on The Venice Beach Boardwalk. I’d spend the next day in dtla. We’d start at Il Cafe for coffee, in the first floor of The Eastern Building (a great example of classic Art Deco architecture, with a side of tabloid notoriety). We would proceed by walking up Broadway and seeing the string of great old movie theaters. For lunch we would hit Sonoratown for some tacos. After that we could explore Union Station, Chinatown and Little Tokyo.
I’d probably take them to Maccheroni Republic for dinner. After that we’d barhop. I’d have to take them to Seven Grand, Las Perlas and Caña Rum Bar for great atmosphere, cocktails and live music (of course I think the music is great, I do the programming!)
Of course we’d have to explore some classic Hollywood places. It’s great to check out the view from The Griffith Park Observatory, followed by a round of martinis at The Roosevelt. Perhaps more drinks and dinner at The Edmon?
On one day we’d have to go to The Huntington Botanical Gardens. There is just so many more interesting places in LA !

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Barbara Morrison is a great inspiration to me. She was not only the best jazz & blues singer in Los Angeles. The way she conducted herself, always spreading love and kindness, and taking care of the people (musicians and her community) around her. Barbara would consider those around her before she considered herself. She also had so many great stories! She would speak of hanging out with Miles Davis, and many of the other jazz greats.

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