Sugar Shack

Jazz pianist Rick Gallagher has been a part of the Pittsburgh music scene since the late 1980's. Over the years Rick has done solo and group work in a wide range of contemporary styles but has found a voice as a player and composer in classic jazz. He has worked with many of the area's top performers and bands as well as solo piano work at diverse venues such as the historic Grand Concourse; the Gandy Dancer Saloon piano bar; and the PPG Holiday Series. Regularly Rick can be seen with small groups at Palomino and Pines Tavern, the Orchard Hill Church worship team, and the Boilermaker Jazz Band, as well as his long-standing spotlight as the pianist with the US Steel Tower and One Oxford Center downtown. Gallagher is noteworthy for his classic jazz style, creative arrangements, and his memorable originals. Rick has five recordings as a feature artist and has played on a number of other CD's as a sideman. His recordings have been played on hundreds of radio stations across the United States, and Canada including nationally syndicated jazz shows like Jazz After Hours. They all include Rick's rich harmonic concepts, lyrical melodic ideas, creative arrangements and soulful organic sound. A Pittsburgh native and father of four, Gallagher received a Bachelor of Music at Duquesne University where he studied under the mentorship of David Budway. His influences include Herbie Hancock, Horace Silver, Red Garland, Vince Guaraldi, Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, Benny Green, Ray Brown, Wynton Kelly, Cyrus Chestnut and George Shearing. He currently balances his performances with teaching, arranging, composing and recording. Rick is available for studio work, jazz festivals, concerts, church performances, and other private and public events. Credits include: Jazz Christmas, iTunes Essentials (2007) - Various Artists Coldwater Creek: Home for the Holidays Volume One (2004) Coldwater Creek: Home for the Holidays Volume Four (2007) Divine Unrest (2007) - Tamarack Road Productions -About 'Sugar Shack'- Rick's fifth recording, Sugar Shack is full of organic swing, latin, groove, and romantic ballads showcasing his lyrical writing, arranging and tasteful sound. Innovative reharmonized covers include a latin version of 'Eleanor Rigby' by the Beatles and an urban half-time funk version of 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World' by 80's pop-band Tears for Fears. Gallagher's originals are soulful, personal, reflective and include two heartfelt tracks written for his children. Rick is complemented once again by bassist Paul Thompson, drummer Thomas Wendt, and percussionist George Jones.