This is a great tune portraying the "City That Never Sleeps". A scenic jazz work composed, arranged & orchestrated by Richie Pratt. Featuring the late great bassist, Major Holley on an extended improvised solo in this classy acoustic jazz trio setting - a must listen!
Personnel: Richie Pratt drum set, percussion, composer, leader; Major Holley acoustic bass; Tom Pierson piano.
"Olathe" by Richie Pratt, BMI
Brazilian jazz bossa nova, that was orchestrated and arranged by noted composer, Tom Pierson (piano). This recording of "Olathe" is highlighted by the mellow sounds of alto flute and brilliant flugel horn solo work of Buddy Rich band alumnus, Ross Konikoff. Named for Richie's mid-western USA hometown - The City of Olathe, Kansas.
Authentic Latin Jazz Salsa composition by Richie Pratt, masterfully arranged & orchestrated by the legendary Chico O'Farrill - who puts Richie and the ensemble through a series of Latin-based grooves. Oye mi canto!
When Kansas City area native, Richie Pratt embarked upon a career as a professional musician on the New York scene in the early 1970s, it was as much due to unanticipated intervention as anything else.
Pratt was born to a musical family and raised at Olathe, Kansas. He studied music and attended various music camps during his formative years as a youth. Eventually growing to become a rather large and muscular man, he attended the University of Kansas under a full four-year scholarship to play varsity football.
During his football career at KU, Pratt was a starting Tackle (KU All-Time Letterman, 1963-65) on the Jayhawk football team (blocking for NFL Hall of Fame running back, Gayle Sayers)! However, Pratt never stopped playing music. He also performed as a percussionist in the jazz, wind and orchestra ensembles while attending KU.
Upon leaving college, he was initially drafted by the New York Giants professional football team. In 1970, Pratt suffered a career ending knee injury prior to the start of his second season with the Giants and left football for good.
New York Scene
His professional tenure as a musician in New York actually began while he was employed as a Host at the famed Village Gate. Richie began sitting in with Jaki Byard and word began to spread about the big guy from the Midwest who played drums. The legendary bassist, Major Holley eventually invited Pratt to jam on Sundays at Jacques; which resulted in Junior Mance hearing him play drums and offering him his first paid gig as a drummer in New York.
Initially described in the New York press as a "bubbling cauldron of musical vitality," Pratt has added musical diversity to his cauldron by performing with the American Symphony, the Joffrey Ballet, Alvin Ailey; in the Broadway hits: Ain't Suppose to Die; Dude; Raisin; and notably, Pratt was the drum soloist in Broadway's smashing tribute to Duke Ellington - Sophisticated Ladies! [see videos below]
In the traditional Jazz arena, Pratt spent over three years as a member of the New York Jazz Quartet, which included Sir Roland Hanna, Frank Wess, and George Mraz. Pratt has also accompanied Billy Taylor, Milt Jackson, Milton Hinton, Frank Foster, Monte Alexander, Michel Legrand, Lionel Hampton, Benny Goodman, and Benny Carter among others.
The lightness and sensitivity of his drumming has enhanced such legendary vocalists as: Nancy Wilson, Aretha Franklin, Marlena Shaw, Barry White, Melba Moore, the Temptations, Della Reese, Johnny Hartman, Carol Sloane, and Johnny Desmond as well.
Rolando Sanchez SAYS: If you never experienced "SALSA" YOU must come to "SALSA UNDER THE STARS" Sept. 19th 8-pm Aloha Tower-Live SALSA MUSIC-DANCE SHOW and MORE! only $15 cover
TONIGHT!! Saturday September 19th 2009 RSC Music Hawaii & Hawaii International Latin-Salsa Music Festival proudly present: SALSA UNDER THE STARS! The Waterfront @ Aloha tower Marketplace Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month In Style! Performing Live Hawaii's Premiere International Recording artist: "Rolando Sanchez & Salsa Hawaii" Non-stop-Salsa Dancing! Salsa DJ! Hot Salsa Dance show "Greg Da SalsaMan & Jo Jo Ocampo" "Las Sexy Salseras" Doors will open at 7:30 - Party Starts 8 pm Tickets will be available at the door only! $15 per Person-21 Id. RSC Music Hawaii 342-0911 http://www.myspace.com/rolandosanchezandsalsahawaiiband
Dear Friends, this is just a quick note to let you know that this is the last chance to get a physical copy of my first album "Pretty Boys and Ugly Girls". I'm going to release my new album this fall (subscribe to my blog if you want to be informed!) and the first one will then be only available as a download version. So if you prefer a proper CD - like I do! - a record you can really hold in your hands, with all the artwork and stuff - this is your chance! :-) Grab your hard copy of "Pretty Boys and Ugly Girls" now on CD Baby while stocks last! buy/download "Pretty Boys and Ugly Girls @ cdbaby.com! http://cdbaby.com/cd/agnesmilewski Wishing you all the best, Agnes www.agnesmilewski.com
Dear Friends, this is just a quick note to let you know that this is the last chance to get a physical copy of my first album "Pretty Boys and Ugly Girls". I'm going to release my new album this fall (subscribe to my blog if you want to be informed!) and the first one will then be only available as a download version. So if you prefer a proper CD - like I do! - a record you can really hold in your hands, with all the artwork and stuff - this is your chance! :-) Grab your hard copy of "Pretty Boys and Ugly Girls" now on CD Baby while stocks last! http://cdbaby.com/cd/agnesmilewski Wishing you all the best, Agnes www.agnesmilewski.com (--> sign the guestbook ;-))
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