Rick Carlson taught himself to play the piano by studying the vast works of Count Basie and Duke Ellington and absorbing their technique. He has also perfected the art of "circular drinking", whereby he can sip martinis uninterrupted while still playing a
cohesive piano solo.
He has been the pianist for the Wolverines Classic Jazz Orchestra since 1980, appearing on their recordings Voracious: Live at the Times (2007), Moonlight Serenade (1988), In The Mood (1987), and Shanghai Shuffle (1986). He is also a member of Doug Haining's Twin Cities Seven, and appears on their recording I Swing, Therefore I Am (2000). He can also be heard on tenor saxophonist Merle Knudson's CD Tenor Eleven (2006), and trumpeter Mark Sutton's CD Here's That Boy With The Bugle (1996).
He is a sought-after accompanist by singers and is featured on the following recordings: Swing On! (2009), Love's Refrain (2007), Martinis and Cleavage (2007), Nichola Miller: Live at the Dakota (2006), Let's Not Be Sensible! (2005), Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams (2001), Hot! (2001), Destination Moon (1998), Sink Or Swing (1996), Your Eyes (1994), and Miss Brown To You! (1981).
Rick has served as pianist and musical director for various local concert series, including those for the Twin Cities Jazz Society's "J To Z" series, the Capri Theater's "Legends" series, and for special presentations at the Heights Theatre. Past concerts include: "Reel Jazz", "Let's Start The New Year Right--With Irving Berlin", "The Merriest". "What Judy Means To Jazz", "The DeSylva, Brown and Henderson Songbook", "Beyond Category: The Ellington and Strayhorn Songbook", "Best Keepers of the Basie Flame", "My Shining Hour: The Music of Harold Arlen", "BingSongs!", and "Ring-A-Ding-Ding: The Songs of Cahn & Van Heusen".
He has opened for Rosemary Clooney, accompanied Kathryn Crosby in various cabaret shows, has performed with members of the Basie band, and counts Madeleine Peyroux among his many fans.
I made this myspace background at
I thought it was entirely possible that the world was about to come to it's end when I saw the first "Rick Carlson for Judge" sign, now they're everywhere.
Rickels I love your best top friend is it getting dark in here? I LOVE YOU (and your old lady) hey sorry the boat is giving you a wee bit of the troubles she'll be raring to go soon BELIIIIEEEVVEEEEE nub cokels
I want to thank you for setting up the "Victim's fund" at the Times last Wednesday. Me and the other victims never thought we'd be the recipients of the type of fund we would ordinarily contribute to.
I thought you'd never leave you whore! Had a blast as usual seeing you kids I won't be making it down tonight my shit is still to tired to be out but soon luhve You an dyour ol lady ROCK Mauds gifts were brillant I laugh every time I read that magnet Curry to all and to all a good night Merow COCO
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