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 also appears 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 has appeared on the following recordings: 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).
He has served as musical director for these Twin Cities Jazz Society concerts:"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 is also musical director for the "Legends" series at the Capri Theater in Minneapolis.
He has opened for Rosemary Clooney, accompanied Kathryn Crosby in various cabaret shows, and counts Madeleine Peyroux among his many fans.
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
Goddamnnnnit Rick.....If everyone one in this world played as well as you...well then....this world would be one swell place I tell ya....the bee's knees you might say...yes...the bee's knees. and beer's knees, i mean needs. Wha? Don't touch my wife..
Thanks so much for comin to the show...hope your ears are ok. I am gonna try and hit up the times next week, my favorite singer and all this month. love you, smooches.
K so where are you and the old lady hanging on this glorious weekend Let ol Colah know if we could all fry flesh and go this TOGETHER Love ya Colahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
K So Saturday made my month I love you two so much You make me feel whole I could dance my ass off And YES All dressed up wit a broken heart YES You I lUB Chanx fer the ride TOOO Pudding pop nub woo Cokey
Sugar Muffin I miss you kids I hope your well I'm reaching out to my folk to send you some love Whenever a young person passes I realize how short life is And how lucky I am to have such fantastic people as my friends I loves ya Rickster (Oh yeah and your ol lady ain't so bad neither nun) anywho Miss ya kid I'll try and drag my ass out soon NUB LUB COKEY
You continue to amaze me with your class and style. Someone asked me yesterday who is the coolest person I know. I instantly replied "Rick Carlson". Duh. I never expected that question, but always knew the answer. You are the best piano player I've ever heard, the best person I know (besides Lucy), and the best friend I've ever known. Let's get the boats on the creek soon, it's time for martinis once again... tr
Rickster
Hey poopy
So I'll be hanging with you cats Saturday night
cause I'll need it
If you want to get some awesome veggies and super fresh meats and cheeses
Come down to the Farmers Market(At the Guthrie) me and Tanner are playing 11-1
wuold love to see you guys there
(Support that shit it TASTES good )
you rule Money
Nub Cokey
What are you fucking kidding me!
Thanks for the great advice I've been working
(And woundring what the fuck to do?)
Time for a little learnings
YOur the best voice or no voice
that gig heals my heart
Why are you such a smart fellow
lovelovelove
You and your ol lady a THE team
COkey(ps will you tell that chick rto get her ass on here! FOO!)
Love ya kid Cokey
Now I can lube up to the Good Captain any old time on myspace...Love you in the most non-sexual way possible..I think..The tunes sound F***kin great my friend - I'll be seeing you soon!
