For quite some time now many recording artists and producers have been trying to get that authentic roots sound of the 60s and 70s. In order to do so, many studios have brought back the old the old analog equipment to try and capture that "real artical", smooth yet hard-driving, fluid control and couple it with the spotless fidelity of today's digital technology.
In many ways these adjectives best describe the authenticity and quality of Rick- "Mr. Bluesy Vox"- Norris, (even without the equipment!). As a recording artist, Rick is a veteran of the national TV circuit and it's affiliates, with a career that started in his early childhood.
Like many of the greats, Rick grew up doing the club ciruit doing mostly Blues, R&B, Rock and Gospel. After decades of both living and singing the Blues, the velvet thunder of both ventricles really comes through. This bluesy, "rootsy" style combined with years in the songwriting market can really bring the house down.
Some of the highlights of Rick's career during these many years include some perty fun thangs! One example is an invitation to breakfast with President Ronald Reagan, after which Rick performed in the Indian Treaty Room in the White House compound.
Other examples include live or prerecorded appearances with such notables as: Amy Grant, Mark Farner- Grand Funk Railroad, Derrick St. Holmes- lead singer Ted Nugent, Ricky Scaggs, Natellie Cole, Jeanette Williams- the Emotions, Micheal Peterson, Hollis Gentry- Fatburger, Tramaine Hawkins, Rosey Grier, and many more artists, actors and actresses.
As a songwriter Rick has performed in the Nashville tradition of "In the Round" or generally with such song-writer greats as: Arlos Smith- Rascal Flatts and other's hits, K.C. Kelly- Many Artistists and hits, Micheal Peterson- Personal and other's hits, Dave Flarety- Denise Willams, and more.
Other highlights include numerous other engagements at the Nation's Capital as well, (e.g.)- The Western Media Caucus, where Rick performed for Senators, Congressmen, notable recording artistists, actors and actresses.
More recently, as mentioned, Rick toured with friend and cohort Rock Hall of Famer, Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad fame, along with front man Derrick St. Holmes of Ted Nugent fame. This tour featured songs from Rick's album / CD- "Mr. Bluesy Vox". At that time he was also featured on song discovery'as CD of the month.
Most recently, Rick was invited by country legend Lee Greenwood- (Author of such hits as: "Proud to be an American" (aka)- "God Bless the USA" and "You've got a good love comin'" and many more) to begin writing together at Lee's new home in the Nashville area.
In closing, Let it be known that Rick does'nt care much for the hype and name dropping you just read and sees it as an unfortunate necessity in the music / entertainment industry. Quoting Rick now, " I wish more people would judge talent by the actual talent a person has instead of allowing the industry and it's tricks and tools (both in the studio and in general), to make just about any one sound good, and thereby shape a person's opinion. In especially the last twenty five years, there have been quite a few "artists" that were completely the product of this marketing ploy. In my opinion, the magintude of the success of some of these "prefabricated" acts is an insult to those who really do have the gift and have worked so hard mastering their craft and paying their dues both on the road and in the music industry in general. The old cliche', "The proof is in the pudding" should be the principle for talent to be judged. Though theres' still work to be done, thank God for the internet beause it is continuing to break down the stangle-hold the monolithic lable based music industry had on the average listener"...
GEE, Rick, how do you really feel? +++DoxaVox Productions+++
ASCAP
