» Rick Whitehead Jazz Trio

A breath-taking concert took place Friday evening, September 16, 2011, at the Montpelier Cultural Center in Laurel, MD. Rick, John and Barry joined forces with noted woodwind artist, Chris Vadala. The energy was electric. Notes, riffs and rolls were flying all over the room. The venue is intimate, holding approximately 75. Every seat was taken by a most appreciative audience. Adjoining the concert room is an art gallery for attendees viewing pleasure. Refreshments were served during intermission. This is an excellent venue with jazz performances every Friday night at 8 p.m. Check the calendar for future dates for this combination of extraordinary musicians.

 Rick’s composition “Wherever It Takes You,” was recently released by Dave Wright on his latest CD “Power Sharing.” This CD features many of the musicians who are part of “The Wright Touch Band.” The tune is a lilting samba with a woodwind quintet prelude and postlude composed by Chris Battistone. Dyane Wright is featured on bassoon in a duet with the guitar.

The May issue of Just Jazz Guitar featured a full-length article of an interview by Bart Stringham with Rick. It contains stories of Rick’s beginnings as a musician in Florida; a few lines about his time with the Airmen of Note, how he teaches guitar, and a bit about his guitar and amp.  If you’re interested in obtaining a copy of this article, contact:

The Airmen of Note held their 60th Anniversary celebrations in September 2010. Rick was a featured soloist with the band at their concert held in Lisner Auditorium in Washington, DC. A two-hour jam session was held at Bolling Air Force Base the following day. It was a time of reminiscing and performing with former bandmates and with the current members of the band. Judging by the expressions on everyones faces - a great time was had by all!!

In the fall of 2009 Rick received a call from the National Symphony to join them at the White House for a concert during a dinner for he Prime Minister of India. Rick had the pleasure of accompanying Jennifer Hudson and Kurt Elling. Marvin Hamlisch was the guest conductor for the evening.

The Trio won the 2007 Washington Area Music Award (Wammie) as Best Jazz Group!!  This world-class power trio has been together 14 years which is quite evident by their solid and cohesive sound. It is awesome to be recognized by ones colleagues as the best.  Many thanks to WAMA.

Jazz guitarist Rick Whitehead received the Washington Area Musician’s Association award as Best Jazz Instrumentalist on Sunday, February 18 at the WAMA Award ceremony. Rick’s talent, commitment and dedication to the guitar and to jazz was recognized by his colleagues as their votes lead to his receiving the award. Keep Groovin’ !!

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