In the “before time,” Dick set off on the road in various groups in the Northeast, playing the club circuits, festivals and small concert venues. He eventually toured throughout the U.S., going coast to coast, his now well-worn Strat alongside him. "I got to see more of America than some folks get to see. And I got paid while doing it. How cool was that! I'd like to do the same in Europe... and maybe a few other places too!"
Though fluent in many styles, Dick found that Jazz was a new frontier that demanded exploration. After several conversations with several CT. Jazz artists, he was asked to sub on a date. Dick hit the woodshed hard preparing for the gig, after which he was hooked. While still playing club dates in New England, he also performed regularly with the Farewell Brown Quartet. The band had a residency which enabled Dick to play and learn more about Jazz.
Currently, Dick is the music director for Artreach, Inc., a non-profit in southeast CT. that supports adults with mental health diagnoses through the arts. He also performs at Cafe 9 in New Haven taking part in their Saturday Jazz series.
"I went down to Cafe 9 to sit in with some old friends. They invited me back the next month...and the next month...and… years later I'm still there. The other musicians keep me on my toes and the music is always challenging." The house band is known for an eclectic mix of jazz standards and a hefty dose of contemporary jazz like The Crusaders, Stanley Clarke, Weather Report to name a few.
Dick has used the last five years to re-emerge on the music scene, his sights set on performing here and abroad. "I love to travel and I love to play so why not try to do both!"
For Booking and Information, contact Dick at:
rppape@gmail.com