Rik was born in Sacramento California on December 27th 1951. At the age of 12 he had already formed "The Cortyard Assembly" and as their frontman toured the eastern U.S. that summer as the opening act for The McCoys (Hang On Sloopy) Cortyards single "Dancing With You" made it to # 4 on Clevelands AM list. Riks love for the classic crooners turned him to solo jazz. He is now starving happily.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
Fabian. At the Akron Rollercade in 1963. I took my Jr. High girlfriend Mary Ellen, and got to make-out with her. Ahhhh! Sweet Bliss.
What are you looking for from Fandalism?
A drummers girlfriend.
What gear do you use?
Kimball upright piano (thanks Zak) , Ovation Applause Deep Bowl AE35 Acoustic Six String, Fender FA-100 Limited Edition Dreadnought Acoustic six string, Johnson Songwriter Series II Dreadnought Acoustic Six String, Mendini 4/4 MV500 Violin, Hohner Blues Harp Harmonica's and numerous Fender, Gibson and other electric guitars.
Who was your biggest musical influence growing up?
My mother.
Are you in a band? Have you been in bands?
I'm pretty sure I was in bands, at least thats what people tell me. 1964 through 1990 is pretty much smoke and perfume now.
If you could jam with anyone, who would it be?
The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
What's the biggest audience you ever performed to? What's the smallest?
Opened for the Dave Clark Five in 1966 at the Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC for over 23,000. Smallest would be for a high school girl friends birthday party. About 25 people in her basement. The most memorable shows where the small club one nighters and there were many of them, especially the ones at the good old Temple Tavern in Akron. Always full and always CRAZY.
You're stuck on a desert island and only get to bring one album with you. What do you pick?
Overnight Sensation by Frank Zappa. I picked this album because its the greatest album ever recorded. If you disagree then you haven't heard it. I like it because I do. Oops! Lookie dat. I must have put the Beatles White Album in with the Zappa album by mistake. That happens with vinyl ya know. Oh well guess I'll have to listen to both. <);o)