Richard Carr

Biography

Richard Carr is an American pianist, composer, and improviser, born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri in the early 1960s. He began piano lessons at age six, developing a strong foundation in classical music before branching into improvisation by age eleven. Throughout his youth and college years, Carr explored a variety of instruments, including French horn, euphonium, trumpet, and mallet percussion, but ultimately focused on piano, pipe organ, and synthesizers as his primary instruments.

Carr's career took a pivotal turn in 1995 when he moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, initially for a university job, but soon transitioned to being a full-time musician. He became a prominent figure in the New Orleans music scene, not only as a performer and composer but also as a community organizer, hosting 'The Original Music Series' to showcase local talent and support musicians' health initiatives. His musical style is characterized by a blend of classical influences, jazz improvisation, and contemporary minimalism, drawing inspiration from artists such as Keith Jarrett, George Winston, John Adams, Steve Reich, and groups like Tangerine Dream. Carr's works, including albums like 'Fogland' and 'When Soul and Heart Collide,' are noted for their emotional depth and innovative harmonic language, earning him a dedicated following among fans of solo piano and new age music.

Fun Facts

• Richard Carr is 6'6" tall, making him a notably tall figure in the music world.
• He played French horn, euphonium, trumpet, and mallet percussion in college, but now focuses on piano, pipe organ, and synthesizers.
• Carr's album 'Fogland' is his best-selling work, followed closely by 'When Soul and Heart Collide.'
• He once worked as a university recreation director before becoming a full-time musician in New Orleans.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Keith Jarrett - Major stylistic influence, especially in improvisational approach (General influence, not direct collaboration) [1970s–present (influence)]
• George Winston - Inspirational figure in solo piano and new age genres (General influence, not direct collaboration) [1980s–present (influence)]

Key Collaborators

• The Blooz Brothers Band - Performed as 'Elwood Blooz' for two years in college (Live performances, ensemble work) [College years (early 1980s)]
• Various New Orleans singer/songwriters - Host and organizer of 'The Original Music Series', collaborating with local artists (Live showcases, benefit concerts) [1996–2004+]

Artists Influenced

• Local New Orleans musicians - Provided performance and networking opportunities through 'The Original Music Series' (Annual showcases, weekly series) [1996–2004+]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Cadillac (Homegrown)
2. The Leap: III. Probing the Depths (Richard Carr: The Leap)
3. The Leap: II. Confluence (Richard Carr: The Leap)
4. The Traveler
5. The Leap: IV. Acceleration to the Precipice (Richard Carr: The Leap)
6. The Leap: V. Mid-Air Regrets (Richard Carr: The Leap)
7. Sun Ritual (August Dreams)
8. The Leap: I. Gathering Light (Richard Carr: The Leap)
9. On the Shoulders of Giants (August Dreams)
10. Satellite (August Dreams)

External Links

• Spotify