Part 4/14:
Rick’s initial foray into music was on the cello, but he soon transitioned to bass and then guitar, motivated by encouragement from his orchestra teacher who saw his potential. During his formative years, he immersed himself in practicing and learning jazz standards, such as Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 and Charlie Parker’s “Donna Lee,” often learning by ear and memorization. His natural musical aptitude allowed him to read music fluently, providing a strong foundation for his future pursuits.