"For if every one of our affections displeases heaven, to what purpose would God have created the world"
Michelangelo 1546.
Musically, Rick Pontalion's purpose for pleasing this world comes from his lineage dating to the late 1800's. His ancestors enjoyed playing music and supplemented their income as a family band performing everywhere they could. When he needs a connection to his musical roots, all he has to do is put on a recording (originally on 1/4 inch two track tape, converted to digital) of one of his fondest memories cherished to this day; a live recording of his grandmother, uncles, and mother (10 years old at the time) performing "The Old Rugged Cross" in 1954 at a family gathering.
Coming from a strong musical background, it didn't take long for Rick to begin his journey into music. At 10 years of age he started playing the piano. He didn’t stop there however; as he went on to learn the clarinet, saxophone, guitar, bass and even the flute, which he continued throughout his teens and into college at the University of Missouri's Conservatory of Music.
At twenty one, Rick chose the piano, out of his grab bag of musical instruments, and focused his pursuits on the local music scene in and around the Kansas City area. His talent for not one, but a variety of musical styles, landed him a very lucrative career playing keyboards for numerous groups. He explored his rock and roll side with a group called Tungsten, jazz with In Visible Images, and the blues with Dip Jimmy and the Truth Lubes. But it was a pop/rock band called Bid Richard where he found the most success. Performing at South by Southwest in Austin, TX, and a showcase at the infamous Whiskey a Go-Go in Los Angeles, CA, Rick and Big Richard found themselves playing everything from local clubs to 20,000 seat outdoor amphitheatres; even opening for mainstream acts like Joan Jett, Black Oak Arkansas, Shooting Star, Enuf Z'Nuf, and Foreigner. However after 5 years, the struggle of being on the road and chasing that elusive record deal had put too much strain on the band. Presented with an opportunity to relocate to Denver, Colorado in 1994, Rick headed West and hasn't looked back.
The majestic, rugged backdrop of the Colorado Rockies inspired Rick to take advantage of his diverse musical tastes. Ranging from Bach to Bonnie Raitt, Rick focused on a different musical direction that included songwriting to scoring music for film projects. His knack for theme-oriented instrumental compositions has captured film producer's attention and praise.
His songwriting offers up a more simplified, stripped down version of music than that of his film scores. Taking notes from his songwriting heroes like Willie Nelson, Bernie Taupin/Elton John, Joni Mitchell, and the late John Lennon (the lyrics to 'Imagine' which are immortalized in a tattoo), Rick makes the connection many songwriters strive to achieve; the one between an artist and his audience. With lyrical versions of life’s experiences, delivered with a rich, smooth baritone, Rick's songs are sure to be a crowd favorite with broad, lasting appeal.
When not working on movie scores or penning songs for his next record, Rick enjoys spending time up in the high country with friends and looks for any excuse to get out of the city, breathe some fresh air while riding the hills and back roads of the Colorado countryside on his Harley Davidson. "There is no better way to unwind, clear your head, and relax than twisting your way through some of the most scenic byways in the country on a Harley!"
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