Jeff Richman

Website: jeffrichman.net

The Godfather-of-Fusion with a Supergroup lineup. Fusion at it’s best.

JazzrockTV

Press Release:
Fresh is the best one-word summation of XYZ. Richman’s eighteenth record as a leader, and first since 2016’s dynamic Sizzle, keenly addresses the old adage that “good things come to those who wait.” Richman’s ensemble is anchored by rhythm section giants Vinnie Colaiuta and Jimmy Haslip, as well as by keyboardists George Whitty, Scott Kinsey, Mitchel Forman, Otmaro Ruiz and trumpet soloist Jeff Beal. Nine original songs, led by Richmans’ compositional imagination, are propelled by the dynamics of the band’s improvisational skills. While Richman’s well established signature sound is gracefully in place, XYZ expands the directional scope, and pops with a modern-day swagger.

Musician Jeff Richman has many significant feathers in his cap. As he is among the world’s preeminent fusion guitarists, it is befitting that these accomplishments gained him recognition as a vested disciple of Larry Coryell. In the late 1960’s, the man who became known as The Godfather of Fusion, couldn’t possibly have known his legacy. Much less that a select few gifted and inspired pioneers would continue to raise the bar and expand what has become the limitless boundaries of fusion. Richman’s vital and essential contributions to the genre are as well-documented as his glorious and masterful recordings and live performances.

After graduating from the prestigious Berklee School of Music in 1975, it soon became evident that Richman was to be a vast contributor to the advancement and evolution of fusion. He has held that prominent position at the table for nearly fifty years. Now, as an elder statesman, Richman continues to grow and pave the way with rich and dynamic new music. As a composer and certainly as a guitarist, a notable observation of Richman’s unique skill set is the depth of his articulation and his innate natural abilities to convey and communicate his stories.