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 For
percussionist, Kevin Ricard, versatility and musicality are the most
important things he brings to each recording or performance. Whether
it’s the Brazilian groove of Sergio Mendes, the timeless music
of Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie, or playing with legends like Steve
Winwood, Kenny Loggins, and the late, great Celia
Cruz, Kevin shows
he can move smoothly between diverse styles and why he’s in constant
demand. "I love the challenge and the excitement of switching
gears between different musical situations." He brings a sense
of groove to Rock, Jazz, Pop, and R&B styles, and adds authenticity
to Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian styles.
Growing up in Santa Monica, California Kevin listened to a variety
of music. He lists his main percussion influences as Mongo Santamaria,
Airto, Patato, Johnny “Dandy” Rodriguez, Nana Vasconcelos,
Tito Puente and Don Alias.
His musical influences include Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire,
Tipica 73, James Brown, Milton Nascimento, Muddy Waters and just about
anything from the New Orleans lexicon.
His long list of recording credits includes Joe Zawinul, B.B. King,
Natalie Cole, Wayne Shorter, Marc Anthony, Kenny Loggins, Juan Gabriel,
Queen Latifah, Enrique Iglesias, Jill Scott, Take 6 and numerous others.
Kevin has also performed on a number of movie scores including The
Hangover, The Pink Panther 1 & 2, The Great Debaters, Traitor,
Speed, The Adams Family Values, A Bugs Life, Woman On Top, and many
more.
Kevin is perhaps best known because of his constant presence on TV.
He’s been the percussionist on American Idol since season 2,
both on camera and in the studio. He was in the orchestra on Dancing
With The Stars for the first 3 seasons. He’s also in the house
band for Don’t Forget the Lyrics, and did two seasons of America’s
Got Talent. You’ve heard him playing on many network and cable
series such as King of Queens, Soul Food, and many more. He appears
on many annual shows such as The Grammy Awards, The Image Awards, The
TV Land Awards, An Evening of Stars, A Home for the Holidays, & VH-1
Divas.
In addition to all this, Kevin co-leads Sambaguru, an original World
Brazilian band fronted by vocalist Kátia Moraes. They have released
4 CDs, the latest being “Tribo” which Kevin co-produced. “It’s
the most fun I get to have playing music”, says Kevin about performing
with the band. You can hear why at www.sambaguru.com
LP instruments provide Kevin with the different colors and sounds
he needs. "I’ve been blessed with quality, and consistent
work for a very long time and I depend on the quality instruments that
Latin Percussion provides to do what I do. They have variety and durability
that no other company can provide. Whether I’m out on the road,
performing live on TV or in the studio, I know my LP gear is going
to be there for me. LP is always coming up with great new products
and improving their instruments."
Kevin Ricard worked with LP's
design team and master cajon craftsman
Mario Cortes to develop the LP
Kevin Ricard Cajon, which includes many
innovative features and is manufactured in Spain.
Equipment list: LP
Galaxy Congas and
Bongos,
LP
Tito Puente Timbales, LP
bata drums, LP
djembe, LP
Gajate Bracket, LP
cowbells, LP
tambourines, LP
shakers and assorted LP
hand percussion
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