Rich DeRosa
Rich DeRosa is primarily a composer, arranger, and conductor these days. But he still loves to perform on his primary instrument – the drum set – whenever an opportunity presents itself. As a drummer, he has performed, toured, and recorded with Gerry Mulligan, Bob Brookmeyer, Susannah McCorkle, Jackie Cain & Roy Kral, Chuck Wayne, and Marian McPartland. Other employers have included Chris Connor, Gene Bertoncini, Warren Vaché, and Larry Elgart.
Rich DeRosa and Friends – Old and New
Rich DeRosa and Dean Johnson have been friends and rhythm section mates for Gerry Mulligan, Jackie & Roy, and on various gigs in the NYC area since 1980. With Rich’s move to Texas in 2010, they rarely get the chance to perform together these days. Tonight’s performance at the Jazz Loft gives them an opportunity to rekindle their intrinsic musical relationship.
Rich first met Steve Salerno at the Loft two years ago. Warren Vaché was the featured artist performing Rich’s big band arrangements written especially for Warren. Steve was the guitarist in the band. Rich was so impressed with Steve’s great musicianship that he welcomed the opportunity to perform as a drummer with Steve in a more open and creative setting. This will be their first time performing together.