BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION ON RICK HELZER
Jazz Pianist, Composer and Educator
Updated 7/3/06
Rick Helzer is the Associate Director of Jazz Studies at San Diego State University where he coordinates the undergraduate and graduate jazz theory program [+]BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION ON RICK HELZER
Jazz Pianist, Composer and Educator
Updated 7/3/06
Rick Helzer is the Associate Director of Jazz Studies at San Diego State University where he coordinates the undergraduate and graduate jazz theory programs and combos.
Rick has performed extensively over the last twenty-five years in a number of jazz groups. Notably he performed with the trio Big World, touring Germany and the Pacific Northwest, and recording "Devotion" (Cexton Records) and "Angels" (9 Winds Records). Both albums received critical acclaim in Jazz Times, Cadence, Coda, Saxophone Journal and numerous other publications. Jazz Times reviewer Doug Ramsey said of "Devotion," "This is one of the most stimulating debut records in years." In Saxophone Journal reviewer Tim Price said of "Angels," "Their artistic greatness is the likes of which you need to hear. This is essential music played by a world class ensemble." He is also featured as a soloist, composer and arranger on sixteen other albums, many of which have been reviewed in the above publications.
His most recent recordings include "Face in the Mirror," a CD of his compositions featuring flutist James Newton and saxophonist Kim Richmond and "Fancy Meeting You Here," an album of duets with woodwind artist and composer, Vinny Golia. Both were released in November of 2004 on the 9Winds label. In the May 2005 issue of All About Jazz, reviewer James Taylor said of "Face in the Mirror," “For an introduction to an incredible yet unknown artist it is a must.” In the summer 2005 edition of Signal to Noise, reviewer Larry Nai said of Rick Helzer, “Helzer’s luxurious pianisms and quick thinking make him a great duo partner for (Vinny) Golia…”
Rick is a prolific composer who has written nearly three hundred compositions, many of which have been published via recordings and print media. He has written a number of commissioned works as well. In 1996 he wrote Spherical Connotations (Variations on Themes of Thelonious Monk). The piece was performed during a South American tour in April under the auspices of the United States Information Agency and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 1997 Artistic Ambassador Program, and received many favorable reviews. More recent commissions incl
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