User:Rickflanagan

RICK FLANAGAN BIOGRAPHY
Rick Flanagan is a sax player well known throughout Ontario, Canada, who has relocated to Memphis, Tennessee. Over the last 30 years he has played in popular bands that have toured both Canada and the USA. Additionally, he has toured Bosnia and Croatia, performing for Canadian peacekeepers and in 2006 he performed in Italy with a collection of fine Memphis musicians including Wayne Jackson of the Memphis Horns.

Rick is currently playing with Malaco recording artist, soul singer Marvin Sease.

Although most of his work has been in Pop and R’n’B, some of his best work has been in the Blues, particularly with Blue Monday, a popular blues band in Eastern Ontario with 2 CDs to their credit. Rick was the executive producer of both CDs. Whether playing Tenor or Alto, or both simultaneously, Rick’s no nonsense approach to soloing delivers what the audiences want to hear.

Rick's most recent CD, "Memphis Nights", is available on CD Baby.com. 

Quotes About Rick
"I was pleased to play with a Canadian sax player with so much soul." 2006 Wayne Jackson, The Memphis Horns.

“This is a guy who knows his way around the instrument and can hold his own with the best of them.” Dan Aykroyd 1996

“You can call me anytime to play on your CD son. I like the way you play the horn.” Bryan Lee 2003

“You’re a very talented player.” 2002 Otis Grand, UK Blues Guitarist of the Year (1990 – 1996); Nominee for the prestigious W.C. Handy Blues Award

“I’ve seen dozens of cats try it but you’re the first player I’ve seen who can actually play 2 saxes at once and make it work. Very musical indeed!” 2001 Sax Gordon Beadle, Rounder Recording Artist, Duke Robillard’s sax player, Roomfull of Blues Horn Section, and Colin James.

“When I first heard you I thought you were Sax Gordon Beadle. When I saw it was you and not him I was shocked and I had to meet you. Who are you and why are you in this small town? This guy kicked my ass!” John Hammond 1999

“Anytime you’re around, you can sit in with me.” 1998 The Late Hock Walsh, Downchild Blues Band, the inspiration for the movie, “The Blues Brothers”.

PEOPLE RICK HAS PLAYED WITH, RECORDED WITH OR SAT-IN WITH:
T.G. Sheppard: Country Artist. Over 18 Number 1 hits. Wayne Jackson and The Memphis Horns: Wayne and The Memphis Horns have played and/or recorded with Aretha Franklin, Sting, Tanya Tucker, Elvis Presley, U2, Peter Gabriel, Willie Nelson, Billy Joel, Otis Redding, Stephen Stills, Rod Stewart, The Doobie Brothers, Marty Robbins, Joe Cocker, Jimmy Buffett and Robert Cray, just to name a few. Wayne appears on over 300 gold and platinum records, over a dozen Grammy Awards and an Academy Award.

Dan Aykroyd: Singer, harmonica. Academy Award nominee. Producer/actor/founder of the band and movie titled, “The Blues Brothers”.

Jeff Healey: guitarist. Grammy nominee, performed in the movie “Roadhouse”, international recording star.

Otis Grand: guitarist. UK Blues Guitarist of the Year (1990 – 96) Nominee to the prestigious W.C. Handy Blues Award

Bobby Purify: International recording artist. Ila Vann: singer Rick Flanagan was musical director for Ila’s band. She has worked with Ray Charles, Louis Armstrong, Johnny Mathis, Barry Manilow, Perry Como, Sam Cooke, Mahalia Jackson, the Staple Singers, & King Curtis.

Hock Walsh: Singer/founder of Downchild Blues Band and the inspiration for the movie, “The Blues Brothers.”

Bryan Lee: guitarist. Just In Tyme recording artist. The Braille Blues Daddy, a longtime staple of New Orleans’ famed Bourbon Street club circuit.

Jack de Keyzer: guitarist. Winner of Canada’s Juno Musical Award for Best Blues Album, 2003.

Gene Taylor: keyboardist for The Fabulous Thunderbirds.

Aynsley Dunbar: drummer. Played with John Mayall, Paul Butterfield, Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart, Ron Wood, Donovan, Champion Jack Dupree, Frank Zappa, John Lennon, David Bowie, Lou Reed, Jack Bruce, Steve Winwood, Tony Levin, Journey, Sammy Hagar, Jefferson Starship, Whitesnake, John Lee Hooker, Alvin Lee, Eric Burdon, Spencer Davis.

Deacon Jones: Organ. Played with Curtis Mayfield, Freddie King, John Lee Hooker, Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker, Carlos Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Elvin Bishop, Eddy Money, Dr. John, Gregg Allman.

Pat Rush: Guitarist. Played with Johnny Winter, Michael Bolton and Jeff Healey.

PEOPLE RICK HAS OPENED FOR:
The Doobie Brothers: International recording artists.

Irma Thomas: Grammy Award winner.

John Hammond: Grammy Award winner.

Tracy Nelson: singer. Grammy Award nominee.

Colin James: Guitarist. Canadian Juno Award winner.

RECORDINGS RICK HAS PERFORMED ON:
Memphis Nights by Rick Flanagan

Soul Survivors by Soul Survivors

Blue Monday Live by Blue Monday

Blue Monday by Blue Monday

Hurry Home by Michael George

Transparent by Jeanine Noyes

Dedicated To You! By Sam Hopkins & the Knights

Titanic by David Archibald

The Key by Beverley Hitchins

Also, various radio commercials.