Finding Harmony: A Deep Dive into Jazz and Inspiration with Rick DellaRatta?

Finding Harmony: A Deep Dive into Jazz and Inspiration with Rick DellaRatta ## Interview with Rick DellaRatta: A Journey Through Jazz and Beyond In the latest episode of "Wheel with It," hosted by Devon, we are joined by the incredibly talented musician and guest, Rick DellaRatta. Known for his musical prowess and compassionate endeavors, Rick dives deep into his life, career, and the driving forces behind his podcast, "Jazz for Peace." ### A Warm Welcome The episode kicks off with Devon introducing Rick DellaRatta, praising him as an extraordinary musician and a wonderful human being. Devon also highly recommends Rick's podcast, "Jazz for Peace," which you can find links to in the show notes. ### Rick DellaRatta's Musical Journey Rick opens up about his journey, from his early passion for music sparked by a piano gifted to him by Santa Claus, to his first performances at school dances, adult parties, and eventually church. His career trajectory took him through various stages, from being a paper boy to taking over his mother's role as a church organist, and finally, joining college jazz ensembles. ### The Genesis of Jazz for Peace Rick's story took a significant turn during the events of 9/11, which he witnessed from his rooftop. This life-altering experience inspired him to write a poem titled "Jazz for Peace," a precursor to his current mission. Today, Rick uses his music to support and raise funds for various noble causes, from autism to veterans and environmental initiatives. ### Engaging Moments with Rick The interview delves into several interesting topics: - Rick's Method of Introducing Jazz: Rick shares his technique of getting people, even those unfamiliar or uninterested in jazz, to appreciate it by starting with a song they love and transitioning into jazz. - Jazz for Peace in Action: Rick explains how his initiative helps organizations gain publicity, sponsors, and funds through his performances, thereby enabling them to carry out their good work more effectively. ### Memorable Performances and Influences Rick discusses his favorite jazz musicians and influential figures like Oscar Peterson and Thelonious Monk, describing the lively debates with his neighbor about which pianist had a greater impact. He emphasizes the importance of improvisation, a skill he honed secretly as a child before anyone discovered his talent. ### A Personal Touch A moving moment in the episode occurs when Rick performs "September in the Rain," dedicating it to Devon's mother, who is a jazz fan. The live performance leaves a lasting impression on Devon, swaying him to appreciate jazz even more. ### Where to Follow Rick DellaRatta For those who want to keep up with Rick's activities and music: - Website: [Jazz for Peace](http://jazzforpeace.org) - Email: info@jazzforpeace.org - Rick DellaRatta: [RickDellaRatta.com](http://rickdellaratta.com) ### Closing Notes Devon wraps up the episode, expressing his gratitude for the meaningful conversation with Rick and encouraging listeners to subscribe to the show on various platforms, including YouTube and Spotify. ### Subscribe to "Wheel with It" Be sure to subscribe to the "Wheel with It" podcast and hit the bell to get notified about new episodes. Your support helps the show grow and continue bringing inspiring conversations like this one with Rick DellaRatta. --- By summarizing this insightful episode, we hope to give you a snippet of the enriching discussion between Devon and Rick DellaRatta. Tune in to the full episode for an in-depth look at Rick's incredible journey through music and his heartfelt mission to use jazz as a force for good.