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 smooth Latin jazz of Herb Albert, or rockin' with legends like Steve Winwood and Kenny Loggins, Kevin shows he can move smoothly between diverse styles. "I love the challenge and the excitement of switching gears between different musical situations." He brings a sense of groove to the Rock, Jazz, Pop and R & B sounds, and adds authenticity to the Afro-Carribean and Brazilian styles.
Growing up in Santa Monica, California he listened to a variety of music. He lists his main influences as Mongo Santamaria, Airto, Patato, Nana Vasconcelos, Tito Puente and Don Alias.
Ricard's long list of international recording credits include Joe Zawinul, B.B. King, Wayne Shorter, Joshua Kadison, Everetee Harp, Kleber Jorge, Alec Millstein, Rob Mullins, Venice, Gloria Loring, the Brazilian group Katia Moraes and SambaGuru, the hip hop vocal group from England Michie One and Louchi Lou, the West African Guitarist Moudi Kabalou, Taiwan's rock vocalist Pan Cloud and Cuba's legendary Rock group, Sintesis. Ricard has also performed on numerous movie soundtracks including Speed, Addams Family Values, A Bug's Life and My Favorite Martian.
Live performance and jingles also play a big part in Kevin's work. Listen carefully to Wendy's, Intel's and JC Penney's jingles, you may be able to hear Kevin's drumming. Recent live performance credits include Tito Puente, Tito Nieves, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Celia Cruz, and Arturo Sandova.
LP instruments provide Ricard with the different colors and sounds he needs. "LP has the quality, consistency and variety that no other company can provide. Whether I'm out on the road or in the studio, I know my LP gear is going to be there for me. LP is always coming up with new products and improving their instruments."
