Grant Richards - Ballyhoo (2021)

Pianist Grant Richards and his steadfast trio of bassist Damian Erskine and drummer Reinhardt Melz are veteran collaborators and musical co-conspirators with over a decade of creative history shared amongst them. Now, Richards - a pianist deeply immersed in bebop and the blues - leads his music in a bold and emergent new direction with Ballyhoo, an Afro-Cuban celebration brought to life by his ensemble and special guest, percussionist Carmelo Torres.

Richards has always found himself drawn to the grooves and soundscapes of Afro-Cuban music. Growing up, the music of Eddie Palmieri and Danilo Perez was regularly on repeat. With these sounds, rhythms, and the associated energy thereof firmly entrenched in his mind, Richards set out upon the task he'd always longed to do, and began writing an album of original and authentic Afro-Cuban music.

In its essence, Ballyhoo is a joyful and deeply thoughtful celebration of a previously unspoken dream, finally realized in a tangible elation of musicianship, culture, and unbridled wonder. With Ballyhoo, Richards and his ensemble bring the untouchable feeling of collective mirth that comes with true groove, and above all, paint a hopeful outlook to move forward that stands in vibrant, refreshing contrast to the penumbra cast by the previous year.