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.

Grant Richards - piano, keyboards, compositions*

Damian Erskine - electric bass

Reinhardt Melz - drums, percussion

Carmelo Torres - congas, percussion

Sacha Müller - engineer, mixing

Dana White & Specialized Mastering - mastering

Jamie Breiwick & B-Side Graphics - album art

Reed Ricker - photography

released September 24, 2021

recorded January 9-11, 2021 at Dead Aunt Thelma’s in Portland, OR

* Bye-Ya written by Thelonious Monk and arranged by Reinhardt Melz; Secret Love written by Sammy Fain & Paul Francis Webster and arranged by Grant Richards

“[Ballyhoo] morphs into a lively cooker as it unfolds… dipping into blues and boogaloo territory… a seamless synergy.” JAZZIZ Magazine

“A totally tasty set that's as welcome as the summer breezes it feels like… easily comparable with any of the great records of the genre.” Midwest Record Review

“The kinetic energy is high… the team is fun and frisky… a festive occasion.” Jazz Weekly Review

“Pleasing to the ear… propelled by creative, percussive inspiration.” Musical Memoirs

“[An] Afro-Cuban listen that’s never short on imagination or diversity… [Ballyhoo] makes an indelible impression.” Take Effect

“Richards explores new sonic and harmonic territories… [in] a festive, lively, playful atmosphere… In short, the album is full of vitality and rhythm and brings that much-needed hope.” La Habatación del Jazz