Catch the Wave CD - $15
I'll Remember April CD - $15
Tender elegance! Tender elegance is truly what this compilation of great songs and melodies are as selected and performed by my good friend and veteran musician Richard Eliot.
From a haunting melody by Beethoven to the soaring lines of Duke Ellington's SOPHISTICATED LADY, to the bittersweet melody of Johnny Mandel's SHADOW OF YOUR SMILE and two of Tin-Pan-Alley's most beautiful love songs, George and Ira Gershwin's EMBRACEABLE YOU and Jerome Kern's ALL THE THINGS YOU ARE, Mr. Eliot has assembled a collection of some of the worlds most loved melodies
As a great artist judiciously selects his subject and tools for his piece, Richard has done the same. He bares his soul through the music. The warmth and creativity of his heart shines throughout this wonderful array of great melodies and love songs.
His artistic approach is superb as well as fresh and clean. One needs only to listen to this disc to know and appreciate his love for the guitar, this music and his desire to share his passion with everyone whether you are lovers or just connoisseurs of lovely music. This is truly a "Feast For The Ears."
Listen enjoy, and dream tender and wonderful thoughts.
Nicholas J. Contorno, D.M.A.
Director of Bands & Orchestra Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Songs on CD:
Tenderly, All The Things You Are, Für Elise, Feel Like Makin' Love, The Entertainer, If I Should Lose You, Con Alma, Sophisticated Lady, Darn That Dream, Beseme
Night and Day CD - $15
"This disc is a tribute to my first influence Django Reinhardt. The melodies I've chosen include songs I get requests for most often, as well as those I am compelled to play during these troubled times.
Hushabye, is a tune I first heard the Stan Kenton Band play back in the early 1950's. It stayed locked in my memory all those years and has now resurfaced in these trying times when our world needs prayers for peace and love.
YOU ARE THE SUNSHINE OF MY LIFE, is for my loved ones… and those lifted by my music.
NAUGES (Clouds) was one of Django's many meaningful compositions, and Django is a tribute to the guitarist by the great John Lewis, and the MJQ.
SUNRISE SUNSET, and SCARLET RIBBONS are dedicated to my dear daughter, and granddaughters. When JOHNNY COMES MARCHING HOME, is dedicated to all fellow veterans, those listed as MIA's and young people fighting another kind of war. I pray that they all come home safe.
I hope that you will enjoy these favorites, and tributes I've included in this recording.
In closing, I would like to state that I don't play for critical acclaim. I play for the audience, and the sake of music, and most of all for God the Creator, who has given me a gift to lift people up with my music."
Richard Eliot
Songs on CD:
Autumn Leaves, You Are The Sunshine Of My Life, Georgia On My Mind, Paganini's 24th Caprice, Hushabye, Nauges, Django, You Are Too Beautiful, Sunrise Sunset, My Mother's Eyes
"Alumni of the Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, and the NORAD Bands, Dick Eliot speaks the universal language of jazz, with the candor, and integrity straight from his heart.
Music is the most delicate of the arts. It's in the air, and then vanishes.
Richard's innate musicality makes all of his performances powerful. He transcends with spiritual flow, and passion apparent in every note he plays… transforming the notes, and the equally important spaces. As Miles Davis said, "What you leave out is as meaningful as what you put in". With his unique perspective, born from his invaluable experience, and hard work in every conceivable venue and style, he has forged the ideal of every musician, no matter what the music. He has an individual and recognizable voice… within a few measures, during any given performance, and can play a phrase you might remember the rest of your life.
Dick takes delight in sharing with his audience the wonderful things he has learned abut the universe, and transmutes his song into constant discoveries and surprises. His six string virtuosity contains the entire history of American Original music, jazz, in every aspect of his interpretation. "Now's the time", as Bird said, to discover yourself."
Jim Glynn
Performer, teacher, radio announcer and student of jazz
When you Catch the Wave - the latest release from the incomparable Dick Eliot, simply prepare to enjoy the ride! Each strum is like a fine brush stroke by a Great Master during the Renaissance. This man who has played with Elvis and members of the Rat Pack, gets better with age like a vintage bottle of wine. Eliot's lively and unique take on classics like Caravan, Blue Bossa and Stardust are satisfying to any musical appetite. Chaplain's Smile will make you do just that. His interpretation of the Beatles' Hard Day's Night and Mason Williams' Classical Gas are sure to please and he wraps up this effort with a soulful rendition of The Battle Hymn of the Republic. You will enjoy hearing this guitar mastery over and over and over again. $15
Chris "CP" Peppas. Musical journalist for www.examiner.com and Jazz Unlimited Newslett
Songs on CD:
Blue Bossa, Blues for Barney, Wave, Caravan, A Hard Day's Night, Golden Earrings, French Medley: a) Hymne
à l' amour b) Django's Castle, Body and Soul, Smile, Somethings Cookin', Classical Gas, Tres Palabras, Stardust, Battle Hymn of the Republic
Tenderly CD - $15
Hushabye CD - $15
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O Holy Night - Christmas CD - $15
As one of Milwaukee's under-sung treasures, guitarist Dick Eliot has mastered the emotional artistry of his music as well as the craft of playing it. I'll Remember April, a new album of standards, showcases his mastery of intimate small-combo jazz. One guesses his repertoire hasn't changed radically since the 1950s, but that he has grown into the material as he confidently leafs through the songbooks of Sammy Cahn, George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Anthony Newley. Produced by another local veteran, Gary Tanin, "I'll Remember April" sounds clear, crisp and upfront, giving listeners a seat at the table next to the bandstand.
Songs on CD:
Legendary Guitarist Johnny Smith's phone message, St.Thomas, I'll Remember April, Time After Time, Strike up the Band, S'Wonderful, Slow Boat to China, One Note Samba, What Kind of Fool Am I, The Very Thought of You, You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To, Who Can I Turn To, Brazil, That's All
"I first met Dick Eliot in 1960 when he had a demanding position of guitarist with the Original NORAD (North American Air Defense) Band here in Colorado Springs, Co. After his tour of duty in the service, Dick located in Las Vegas, where he became first call guitarist for most of the big shows, and big stars appearing at the major hotels and casinos there. His vast experience and musicianship is obvious in his performance on this CD. It's good to hear him again in this setting."
Johnny Smith, World Famous Jazz Guitarist
"Dick Eliot's CD "Night And Day" brings back the intimacy of a small jazz club filled with warm ambiance of the great American standards played beautifully."
Phil Wilson: Professor of Music,
Berkley School of Music, Boston, MA
Songs on CD:
Night And Day, I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles, When I Fall In Love, Satin Doll, Girl From Ipanema, Do Didley Do, Always, Samba De Orfeu, Scarlet Ribbons, Misty, You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To, But Beautiful, Secret Love, Sky Lark
Copyright 2004-2023. Richard Eliot. All Rights Reserved.