Charley Rich

In the artist’s words: Describe one of your earliest musical memories in detail. Listening to a Wes Montgomery Jazz guitar album I received as a gift provided a lifetime of inspiration. What are your top 3 all-time favorite albums on Apple Music, and why? Why did you choose these three albums in particular? Joe Pass, Virtuoso (OJC Remaster) Oregon, Music of Another Present Era Wes Montgomery, Wynton Kelly Trio, Smokin' at the Half Note These three albums demonstrated how creative Jazz, especially Jazz guitar can be, encompassing solo interpretations, beautiful Jazz Bop lines in a combo, all the way to Jazz on a classical guitar. Find a song of yours on Apple Music that you love and tell us what makes it special. Tell us why you chose this song. “Riverfalls” I love the open, almost pastoral feeling I get when I perform this song. It is one of the few I wrote both words and music. The openness makes me feel that the possibilities are without end. What’s one of the most memorable moments in your career so far? I regularly perform in a duo, Rich & Rose with a female vocalist and myself on guitar. The challenge of providing the full accompaniment including harmony, rhythm, and improvisation is so much, fun and quite the challenge. I love it. Is there anything left on your bucket list as an artist or band? I want to continue to write more and perhaps have one of my tunes performed by a big band.