| Rick Calvert ~ Singer-Songwriter | ||
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 Rick is an established folk musician and cantorial soloist who turned his talents to composing modern settings for Jewish liturgical text in 1997. His compositions and performances reveal his dual musical roots of folk/rock and choral work. His music caught the attention of renowned producer Fran Avni at CAJE 24 (Conference on Alternatives in Jewish Education) in San Antonio (1998), leading to his Journeys CD recording project. Rick has taught music at the Temple Beth Tikvah Religious School (Madison, CT) since 1986, and he currently serves as cantorial soloist both at TBT and at Temple Emanu-El in Westfield, NJ. Rick’s debut CD, Journeys, released in October, 2000, is an inspirational collection of original, contemporary settings for familiar blessings, Sabbath liturgy, and ethical writings. Of this collection, Cantor Ellen Dreskin (Director of Programming, Synagogue 2000; past Associate Dean, Hebrew Union College) writes, "One never tires of Rick's warm melodies and intricate harmonies. His treatment of the texts is both exhilarating and inspiring." Rick’s Yis-m’chu was selected for inclusion in Celebrate Shabbat, a collection of exemplary Shabbat music produced by noted contemporary composer / performer / producer Craig Taubman, also released in late 2000. His original melody for the Shehecheyanu was selected for use at the 2001 Ordination ceremony for cantors and rabbis at Hebrew Union College in New York. Rick has performed extensively in the New York / New Jersey / Connecticut area. He has a growing national reputation, leading to a broader range of performing around the country. He has been a featured evening performer at CAJE since 1999. |
