Artist & Minister of Music Encourages His Hometown of
Richmond, VA During COVID-19 Pandemic
The musical genres of Gospel and Jazz thrive beautifully
within the African American experience. Shining light on both styles and
flaunting his musical prowess within them, Saxophonist Richard D’Abreu, Jr.
skillfully knows how to weave his talents with improvisation and passion,
delivering moving performances in the process.
A musician’s musician, D’Abreu has worked with legends and
one listen to any song in his discography and it’s apparent that he did indeed
learn from the best. Born in Brooklyn, NY, the current resident of Richmond, VA
has toured the world over during the past two decades as a recording artist, musical
director and bandleader. During his time as a music student and his seven
international tours, he’s shared the stage with musical greats such as Max
Roach, James Taylor, Patti LaBelle, Natalie Cole and Bishop T.D. Jakes. A
graduate of Brown University and Berklee College of Music, D’Abreu is embracing
his season to shine. A musical entrepreneur as well, he is currently putting
the finishing touches on his brand-new release, Jazz in the Spirit. Scheduled
to drop in summer of 2020, its lead single, “Look and Live,” is currently
available in digital music outlets.
A stunning representation of a gifted musician, the new
project, Jazz in the Spirit, is a collage of inspiring and uplifting tunes.
It’s a collection of tracks destined to move the soul from note one. The first
song, “Look and Live,” is a festive, yet relaxing tune accented with
captivating vocals. Delivering a variety of cultural masterpieces on Jazz in
the Spirit, tracks like “I AM” and “La Pureza del Amor de Cristo” take the
listener on a musical trip around the world. Jazz fans and Gospel fans alike
will enjoy songs like “Wednesday Afternoon,” “Only Want to Serve You,” “Count
Your Blessings” and “By and By.” Another favorite will surely be the
mesmerizing “23rd Psalm,” and the celebratory “Superhuman,” original pieces by
the artist. Each track speaks to the musical heart in its own unforgettable
way.
Just like King David, Richard has witnessed the healing
power of music. Moved by this current COVID-19 crisis, he was determined to use
his gift to encourage those who are ill, and family members of those who are
ill or have succumbed to the Coronavirus. His city of Richmond has been hard
hit with fatalities, especially older residents at the Canterbury
Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. On Easter Sunday, he got his opportunity.
Richard D’Abreu performed during a short ministry program in the parking lot of
the Center. Although the residents couldn’t come outside, they were able to
hear the music as Richard played the keyboard (with gloves and mask on),
accompanying two other singing ministers. Although he was a little apprehensive
at first, he says, “once we got going in the parking lot, the Holy Spirit took
over. We all knew why we were there and took the call to minister seriously.”
He’s been following that call almost since he was born.
Richard’s musical journey began in New York City at the tender age of 3 when
his parents noticed him taking rubber bands, wrapping them around coat hangers,
strumming and singing. They started him on guitar lessons at 4. His father, a
jazz lover, played piano and taught his son some of the basics of the keyboard,
but much of Richard’s training was self-taught. It wasn’t just the piano that
he gained an affinity for; he started writing songs at the age of 6, using the
piano to pen songs as well as arrange them. With the sounds of Cannonball
Adderley and Sonny Rollins records’ wafting through his home, it was hard for
jazz not to take hold of his heart. He mimicked the greats with his saxophone,
an instrument he picked up at the age of 11. Later, he received formal training
at two renowned schools: Brown University, where he received his Bachelor’s
degree in Music, specializing in Ethnomusicology, and Berklee College of Music,
where he graduated with a Professional Diploma in Professional Music,
specializing in Saxophone Performance and Songwriting. All of it set the stage
for an impressive career as a Gospel Jazz artist.
With his vast experience and education, it was only natural
that he venture into the business of music. His company, RD3 Music, focuses on
publishing, performance and production. A prolific songwriter and composer, the
publishing arm of his company seeks to exploit the hundreds of compositions and
arrangements he’s penned. A producer as well, his production arm offers
recording and production services for artists. He is already a gifted producer
of his own works. A sought-after performer, Richard uses his talent as a member
of two groups, Jazz In The Spirit and Soul Expressions, and as a solo artist.
In addition, he teaches private saxophone, piano and songwriting lessons and,
as a freelance musician, he plays numerous instruments and serves in a variety
of musical capacities including arranger, musical director and accompanist.
Every single aspect of his business highlights the many skills he brings to
music.
Where he is in his career musically has been a natural
progression. “My entrance into the genre of Gospel Jazz was literally an
organic fusion that happened as a result of my life experiences,” Richard says
of his foray into the unique genre. “The combination of listening to my
father’s records and being a member of the youth choir at Concord Baptist
Church in Brooklyn, as well as playing jazz on my sax and Gospel on the piano
created this unique synergy between two styles of music I adored.” He calls his
special blend “Jazz in the Spirit,” the same name as his debut project. A
composer and arranger of over 350 songs, he has presented his original music
through the Richmond Jazz Society and the Richmond Chapter of the Gospel Music
Workshop of America (GMWA). Seven of his choir songs have been featured at the
GMWA National Convention. He’s received rave reviews for his spirited rendition
of “Because He Lives,” performed live at the 2013 Hampton Ministers’ Conference
and “My Favorite Things,” with smooth jazz artist Stix Bones. Richard has also
served as the Director of Music and Minister of Music at several churches
including Second Baptist Church-Idlewood Avenue and currently, Fourth Baptist
Church, also in Richmond.
Fans of the artist may have caught him during his recent
appearance on the local CBS affiliate, WTVR-TV, on Virginia This Morning. They
can also catch him on Instagram for his next Friday Night Inspiration on May
1st at 7:30PM ET. For more information about Richard D’Abreu, Jr., connect with
him at www.jazzinthespirit.com and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.