faculty
Richie Morales
biography
books/videos
clinics and master classes
venues/tours
recordings
Richie Morales is a versatile player whose credits range from the seminal jazz fusion of the Brecker Brothers and the Latin jazz of Gato Barbieri, Ray Barretto, and Dave Valentin to the more traditional jazz sounds of Dave Brubeck and Herbie Mann.
Richie has performed and recorded with such contemporary artists as the late Grover Washington Jr., Stevie Wonder, Carly Simon, Dianne Reeves, and the Mike Stern Group, George Russell’s Living Time Orchestra, as well as the Al DiMeola Electric Project and saxophonist Bill Evans. Richie’s performance on saxophonist Gato Barbieri’s release “Shadow of the Cat” helped garner a “Best Latin Jazz Album of the Year” award from Billboard magazine’s 2003 Latin Music Awards and a Latin Grammy nomination in the same category. Other artists Richie has performed with include Kim Waters, Walter Beasley, and Paul Jackson Jr.
Richie has been touring in Europe with George Russell's Living Time Orchestra in support of his latest release, “The 80th Birthday Concert.”
For many years, Richie was best known as the percussive force behind the perennial chart-topping group Spyro Gyra, composing as well as drumming for the group.
Richie also leads his own group performing on the NY club scene, presenting a mixture of jazz standards and original compositions that reflect his diverse musical background.
Richie is a member of the jazz faculty at the Purchase College Conservatory of Music. He has also taught at the Juilliard School’s Music Advancement Program and is a clinician for Yamaha drums and Zildjian cymbals.