Richard Perry is a bassist, pianist, composer, music producer and worship leader. As a native of Seattle, WA, he has been playing music since the age of 8. At an early age, his passion for music was kindled by his parents and grandparents as they exposed him to the sounds of big band jazz all the way up to Motown and beyond. While in church, he adored gospel music, choirs, and eventually was drawn to the bass guitar; the first instrument he learned to play.
The first instrument he learned to play was the bass guitar; taught to him by his godfather, a local bass player. He also learned trombone and various other brass instruments while in middle and high school. His education in music from a young age allowed him to play in different kinds of groups varying from small wind ensembles and orchestras, to jazz bands in and outside of school.
As a student, Richard was a part of a local music education program called Musicworks NW; a program that merged professional local musicians with dedicated students to enhance and accelerate their talents in the world and language of music. This exposure further cemented his passion for all things music. After graduating high school, he went on to attend Berklee College of Music where he graduated with a degree in professional music. The experiences of Berklee were profound and still make an impact to this day in his approach to music. The diversity of musicality and flavors at the school made it a constant source of inspiration for creativity and development; a source that he eagerly and consistently drew from to hone the skills of his craft. The time spent with fellow musician classmates prepared him to expertly communicate his heart and sound to the world that awaited him at the end of his education career.
As a result of being exposed to many musical colors and inspirations, there are many that inspired him and still continue to inspire him today. Composers and musicians such as Basie and Ellington, Bach to Gershwin, Abraham Laboriel to Marcus Miller, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Bobby McFerrin, and Pat Metheney.
After graduating from Berklee, he returned to the Pacific Northwest and worked as a musician and sound engineer. His credits include playing for a few gospel artists that came to the Boston or Seattle areas: artists such as Karen Clark Sheard, Donnie McClurkin, Kim Walker-Smith, Cora Jackson, Fortune Nyondo, Phil Driscoll and so on. His music journey continues today as he plays in churches and as a jazz artist/producer/composer. His debut album, a jazz instrumental called “Hymns for Him”, was released on September 17th, 2021.
Richard Perry resides in the Seattle area with his wife and three boys. He enjoys cooking; playing golf; as well as playing cards and dominoes with friends and family.