Rick Kurek

------... an active observer of all things, big and small ... who translates life into song ...
Born the youngest of five and raised in Chicago, Rick Kurek first picked up a guitar at age four, and started lessons by age 10. By 15, his obsession with music and finding his own unique sound inspired him to swap the tubes in his Sears catalog amplifier with tubes from aTV he found in an alley – finally! a sound that motivated six-hour practice days.
Kurek earned a bachelors degree in music on scholarship at Roosevelt University. While in school, he dabbled in a few rock and jazzy bands. But his heart was in the streets, admiring the raw feeling and soul in the performers he saw in the subway and on street corners. It was then he began exploring new styles of writing, eventually uncovering his own poetic penmanship.
Rick emerged as a solo artist after winning fans across the country while performing with the rock band BROTHER, as their dynamic lead guitarist. Since then, Kurek’s solo career has been filled with unique musical curves, a very conscious decision to keep experimenting and challenging himself and his audience. "My latest CD Another Day, feels like it's part of my continuum," he says. "The style of my writing seems to vary from album to album, a little more pop, a little more orchestral, a little jazzier.”
Recorded in a London apartment with an easy blend of keyboards and acoustic guitar, but with a driving rock edge, Another Day is a sublime leap forward for the artist. Many agree it’s his most soulful, cohesive collection yet.
His gift as a songwriter has been recognized by both the film and television world. Director Thom Fitzgerald has included Kurek’s music in two of his features; “Heaven to Me” in the film THE EVENT starring Olympia Dukakis and Parker Posey, and “The Motion” in the critically acclaimed 3 NEEDLES, starring Stockard Channing and Chloë Sevigny. For television, Kurek was asked to compose an original song for an episode of THE TWILIGHT ZONE.
Kurek plays multiple instruments including guitar, the Native American flute, a cello of his own design, didjeridoo and a handful of other bells and whistles in his repertoire.
Through his emotional tales of anger and passion, love and solitude, Kurek’s trademark style of fiery intensity countered with tender poignancy is quickly building an audience across the US and Europe.
"Rick's thought provoking lyrics and rock-n-roll blues infused music stir the soul and feed the mind."
___Beach Scene Magazine, 2004
"Rick has a way of painting words with melody effortlessly, that's why I come to him when I need music for a scene..."
___Thom Fitzgerald (award winning film director)
Film Credits:
3 Needles
The Event
Bar Hopping
TV Credits:
Twilight Zone
The Sport Connection
Radio Credits:
95.5KLOS - Mark & Brian 2005
97.1 WLUP - Kevin Matthews Show 1995/96
Endorsements:
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