- Boulder's Daily Camera

"Rick Trace's performances are known for intensity. A true passionate portrayal of his life experiences comes through in his unique & amazing voice."
- Renny Baker, Naropa Univeristy

Originally from Akron Ohio, singer, songwriter, and guitarist Rick Trace has been playing his percussive style of alt-indie rock to fans across the country for over 10 years. His past groups like Ginseng Band, The Gin Project, and Saturn Return have shared the stage with acts like Dark Star Orchestra, Deep Banana Blackout, Rays Music Exchange, Michael Stanley, Jamie Janover, Charlie Hunter, Jeff Pevar, Nitty Irving (Nizzy), Kid Valance and many more throughout Rick's long standing career. These events have been witnessed in amazing venues as well, such as the Fox Theater and Boulder Theater. It all began over 10 years ago in Cincinnati, OH where Rick formed a grassroots progressive funk/rock band dubbed Ginseng Band featuring cellist James Norman, drummer Tim Hensley (The Lemmings), bassist Matt Jordan, and guitarist Travis Cannon (Velvet Dreamfield). After 5 years of non-stop performances in venues like Ripley's Alive and Barrelhouse Brewery, several acoustic tours through Atlanta, Dallas, St. Louis, Chicago, New Orleans and many more, the group's members moved on to pursue other musical experiences. This change brought on a sudden freedom, thrusting Rick out west to Boulder, Colorado as a new home base. Looking to fulfill a new creative outlet through 1999, Rick began writing rock musicals very similar to the progressive-rock styles of the 60's and 70's. However, being a child of the 80's and 90's, his influences brought forth a new style of performance. "The Gin Project" featured costumes, actors, stage props, visual projections, and a smokin' funky sound provided by the talents of many of Boulder's top musicians. Several years of strong performances followed in many Western venues, including a sold out Boulder Theater performance with Dark Star Orchestra on Halloween 2002. Wanting to dig back into the roots of his songwriting, Rick returned to Akron in 2003, forming a dynamic acoustic trio featuring Robert Crawford on drums and Aiden Plank on bass of the BPC Jazz Trio. After fueling up with a new set of uniquely woven catchy pop/rock songs, Rick continued to once again move forward in pushing the boundaries of his writing and live performances, landing him in "Music City" Nashville, Tennessee. After his move south, Rick recorded a Demo EP called "Burning Tree"; a self-performed, recorded, and produced hard edged rock demo featuring tracks like the soulful title track "Burning Tree" and the passionate rock anthem "Devil Woman". Rick used this demo to get his new sound out in Nashville and on to the rest of the world through his Myspace and Official Website RickTrace.net. Upon working his way through the industry and clubs in Music City, he met producer/engineer Jim Stewart (Sun Records/Hilltop Studios), and knew right away, "This is the man I want to work with". Rick has begun working on his major debut due out 2008 called "Leavin' You", produced by himself & Jim Stewart. This new album is laced with rockin' guitars, velvety vocals, groovin' acoustics, solidified funk/rock beats, and honest, straight from the heart lyrics. It features the thunderous rhythms of longtime friend and band mate Robert Crawford on drums, the pounding of Josh Carré's monstrous five string bass, and special guests like the masterfully melodic Dave Isaacs on electric guitar. With so much anticipation, this album is said by many to be some of the best work yet from Rick Trace. Whether solo acoustic, with a group, or featuring amazing artists and friends; Rick Trace's artistry has grown into an exciting, eclectic array of multi-influenced modern day rock & roll music... oh yeah, with a twist!