Rick Lollar is a New York City-based guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Through his work as a leader, and collaborations with Southern fusion guitar wizard Jimmy Herring, and soul jazz luminary drummer/vocalist Jamison Ross, Lollar has carved out a sound centered in the blues, yet stamped with the harmonic and rhythmic invention of jazz. His gritty, expressive singing voice and his gift as a songwriter and lyricist are just as central to his musical identity. Reserve a table for Rick Lollar’s next performance at Roxy Bar on November 7th from 8pm-10pm and get to know him before the show:

 

NAME: Rick Lollar

 

HOMETOWN: Tallahassee, FL

 

MUSICAL TRAINING: Years of guitar lessons, many lessons on the bandstand from those wiser, and a jazz degree from Florida State University where I studied under Marcus Roberts, Scotty Barnhart, Rodney Jordan, Leon Anderson, et al.

 

FIRST GIGS: As a young teenager I played the North Florida blues circuit, gigging at our local juke joint and opening for BB King and Buddy Guy.

 

MY MUSICAL INFLUENCES: John Scofield, Shuggie Otis, Derek Trucks, Grant Green, Ray Charles, Jimmy Herring, Bill Frisell, Lonnie Johnson, on and on…

 

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW: I’ve been wearing out Madison Cunningham’s excellent album ‘Revealer’. Super creative songwriting, perfect tones, and that voice.

 

LATEST MUSICAL PROJECTS: I’m working hard on a full length album to be released next year. It should be my most cohesive work to date, featuring my voice, songwriting, and guitar alongside some of my closest collaborators. I’m regularly touring with drummer/singer Jamison Ross in support of his album Jamo, to which I contributed guitar and songwriting.

 

FAVORITE PLACES TO GO IN NYC: A solid Sunday afternoon move is to walk along the Hudson in Riverside Park up to the GWB and grab a pint at this cool Irish pub on 181st.

 

IN 2024 I HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH: Finishing my album is at the top of the list! And as always, more nights of live music with friends old and new.

 

WHY I LOVE PERFORMING AT THE ROXY BAR: The crowd is always super hip and listening, ready to engage with the music. That vibe just makes you want to play.