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Thank you for coming to pianolatte.com, the official website of Rick Stier. Rick Stier is a Christian pianist from Southern California. Rick's first album, PIANOLatte - notes to nourish the soul, is a compilation of some of your favorite Christian songs, played on two gorgeous Steinway pianos. These sweet tunes are sure to bless you as you listen.
Check out PIANOLatte news - Winter 2010. Click Here.
Here's what baritone extraordinaire Russell Hospedales, of The King's Heralds' says about Rick:
"Rick, I love your piano interpretations! Your plush and unusual chord structures make your arrangements compelling!"
--RUSSELL HOSPEDALES
Baritone and Arranger
The King's Heralds' quartet, celebrating 80 years of gospel ministry.
Here's a link to the King's Heralds' website: http://www.theheralds.org
Listen to what gospel pianist and recording artist Gordon deLeon has said about Rick:
"Rick, You are truly a wonder. Not only is the album a joy to listen to, but it is very professionally produced. Keep stretching your imagination, Rick, you have great talent ...
I especially enjoyed your use of minor 7ths, minor 9ths, and other altered chords. Your use of combining different songs within your arrangements also shows your desire to dramatize and enhance the listening pleasure of your music. If this is your first effort in reproducing your talent, then one can only hope it isn't your last."
--RECORDING ARTIST GORDON DE LEON
Here's what recording artist Frank Hartog, of The Gospel Truth quartet says:
"Rick, your musical interpretations and piano artistry on this CD are so very soothing and direct my thoughts and praise towards God who is the maker of all music. Your Sunday morning concerts before our services at Rancho Community Church are uplifting and inspirational. Thanks for using your talent to bless so many."
--RECORDING ARTIST FRANK HARTOG
Here is what celebrated photographer Stephen Eldred says about PIANOLatte!
"I have to say, this CD has been playing in my studio ever since I got it! All I can say is, you have to hear it for yourself. When I delivered "Solitude" to their lovely home, Rick sat down at his Steinway concert grand piano and sent shivers up my spine... an experience I'll never forget!"
--STEPHEN ELDRED, PHOTOGRAPHER
For more of Stephen's comments about PIANOLatte, with a photo of Rick and Marla, click here:
http://stepheneldred.blogspot.com/
To check out Stephen's website click here:
http://www.thefineartofphotography.com/
I discovered my passion for music at the age of five when I sat down to my parents' tiny spinet and plunked out a haltering one-note melody of "Jesus Loves Me". My mom said, "This boy needs to have piano lessons!" Within two weeks, I was taking lessons! Thanks mom. Creating fresh interpretations of inspirational themes has been my passion ever since.
My musical influences include the impeccable classical virtuosity of several accomplished pianists. Joy Smith was the loving and innovative piano teacher during my grade school years. She provided impeccable musical instruction peppered with ample personal love and support. She inspired me to want to practice! I love her for that. I still discover pieces of music with her little stickers of a piano keyboard proclaiming "excellent"! Thank you, Joy, for your expert instruction and endless encouragement!
I am also grateful to master pianist Amelia Monalaysay, the beloved classical taskmaster of my youth. I would ride the "Burlington" east-west train in suburban Chicago from Hinsdale to Brookfield, where "Miss Monalaysay" had two large uprights lined up against the wall in a room that served as music studio, office, and bedroom. "ah, I heard that!" she would say. "Play it again...this time I want it note perfect!"
I attended high school at Mount Pisgah Academy near Asheville, North Carolina. I was captivated by the soothing artistry and personal coaching of recording artist Gordon deLeon, who introduced me to exemplary and innovative interpretations of cherished hymns. His optimism and orchestral arrangements seemed to flow through his fingers onto the keys and into my heart. I can still see him smiling as he worked his magic on the keyboard.
As I developed my own interpretive style, I was moved by the effortless, profound musical mastery of gospel piano legend, the late Anthony Burger. Thank you, Anthony for your encouragement and for the bass rumble and double glissando which continue to add depth and dimension to my music.
My friend, coach and collaborator is the enormously gifted gospel recording artist Dr. Peggy Sue Archer. Her musical genius is boundless. When I play an arrangement-in-progress for Peggy, she "hears it" as completed work--sometimes with full orchestration--in its most captivating form. She then recommends refreshing interpretations with amazing arpeggios and chord structures. She'll say, "Now, understand that I OWN that chord!" There is energy, intrigue, and "ah has". I then blend her musical vision with my own interpretive passion to "brew" the final arrangement.
I like to think of PIANOLatte as a gourmet blend of these wonderful, distinctive musical flavors. Classical accuracy, soothing ballad artistry, piano masterworks, and innovative chord structures align with the feelings of my heart to evoke "Notes to Nourish the Soul." I am grateful for these gifted friends and collaborators.
I hope you will relax with PIANOLatte and a steaming cup of coffee. My prayer is that these notes will encourage your soul with God's overwhelming love and matchless grace. The mission of PIANOLatte is to nourish your life with hope, insight, and peace.
Rick
- Old Rugged Cross/
- His Name is Wonderful
- Claire de Lune / Jesus Loves Me
- Somewhere Out There/
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow/
- No one Ever Cared for me Like Jesus
- His Eye is on the Sparrow
- What a Friend
- God Speaks
- Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
- He
- Showers of Blessings / Warsaw Concerto
- Jesus Loves the Little Children/
- God Bless the Children
- Receive Him Now / I am Thine, O Lord
- Amazing Grace
- Till There Was You / I Surrender All
- Tribute to Dad: Moments Like These/
- Precious Lord / Majesty
- Reprise: Old Rugged Cross / His Name is Wonderful
"Track #2 is one that I will listen to over and over again. Claire de Lune is a favorite and you have done it a great justice."
--DAVID, MARYLAND
"We fell crazy mad in love with your music! I was SO impressed! So proud of you for your continued study. You are spectacular, superspondongical, supergoloptitious!! Definitely one of a kind! Your cleanness, your expression, SO lovely! Thank you, thank you so very much, God Bless you!
Love, Joy"
--JOY, CALIFORNIA
(This special note is from Joy Smith, Rick's grade school piano teacher who provided impeccable musical instruction with endless encouragement!)
"Received the CD - as I anticipated, it's WONDERFUL! You are so talented. Please let me know when the next one is out."
--DEBBIE, NORTH CAROLINA
"Dear Rick, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your music. I hope your will continue to share your musical talents for years to come. I look forward to hearing the beautiful notes of your new piano as well. Take Care."
--RANDY, RICK'S BROTHER IN CALIFORNIA
"We want you to know we love PIANOLatte! It is such a restful & refreshing retreat in such a chaotic world . . . We know God sees your efforts to uplift Him in a world that many times denies His very existence. Our wish is that God will continue to richly bless you!"
--RON & SUSAN, FLORIDA
"Hi Rick: A friend of ours lost a grandson recently. On his way to Oregon for the memorial service, he stopped by our house to pick up our copy of your cd. It brought so much comfort to him and his wife as they traveled. You continue to reach so many through your talent. We have missed your cd and finally decided to order another. We will continue to pass it on when we get the opportunity. May God continue to bless you and others through your gift."
--JO ANN, CALIFORNIA
"My favorite song is Showers of Blessing with the Warsaw Concerto embedded. I can relate to both the storms and blessings in the song. You emulate the storms well because in my imagination I can see a heavy storm with lightening and thunder. Then the mood changes back to peaceful care-free days. All your songs are superb! Way to go Dad!"
--MELISSA, CALIFORNIA
"Rick, our community is so lucky to have you in it; you provide a wonderful uplifting gift when you share your music and your love for our Savior!"
--SHERRY, TEMECULA, CALIFORNIA
"Your CD is so beautifully calming during these late nights on the drive home."
--LAURIE, PENNSYLVANIA
"Rick, I'm excited about your upcoming concerts. Love gospel quartets! And going out-of-state! How long before you go international?
So glad to hear you are thriving. You have certainly found your calling. Your CD is played often, both in the house and in the car. It is so calming and uplifting at the same time.
Give our best to Marla. Love,"
--LYNDA, TEXAS
"Son, I could not be more proud of you for your accomplishments and your great musical talent. The feeling in your music is truly from your heart! I enjoy hearing your masterpieces that truly calm and nourish my soul. I am so glad I recognized your talent early and sacrificed to give you lessons. But more than anything, I am so thankful and proud to have not only a talented son, but one who loves the Lord with all his heart! I love you, Rick."
--MOM (Rick's mom in FLORIDA!)
"Rick is there going to be a Piano Latte 2 coming soon? We just can't stop playing your music!"
--CARRIE, OHIO
"Wow, and holy cow, can you play the ivories! $15 on the way. It is relaxing to play on my way home in the evening."
--GEOFF, MINNESOTA
"Your CD on line is fantastic; I clicked on the link and was blown away. You are truly gifted. Thank you for sharing."
--CARRIE, OHIO
"We are only in the middle of the week and the stress and turmoil in our office is overwhelming. But, when I thing I cannot breath, I put on your CD, and it calms my soul."
--BETTY, MISSISSIPPI
"Arrived home last night to find your CD's. Thanks for sending them so quickly! The ride in to work this morning was truly peaceful. You have an amazing gift. Hard to find the words to describe the music. God has richly blessed you. I hope that you will continue to create this beautiful music and keep those of us who can't, filled with blessings from listening to it."
--SONDRA, CALIFORNIA
"Rick, thank you for your kind note, but thank you more for your worshipful cd and music. As I said last night, when I need to be thoughtful and reflective about the Lord, Piano Latte is the music that I reach for first. I pray the our Lord will bless you and those who listen to the talent He gave you."
--MAURI, CALIFORNIA
"Rick, the CD my friend brought back from Cleveland is spectacular. He was so impressed with you, your music and your pianos! I am making a list of friends who would enjoy and will order "PIANOLatte" for little Christmas presents. Will let you know so you can personalize."
--TISH, MISSISSIPPI
"I love your CD. It is awesome. It IS nourishment to the soul."
--BETTY, MISSISSIPPI
"You have been blessed with so much talent!! We always try to get to church early just so we can hear you! Your body language shows you put yourself into what you're playing! God bless you, always!"
--LEE & GERRI, CALIFORNIA
"I knew the CD would be good -- I just didn't know it would be that good! Wow...your talent is impressive. The songs you chose are beautiful. There is one song in particular, that holds special meaning for my family. "Somewhere Out There" was one of my mom's brother's favorite songs. He passed away 14 years ago and whenever any of us hear that song, it always brings back fond memories."
--AMY, FLORIDA
"When I got your CD last Friday, we listened to it many times over the weekend, such beautiful music! It's absolutely awesome! Am looking forward to your next CD."
--EVA, TENNESSEE
"Your CD is playing again this morning, as it does many mornings. It soothes my soul and starts my day with the comfort of beautiful music and the presence of a good friend. You are so talented and you have chosen so many songs that bring back my childhood. ...Thank you for the time, effort and love you put into this project!"
--LYNDA AND JIM, TEXAS
"Rick, thoroughly enjoying your CD! Please send me two more!"
--JANE, MISSOURI
"PIANOLatte is a big hit with my mom and I! I mailed her the second CD I bought. We both love it and I've probably listened to it a dozen + times this past week and a half at home, at work and in the car! You are fantastically talented and I would say your CD is a gift to all that have ears to hear it. The piano music that comes from your heart and soul is like a beautiful ray of sunshine that beams down and fills a room with light and love and gives the listener a big hug of joy and creativity. Thank you for recording this and wishing you much success with PIANOLatte and hopefully many more CD's in the future!"
--SUZ, OHIO
"I loved it! GREAT job!"
--ELIZABETH, MISSISSIPPI
"My brother Jerry gave me a signed copy of your CD. Thank you for your beautiful arrangements! Your gift of ministry is a blessing. These gospel songs I grew up listening to and playing on the piano myself. I can truly appreciate the arrangements and intertwining of melodies within the songs. "Old time" gospel songs are the ones that truly touch my soul. God bless you as you continue to minister to many people through your music."
--LINDA, CALIFORNIA
"I am having a battle with hypertension. I rested, listening to PIANOLatte, and in 30 minutes my blood pressure went down 20 points. Beats medication! What a blessing!!!"
--MILLIE, ILLINIOS
"Thanks for making such beautiful music"
--ROSIE, CALIFORNIA
"I absolutely love your web site and the CD!!! You need to record a Christmas CD; I bet it will be a fantastic hit! I am so very proud of you and what you have accomplished; keep up the great work!"
--ROXANE, FLORIDA
"There have been times in my life when I have trouble seeing my dreams ahead of me. Your generosity, kindness and prayers during a very unsettled time in my life have filled me with peace, comfort, joy and strength. You are a special person who continues to touch my life in a positive way. Today, I can see the dreams ahead of me while listening to the soothing sounds of your remarkable talent. Thank you for PIANOLatte."
--MARSHA, PENNSYLVANIA
"Rick, I can't tell you how many people have been touched by your beautiful music here at our minstry at From His Hand. I wanted to tell you about the pastor who bought it for a woman from his church who was in the end stages of her battle with cancer. He had purchased it for himself and then came into the shop to buy it for her because he knew it would 'soothe her spirit'. She had been very restless for several days when he took it to her, and her family played it for her many times over. She became peaceful, the restlessness stopped, and she passed on into the arms of Jesus listening to your anointed playing just a few days after the pastor gave your CD to her. I knew this would bless you, and I pray there will be MORE projects for His glory in the future!"
--SUSAN, PIANOLatte Distributor, NORTH CAROLINA
"One day soon I will wear this CD out. I have played it countless times over, and never cease to marvel at the beauty of your touch as you weave a tapestry of music together. Thank you for sharing God's gift of muscial talent, and bringing to us countless hours of marvelous music."
--BETTY, CALIFORNIA
"Your accuracy was magnificent and the dynamic range awesome!"
--ELOISE, OREGON
"I want to tell you how much I love your cd. I LOVE IT, I LOVE IT, I LOVE IT! You play beautifully and the music is very soothing! I have been playing it constantly while driving and it helps me to relax when I am in backup traffic. It is definately a hit!!!"
--CHARLENE, OHIO
"Congratulations on a terrific recording! Your music touched my heart."
--ROSALIE, CALIFORNIA
"WOW! What a great CD! Thank you for renewing my soul in a stressful work environment."
--SHERRY, CALIFORNIA
"We love your CD! Thank you for the fresh interpretations. My wife immediately had to have it on her ipod!"
--KIRK, COLORADO
"I love it and I'll promote it! Thank you for speaking to my heart."
--SIMON, MD, FLORIDA
"I enjoyed your CD very much. You are talented and have a distinct style when you play!"
--JULIE, MISSOURI
"I knew after listening to the first few bars that this was a CD that I would enjoy listening to because I felt it in my heart. Thank you!"
--MARCIA, CALIFORNIA
"I LOVE your CD! I had it in the car on a recent trip to the North Georgia Mountains. Perfect! Thanks for touching my heart!"
--LORI, GEORGIA
"This CD is fantastic. I've listened to it three times already!"
--PHIL, FLORIDA
"PIANOLatte is love put to music. It is the fingers of God dancing on the piano keys."
--DONNA, WASHINGTON STATE