Richard left a comfortable position as a college English instructor to pursue the perilous life of a jazz bassist. He received instruction from the LA Philharmonic's Abe Luboff, jazz legend Red Callender, and crossover virtuoso John Clayton, and soon began working with Buddy Collette, Teddy Edwards, Plas Johnson and Art Hillery. Singers dig him too; he has worked frequently with Ernie Andrews, Maxine Weldon, Lorez Alexandria and Sue Raney, and occasionally with Keely Smith, Maria Muldaur, and Rosemary Clooney. From be-bop and mainstream jazz, he branched out into “trad” and swing, playing festivals with the likes of Dan Barrett, Ed Polcer, Allan Vache, Rebecca Paris, and Joe Ascione. Richard toured Japan and recorded with Ken Peplowski's “Last Swing of the Century,” a Benny Goodman-styled big band. His recording highlights include “Bophead,” with vibraphonist Dave Pike; “Evening Delight,” with Plas Johnson, and 2006's “How About Me,” led by Ernie Andrews & Houston Person. He's recorded three--so far--on his own UFO- BASS label: “Groove Therapy,” “Covering the Basses,” and “Pacific Standard Time.” New in summer 2006 is “The Buddy Collette Big Band - Live at El Camino College” (UFO Bass #006). The tape of this performance from 1990 was lost, then found, and fortunately, restored. It features four of LA's most respected jazz artists--Red Callender (tuba), Thurman Green (trombone), Allen Jackson (bass) and Bobby Bryant (trumpet).