R&R (Terrence Richburg & Howard Riley, Jr.)

March 2005

Howard Riley and Terrence Richburg’s Ascension

You’ve heard of clever musical collabo’s like Dawkins & Dawkins, Mary Mary, BeBe & CeCe, Ted & Sheri and even Allen & Allen, right? My buddy, Gil Robertson, turned me on to a new duet recently called R&R.

When Gil first called saying he wanted to talk to me about R&R, I thought he was inviting me to the One Love Gospel Cruise hosted by BeBe Winans and Jeff Majors. That wasn’t the case at all. Gil was talking about two longtime friends and musicians, Terrence Richburg and Howard Riley, Jr., who had gotten together for a new album project called Ascension.

Then I ran into Terrence and Howard, a.k.a. R&R, and their friend, Debbie Johnson at the Hard Rock Café’. R&R told me all about their musical efforts and how their collaboration was a natural progression. Terrence grew up in the church and plays several instruments including the 7-string bass, keyboards and drums. His good buddy Howard, meanwhile, plays a mean soprano, alto and tenor sax!

Ascension features the duo’s interpretations of such gospel classics as “He Looked Beyond My Faults” and “Blessed Assurance”. Interesting enough, their album contains a song called “When I’m With You,” but it’s not the Tony Terry hit of the early ‘90s. Tony’s song, which has since become quite the wedding song, was called simply “With You”.

Howard told me that he had previously worked with Tony Terry, too, and he complimented Tony for his remarkable voice.

I told Terrence and Howard that it’s a shame when people limit musicians by keeping them in one category. When I first heard Kim Burrell sing, I flipped. She was doing jazz riffs and screaming like the church girl that she is, too. Dorinda Clark Cole, Yolanda Adams, Karen Clark Sheard and my sweetie, Angella Christie, have all added a touch of jazz to their music.

While some would call R&R’s music jazz, others would stretch and call it inspirational. But I call it good music, which is the result of God’s gifts to two cool cats…doowah, doowah! - Calvin Terrell

Inspiration jazz duo Riley & Richburg (Howard Riley, Jr. and Terrence Richburg) have exploded on the contemporary jazz scene with their new disc Ascension. The set fuses a combination of jazz and inspirational Christian flavors, as the multi-talented duo tackle the specturm of musical instruments. Riley delivers on soprano, alto and tenor saxophone; with Richburg covering the seven-string bass, keyboards and numerous other tools. Affectionately known as R&R, the group respectively has collaborated with the likes of Donnie McClurkin, Stanley Turrentine, Kirk Whalum, Vanessa Williams and Tramaine Hawkins, among others. On Ascension, standout tracks include "4-Sure", "Stretch", "Wonderful Jesus", "Always Love" and "When I'm With You". Despite some favorites, the remaining set still offers a bevy of spirited numbers and inspiring grooves certain to appeal to jazz and sacred audiences alike. - Jawn Murray

From the moment I heard the first track, to the closing melody of the last, I completely enjoyed Ascension. After a long day at work, I'm happy to report that in no time, my mind was set at ease, and the cares of the world drifted away.

There is something for everyone on this album, ranging from the up tempo to smooth jazz ballads and a bit of the inspirational. After years of collaborating on other projects, Howard Riley and Terrence Richburg (R & R) came together in a partnership of praise and intricately put together this work. Both are Washington, D.C. natives, and have worked with some of the music industry's finest. They are exceptional musicians in their own right.

Riley's musical leanings started at home. His mother played the organ at the family church, and he was almost always surrounded by music at home. He started on the saxophone at age 11. Even with formal music training from Catholic University, Richburg says his greatest teachers were his parents, family, and the countless other artists with whom he's done other projects. R & R promise that this is only the first of many productions and I can't wait, 4-Sure. - Richard A. Scott

"Ascension is titled appropriately. That's precisely what it is- a soaring demonstration of Riley and Richburg's commitment to musical excellence. From one track to the next there is never a dull moment. Terrence Richburg's mastery of numerous instruments,(clearly the bass reigns supreme) and the purity and grace of Howard Riley's style makes this CD a welcomed addition to my CD changer. The project offers wonderful vocals, exquisite production, and memorable tunes. Bravo. Buy it. NOW."

Whether you're referring to a rare venue of rest & relaxation or contemplating a wonder-filled evening of reign & revival, you must without reservation witness this brand new inspirational jazz phenomenon. R&R, lead by the incomparable, multi-talented collaboration of Howard Riley, Jr. on soprano, alto & tenor sax, and Terrence Richburg on 7-string bass, keyboards & the list goes on. Their music exceeds the traditional level of the inspirational jazz experience, while crossing boundaries and breaking down walls of musical classification.

R&R is a group born out of the depths of inspiration and made possible through a special blend of creative talents and commitment. They bring to the forefront a commanding, innovative sound of jazz and gospel flavors and with a sense of tenacity they've pressed their way onto the music scene empowered by pure faith and passion.

Riley and Richburg have worked together for many years in other groups and on special projects and productions being sought after for their individual expertise and reputation as first chair musicians. But only as they began to work together at various events and venues as a duet group did it dawn on them to pursue a true partnership together and produce a CD project as R&R under Terrence's independent record label, RichEscape Music.

Howard is an incredible musician and saxophonist, as well as writer, keyboardist and vocalist in his own right. While constantly developing and growing in his craft, his humble spirit outshines even the beautiful notes and melodies he plays.

Terrence affectionately nicknamed by his peers as little Prince and the Quincy Jones of Gospel is a nationally acclaimed musician, writer, producer and arranger who has worked with the best of the best gospel and jazz artists and musicians across the country.
Between the two of them Riley and Richburg have racked up countless performances (some including musical directorships) with several industry greats including Richard Smallwood & Vision, Maurette Brown Clark, Vanessa Williams, Lorree K. Slye, Donnie McClurkin, Tremaine Hawkins, Ben Tankard, Kirk Whalum, Yolanda Adams, The Winans, Jennifer Holliday, Walter Hawkins, Deniece Barclay, Willie Jolley, Debbie Kirkland, Phil Flowers, Patti LaBelle, Teddy Pendergrass, Peaches & Herb, Stanley Turrentine, Roy Ayers, Ashford & Simpson, Chuck Mangione, Pieces of A Dream, James Cleveland, Shirley Caesar, Nathan Heathman, Evelyn Simpson Curenton, Men and Women of the Gospel, the Washington Pops Orchestra and of course the famous Richburg Singers formerly on the Atlantic label.

Terrence has also produced and performed on CD projects for such artists as Jeremiah Murphy, Kim Jordan, John Stoddart, Nolan Williams, Phil French, Kitt Brewington & Victorious Praise, and many others. He is also the co-writer of By His Grace, the title cut off the latest CD by the Stellar award nominated artist, Maurette Brown Clark.

It was a long, two-and-a-half year process, but well worth the wait and effort. The uphill climb Ascension if you will has taken Riley and Richburg into heavenly places dwelling with God the Creator of their inner song. Terrence took his own advice, stepped out on faith and following the Lords leading produced Ascension, seeing it unfold as a flower into an incredible revelation. The response from listeners of the project has ranged from sheer enjoyment and excitement to this is an incredible album, to I just couldn't stop listening I played it all night long!

Don't underestimate the potential of this engaging sea of opportunity. Don't overlook this sincere offering of spirit-filled innovation and certainly don't forfeit this, your appointed moment in destiny, to hear the amazing music by R&R on their debut CD, Ascension A RichEscape Music Productions Experience. This is just the beginning of much more to come. R&R solicits your prayers and support as they continue on their vast journey toward the prize through the incredible gifts of music and ministry. - ChristianHangSuite.com

Here is a brand new "inspirational jazz" phenomenon - the duo of Howard Riley & Terrence Richburg known as "R&R"! They bring to the forefront an innovative sound of jazz and gospel flavors. The multi-talented duo cover many instruments... Howard on soprano, alto, and tenor sax, and Terrence on 7-string bass, keyboards, and the list goes on.

They have worked with Stanley Turrentine, Chuck Magione, Kirk Whalum, Vanessa Williams, Donnie McClurkin, Tremaine Hawkins, The Winans , Walter Hawkins, Patti Labelle, Ashford & Simpson, as well as many, many others.

Their new CD release, "Ascension" transcends all expectations as the duo offers spirited grooves and inspiring improvisations which showcase a very high level of musicianship! Whether your looking to relax, join in the joyous celebration, or have a time of, "revival" you will find yourself "ascending" to a higher place in your musical and spiritual experience! - Christian Jazz Artists