| Ric'key
Pageot - Biography
![]() Ric’key Pageot is a pianist, keyboardist, producer, composer, arranger, musical director, born and raised in Montreal, Canada. In the past two year, Ric’key has been managing, producing, and collaborating with Montreal singer/songwriter Dessy Di Lauro. Her EP, ‘A Study of a Woman’ Soul’ is a blend of Soul, Latin and Jazz and her first single, ‘When You Need Me’ has played on FM commercial radio stations in Canada, France, UK, Brazil, and Indonesia. Presently, Ric’key is musical conductor and keyboardist for the latest Cirque Du Soleil touring production, Delirium. The large band consists of an impressive eleven musicians and six lead singers, among them, Dessy Di Lauro. Ric’key was called to lead Cirque’s first ever arena- type show. Ric’key comes from a musical family. As a child, his parents noticed his interest for the piano. They initiated him to private lessons in classical music at the tender age of eight. Meanwhile, his father Fritz, whom is an accomplished touring bass player, introduced Ric’key to numerous styles of music and artists such as, jazz, soul, Latin music, and rock. His big brother, Steve, 2004 Grammy winner, was studying classical flute, winning major music competitions around the province of Quebec and Canada. By the age of twelve, Ric’key was performing in festivals with his family. In 1990, The Pageots opened for the very popular Canadian folk pop/rock group, Hart Rouge. Ric’key was already getting experience on big stages at a very young age. He went on to study in an intensive music program at the Pierre-Laporte High School of Arts, where he continued his classical piano lessons and taking advanced courses in music theory, history and ear training. Ric’key pursued his post-high-school studies at Vanier College in Montreal majoring in music. Ric’key also continued participating in piano competitions where he became the first in Vanier College’s history to win both “The Prix d’Expression du Quebec” in Classical and Jazz categories, in 1997 and 1998 respectively. Outside of school, Ric’key sang in the professional Gospel Choir, UMOJA for three years. They sang in many festivals in Canada including the Saskatoon Jazz Festival and the Moncton Jazz Fest. After college graduation, Ric’key continued his education at the highly respected music faculty of McGill University where he received scholarships to pursue his studies. Ric’key says of McGill: “This is where I truly began learning the jazz language”. He was introduced to the playing of Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Montreal’s own Oscar Peterson. Ric’key also enrolled in advanced jazz composition and Big Band arranging courses at McGill. He completed his bachelor degree in 2003, with a major in jazz performance. During his studies, Ric’key was already teaching piano at a local music school and gigging professionally. In little time, he acquired tremendous experience as a bandleader when he started, in 1997, his own original compositions Latin-jazz trio, Jazzma. He booked his band in several events and venues across Montreal. In 2001, Ric’key also began playing outside of the jazz scene in Montreal. He was being called to back up the best in the RnB/ Funk scene in the city. He has accompanied Philadelphia’s Lizz Fields for The Montreal Funkn’Soul Festival and opened for Brian McKnight and Cesaria Evora at The Montreal Jazz Festival. In 2002, Ric’key played keyboards in the first run of the most successful Motown Music Review in Canada, “Motown Generation” in Quebec City. In 2003 and 2004, he went on to tour France with recording artist, Corneille, who’s album ‘Parce qu’on Vient de Loin’ has been certified double platinum in France and platinum in Canada. Ric’key also ventured in the Latin music scene by playing with Brazilian recording artists and Canadian JUNO Award winners, Monica Freire and Paulo Ramos among others. Since 2003, he has been collaborating with sensational Montreal–based singer/songwriter Dessy Di Lauro. They released there debut EP ‘A Study of a Woman’s Soul’. Ric’key’s credits on the album include production, composition, arranging, keyboards, and background vocals. Ever since, he has also been managing her career. They have performed at The Montreal International Jazz Festival in 2004, The Legendary SOB’s in New York City, Detroit’s Motor City Music Conference, Toronto’s Canadian Music Week Conference & Phemphat’s Honey Jam. While on tour with Cirque Du Soleil for the year, the pair will begin pre-production for Dessy’s upcoming full CD, ‘An In-depth Study of A Woman’s Soul’. Performances: Cirque Du Soleil’s Delirium: Cirque’s first arena touring show Montreal International Film Festival (September 2005/Montreal): Closing Ceremonies with JUNO award winner, singer Monica Freire. Montreal’s Italian Week Festival (Little Italy, August 12th, 2005) Mont-Tremblant Jazz Festival (Mont-Tremblant, Qc August 13th, 2005) Honey Jam Showcase (Toronto, ON, August 14th, 2005) Mercury Lounge (Ottawa, August, 19th, 2005) Upstairs Jazz Club (Montreal,Qc, August 21st, 2005) Motor City Music Conference (Detroit, MI, April 22nd, 2005): Dessy and Ric’key were chosen among thousands of applicants to perform in Detroit, Michigan. SOB’s Club (New York City, NY, March 16th, 2005): Dessy and her writing partner Ric’key showcased their originals in one of New York’s City’s most renowned club’s. Canadian Music Week (Toronto, ON, March 3rd, 2005): Dessy and the whole band performed in Canada’ biggest music conference, in front of industry professional from the U.S. and Canada. Centre d’Exposition L’Imagier Music Festival (July 2005/ Gatineau): Performance with his Afro Funk jazz Quintet, Jazzma. Tour in France with Corneille: From the month of October 2004 until December of the same year, Ric’key performed in over 40 shows in France and Canada with double platinum selling artist, Corneille Cities and venues included the Zenith in Paris, Strasbourg, Brussels, Bordeaux, Nice, etc. Mont- Tremblant’s Rhythms Music Festival (Mont-Tremblant/ August 2004): Performance with Dessy Di Lauro Montreal International Jazz Festival 2004: Numerous performances with Dessy Di Lauro and Monica Freire Montreal’s Funk N’ Soul Festival: Performances with Philadelphia recording artist Lizz Fields and Toronto recording artist, Shane Phillips. 36th Ed. of The Granby International Music Competition: Finalists in Group category with band, Jean & Les Pignons Soul Confessions Showcase: Dessy Di Lauro featuring Ric’key Pageot opening act for A.K.A Soulo at Montreal’s Club Soda Dessy Di Lauro feat. Ric’key Pageot Showcases: Ric’key is producing, co-writing, and co-composing with Dessy. Ric’key Pageot & Jazzma: Performance at the Lion d’Or Show Bar, February 27th, 2004 Brazilian Music Festival: Numerous performances with Monica Freire at The Montreal Casino (February 2004) Festival Coup de Coeur: Performance with Corneille (Montreal/November 2003) Brian McKnight’s “Turn Tour”: Opening act at the Metropolis in Montreal with Corneille - September 2003 Festijazz in Rimouski with Monica Freire- September 2003 Toronto Harbourfront Festival with Monica Freire- July 2003 Festival Musique en Nous in Montebello with Monica Freire–July 2003 Festival Fête de la Musique in Mont –Tremblant with Monica Freire – Summers 2002 and 2003 Festival des Francofolies de Montreal: outdoor show with Corneille, playing in front of an official estimation of 12,000 people in downtown Montreal- August 2003 Cesaria Evora at The Montreal International Jazz Festival: Opening act with Monica Freire playing for a sold out music hall at La Place-des–Arts (3,000 seats)- July 2003 Tour with Corneille 12 cities in France including Paris, Marseille, Lyon - May 2003 The Montreal International Jazz Festival: Outdoor show with Monica Freire-July 2002 Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival: Monica Freire- June 2002 Afro-Cari Fiesta 2002: with Ric’key Pageot & Jazzma at Montreal’s Club Soda- May 2002 Discography VAI: multi platinum selling French rapper Dessy Di Lauro: A Study of a Woman’s Soul (Crazyglue Music, August 2004) Ric’key’s credits include production, arrangements, co-writing & composing, keyboards and background vocals. Andres Hellinghs Presents “Soul Exposed” Compilation featuring “When You Need Me” by Dessy Di Lauro (UK, Expansion Rec. / 2005) Shane Phillips: Toronto recording singer/songwriter with his album set for release later in 2005 Chhaya “Just Like You” (Rawtari records/Madacy, 2002) Ric’key co-wrote and produced the single ‘Tired of Being Alone’ Marc-Yves Volcy: A Flots Et A Delire 4CD set (Independent, 2002) Voodoo Jazz: Groovus Bestius (Independent, 2001) Marco Volcy: Ame Soul (Musicor, 2000) Album included internationally known musicians such as Oliver Jones, late great Charles Biddle, Michel Cusson, and Daniel Lavoie Guy Pageot and the Island Connection: Pa laguem (Guy Pageot Production/1993) Videography: Butta Babees: “You Don’t Want It” Television Appearances: ABC Morning Show Dallas: Interview (April, 2006) FOX Morning Show Detroit: interview and performance (Feb, 2005) Cool TV Satellite Television: Live one hour performance with Dessy Di Lauro. VibePlus: Ric’key and Dessy Di Lauro performance and interview for Montreal’s most watched urban television show. (April, 2005) Soul Call. In studio interview on CH cable television (September 2004) SOS Racisme: Performance with Corneille (Paris, France/November 2003): Radio-Canada Television: The Morning Show watched by millions across Canada playing with singer Luck Mervil (February 2003) CBC Television: The Great Canadian Dream broadcasted across Canada, performing with Luck Mervil. (May 2002) Télé-Québec Television: Les Choix de Sophie with Corneille (Fall 2002) Musimax (Spectra Productions): Filming in front of a live studio audience for the 23rd annual Montreal International Jazz Festival with Monica Freire. (July 2002) Noir de Monde: Interview with Harry Delva (May 2002) Write-ups: AC Weekly: (July 5th-12th, 2006) Atlantic City’s weekly newspaper interview New Pittsburgh Courrier: (July 5th-12, 2006) Weekly newspaper interview The Mirror: Non-Stop Big Top by Scott C (Dec8th-14th, 2005, Montreal) The Gazette: Life’s a Circus For Duo by T’cha Dunlevy (Saturday Dec 3rd, 2005, Montreal) La Presse: Dessy vient de partout, Dessy est partout by Alain Brunet (Friday Dec 2, 2005, Montreal) Straight No Chaser Magazine: EP review by Dom Servini (Autumn 2005 issue, UK & international) Echoes Magazine (UK): EP review by Chris Wells (March, 2005 issue) La Press (Montreal): EP review by Alain Brunet (February 12th, 2005) SoulSite.de: EP review by Joerg Michael Schmitt ( February,2005) Montreal Mirror: Dessy Di Lauro feat. Ric’key Pageot “A Study of a Woman’s Soul” album review by Scott C Magazine AVRIL: Portrait de Dessy Di Lauro by Carla Beauvais, Summer issue, 2004 Magazine Influence: Dessy Di Lauro & Ric’key Pageot by Jacinthe Campagna, June 2004 issue, number 15 www.mozaikmedia.com La Voie de l’Authenticite by Lydie Yabeko www.montrealmusicscene.com : Show Review by Pepe, May 14th, 2004 The Montreal Mirror: The Incubator by Scott C, Feb 5-11 2004, Volume 19, number 33 The Gazette: Jazz Festival dream come true for young musician by Anne Sutherland, Wednesday June 21, 2000 Endorsement: Universal Audio Equipment Awards: FACTOR 2005 Domestic/International Showcase support grant for Canadian Music Week with artist Dessy Di Lauro featuring Ric’key Pageot project Music Competition –Prix d’Expression du Quebec 1998 1st Place in Jazz category (Jazz Trio) Music Competition – Prix d’Expression du Quebec 1997 1st Place in Classical category (Solo Piano) Music Competition – The Montreal Classical Music Festival 1993 2nd Place (Duo Piano with Nicolas Issid) Music Competition – The Montreal Classical Music Festival 1991 3rd Place (Solo Piano) |