Achievments
2010
Richard's unreleased "Nothing But Heartache" (written during the time of an untimely & unexpected divorce) is included on the Baltimore Songwriter's Association Compilation, Volume Five. Those who frequent Richard's solo & group performances will be familiar with this song. Recorded & produced by Richard at The Pond studios, the song features Crack The Sky drummer Joey D'Amico, recording artist Tom Alonso & Straight On Red's Tecla Walton.
Richard was invited and accepted the lead singer role in the established Baltimore-based variety band, The Release. This reunites Richard with his friends; drummer Brian Richardson & guitarist Tom Henninger. The band's motto is "the only band you'll ever need", with their wide range of music.
2009
The Baltimore Jazz Alliance has chosen the Richard Walton Group's original composition "Across The Tracks" for their 2nd compilation CD of selected Baltimore jazz artists. The 15 track CD will be titled "Baltimore Jazzscapes II" and will be available in July, following a CD release party hosted by WEAA-FM at the Eubie Bake Center. We are very proud to be included on both of the BJA CD releases!
After a long 2 year wait, 2009 began with the CD release of “Down To The Wire: A 40th Anniversary Tribute to Poco”, which features Richard’s mostly solo acoustic, un-plugged version of their 1980’s hit “Save A Corner Of Your Heart”. Released on the California based Futuredge Music label (www.futuredge.com), this professionally produced CD also features 17 other tracks by artists from around the world.
Richard joined the team of recording artists at ReverbNation. With much surprise and no advanced promotion, The Richard Walton Group’s instrumental version of “Lost Inside Her Smile” reached #1 on the Mid-Atlantic Region Jazz charts on www.reverbnation.com
Straight On Red (Tecla, Richard & Kevin) participated in the original Easter music & drama production of “The Payment”, written by Rev. Sherrie McKay. The DVD is now available at www.bethanylanebaptist.org
2008 began with the completion & release of the debut Straight On Red CD; simply titled Straight On Red. It featured 5 of Richard's original co-writes & compositions and a cover of Van Morrison's "Did Ye Get Healed". The music was arranged by Tecla, Kevin & Richard; with Kevin & Tecla writing all of their parts for the arrangements. This CD was produced, mixed and engineered by Richard and mastered by the wonderful talents of Doug Milton in Colorado. The 'unofficial' CD release was at Catonsville's Overhills Mansion; part of a luncheon fundraiser for NAMI (the National Alliance of Mental Illness). Founding Straight On Red guitarist Drew Davidsen guested on 2 tracks, with Tim McFadden, Sandy Howard, Michele Caldwell, David Meer and Bill Dumas contributing on "Shine Your Light". The group played regularly at the Pour House Cafe in Westminster (built up a following there) and ended the year at the Amazing Grace Coffee House Concert Series at Oliver's Carriage House w/ the talented music of Rick & Margaret LaRocca.
It's great how God works in ways we sometimes cannot comprehend or for see. Early in June, Richard was invited to audition to be the primary lead singer of the established, classic acoustic rock cover band, FOG (Five Old Guys) by Richard Walton Group members Mitchell Shaivitz (drums) & David Meer. (lead guitar/vocals) After the audition, the band leader/guitarist/vocalist Mark Hoffman and bassist/vocalist Frank Frazier also felt that Richard would be an ideal replacement for departing original lead singer Jeff Powers. After much thought and prayer, Richard accepted the position and proceeded to learn enough material to play an upcoming summer & fall of pleasant, constant performances. Richard also felt that replacing Jeff was shoes he could not fill, the band was patient and encouraging enough to deal with Richard's schedule & slow learning curve of learning the cover music like the artists originally did them. Overall, fans of the group accepted the change and the blending of their voices for the harmony driven material seemed to be very natural. If you like CSNY, the Beatles, America, etc... then you should check out FOG!!
2007 began a new level & chapter for the band. It didn't take too long to find dedicated, positive & talented players to uplift the group from the ashes of Drew & Dave K starting their own venture into the same territory that RWG is already in. Michael Bronson, Gabrielle Murphy & Mike Gottleib eagerly accepted invitations without hesitation. These 3 musicians have willingly learned a lot of the band's compositions; giving the songs new life and spark. The band looks forward to writing and recording new material soon.
Richard completed a recording project with singer/songwriter Laurence Baer. The CD "Across A Bering Strait Bridge" features 14 heartfelt songs, from the pen of one of the best songwriter's to emerge from the Mid-Atlantic. The project features Baer, bassist/singer/engineer Walton, percussionist Nuc Vega (Mel Bay), string wizard Orin Starr, vocalist Katie Turyna, violinist Tecla Heuring (Straight On Red), violinist Rickie Simpkins (Emmy Lou Harris), vocalist Susan Slavia, dobroist Mike Aldridge (Seldom Scene), pianist Frank Grow, etc... You can find out more about the project and order information at www.laurencebaer.com.
Tecla, Kevin and Richard (Straight On Red), with the encouragement & leadership of Bethany Lane Baptist Church's Minister Of Music Sherrie McKay, began a path of music ministry at the church as the nucleus of 'the Green Tea Team'. This team also includes vocalist Laura Fortney, drummer Steve Cherry, acoustic guitarist Tim Ferguson and bassists Tony Compofelice / Danny Wolf / Jordan Kniffin. This experience has led to many inspired and sometimes improvisational worship services. It has also spawned new original compositions to be included in these services and future Straight On Red recordings.
Drew Davidsen, the former creative lead guitarist in RWG, released his first professional instrumental smooth jazz CD called "This Journey". This excellent CD features some of Drew's best guitar playing & compositions. It also features the engaging sax work of Dave Krug (who also served in RWG). The CD has received national attention and airplay. Drew also received a Momentum Award from Indie Heaven as 'Best Jazz Artist Of The Year'. For more information and to purchase a CD, please visit his website at: www.drewdavidsen.com
Straight on Red member Tecla Heuring, left her music teaching profession to begin a career in professional dog training. Her new business, Angel K-9, incorporates her many years of dog training under the likes of national trainers T Floyd, Sheila Booth & Michael Ellis. She attended the Tom Rose Dog Training Academy in Missouri for the latter half of 2007 to further her studies in operant conditioning, motivational & traditional training methods. House calls, private dog training, sport obedience, group lessons, etc... she does it all in a professional, caring manner. For more information on her business & accomplishments, please visit www.angelk-9.com
In the fall, The Pond recording services was hired by Johns Hopkins University to do production work for their series of medical training videos. Richard engineered and produced these sessions, which included voice overs by the multi-talented Katie Turyna.
2006
The group (Richard, Andrew, David, Eric & Jacob) received 4th place (finalist) in the instrumental category of the 23rd annual Mid-Atlantic Song Contest for their composition "Junction" from their new CD "Junction".
The Richard Walton Group celebrated the release of it's 4th CD release, "Junction", with a very successful concert with national acclaimed guitarist Carl Filipiak (and his accomplished group). This outdoor jazz concert was sponsored by the wonderful folks at Chapelgate Church. "Junction" features the creative talents of group members David Meer (guitars) , Eric Robertson (drums), Drew Davidsen (more guitars), Mitchell Shaivitz (percussion), Richard (bass guitars/production) and Jacob Yoffee (saxophones). This CD is a total group effort; with everyone writing & arranging. For the first time, the group has recorded a 'cover song'; Stevie Wonder's beautiful "Golden Lady", which originally appeared on his 1973 masterpiece release "Innervisions". Special guests include Tom Alonso (composer/recording artist) , David Bach (composer/recording artist) , David Krug (current RWG saxophonist/composer) , Joe Spatarella (recording artist/ BSA VP) and Rick Witkowski (Kathy Troccoli, Crack The Sky, B.E. Taylor, etc) .The multi-talented John Grant at Secret Sound provided the stellar mixes, with most tracks recorded and pre-produced at Walton's home studio, The Pond.
Richard releases his seventh CD, "Vessel", an all vocal project; actually something he has never done before. The work of many talented Mid-Atlantic / BSA songwriters and players graces this CD and makes it a real 'community effort'. There are three co-writes with BSA singer/songwriter/VP Joe Spatarella, a lot of help from BSA singer/songwriter Tim McFadden, a rhythm section of Walton (bass & acoustic guitars), Tom Alonso (keyboards), Mitchell Shaivitz (drums) and Bob Margolis / Andrew Davidsen (guitarists) on a lot of the tracks. The multi-talented John Grant at Secret Sound provided the stellar mixes, with most tracks recorded and pre-produced at Walton's home studio, The Pond.
Congratulations!! The Richard Walton Group placed 3rd in the Music Monthly "Mid-Atlantic Reader's Polls" for BEST MID-ATLANTIC INSTRUMENTAL GROUP.
Howard County Times reporter Lane Page tracks Richard down for an interview and a feature story on the group's latest songwriting award. Click here for full story: Howard County Times. This follows a year of very productive songwriting with various collaborators and genres.
Richard's good friend, singer/songwriter/producer Mark Renner has just released his new CD "Goldenacre". If you are not familiar with Mark's work, he is one of the pioneers of original music in the Baltimore area. He actually has a bunch of releases and actually had serious worldwide distribution and major label interest. Richard did some engineering and vocal production on some of the tracks on "Goldenacre". Check out his website at: www.kelvingrovemedia.com, buy a copy of his CD and see why Richard is blessed to be working with an artist like Mark.
2005
The group welcomes newest member, saxophonist David Krug. David provides a new dimension for the group's sophisticated sound. He has certainly risen to the challenge as a performer of the group's material and the band is looking forward to writing new material with David. Again, God has truly blessed us with a great person and player. Andrew has to be recognized here for introducing us to such a fine person & musician. Thank you Drew!
Another one of the group's latest compositions, "Find An Out", was an honorary mention (4th place) as a finalist in the 22nd Annual Mid-Atlantic Song Contest in the Jazz / Blues / Instrumental category. The song is part of the group's upcoming new CD, "Junction", due in 2006.
The group performed their original music to thousands at Catonsville's 4th of July Parade on the Lurman Woodland Theatre float as part of the 'Catonsville - Music City Maryland' theme. The float was recognized and voted as 2nd place for 'Best Organization' in the parade.
The group returned for the third time to the legendary Blues Alley - Washington DC's Best Jazz Supper Club!. The group also performed numerous times for WSMJ 104.3-FM 'Smooth Jazz Sunday Brunch' with legendary radio personality Randy Dennis. 59 Lake, Rehoboth Beach's newest upscale restaurant, hosted the group throughout the year. The summer found us in August the beautiful Mason District Park in Annandale, Virginia and was warmly received by a full capacity crowd. Other highlights included return performances to the Columbia Lakefront, Columbia Village Centers and the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival (Eden Restaurant)
Richard's unreleased "Lost Inside Her Smile" (co-written with BSA VP Joe Spatarella) is the lead-off track on the Baltimore Songwriter's Association Compilation, Volume Four. Those who frequent Richard's solo & group performances will be familiar with this song. Recorded at the Pond, Secret Sound and Studio E, the song features Joe, Tom Alonso, Jacob Yoffee and Drew Davidsen) Release date: December 2005.
Richard participated in more church activities with the morning worship team, the Fusion worship team, six months of Men's Fraternity and six months with a divorce/separation support group ministry. This year also brought a new awareness in songwriting; hosting numerous activities with Baltimore Songwriters Association (BSA) members Joe Spatarella, Iris Ann Hirsch, Laurence Baer, Ed Kaitz and others. This produced a lot of great songs from everyone and lots of fun! Richard also worked more at The Pond (his home digital studio) with songwriter/artist Joe Spatarella on his second CD EP "Not What You Say" (producer, engineer) with songwriter / producer Kate Turyna (engineered her full-length CD project); with songwriter/artist Iris Ann Hirsch (engineered & produced "Family Reunion") and other assorted sessions. Between all of this, Richard has been working on tracks for his long-overdue upcoming solo CD.
Drew and Richard formed Akoostikatz and took their musical spontaneity to many different places & venues. Richard also performed more solo acoustic guitar and vocal jobs than in recent years.
The group wishes Jacob Yoffee all the best in his recent move to Pittsburgh with his lovely and talented bride, Brook. Jacob will always be welcome as a member with the group and we feel that the feeling is mutual. Jacob's professional performance & compositional contribution to the Richard Walton Group has been immeasurable. It was so much fun traveling and playing music with such a good person & friend. God has surely blessed us with Jacob's talents - we hope that others will recognize & appreciate his musical skills as well. Check him out at on myspace Jacob Yoffee Brother, thank you so much!
2004
Click here Howard County Times to read the group's article from the Howard County Times regarding it's enhanced CD release of "Live At Blues Alley".
The group's latest two compositions: "Cab Fare" and "Across The Tracks" were honorary mentions as finalists in the 21st Annual Mid-Atlantic Song Contest in the Open 1 catagory ( Latin, World, Reggae, Instrumental, Jazz, Blues, Blugrass) These songs are part of the group's upcoming new CD, "Junction", due in 2005.
On March 29th, the Richard Walton Group hosted a successful "Live At Blues Alley" CD release party at the famous Blues Alley Jazz & Supper Club in Washington, D.C. This release is Richard's 6th CD of original music. The performance features his talented group of friends & musicians: David Meer, Andrew Davidsen, Eric Robertson & Jacob Yoffee. This is a special CD in many ways. It features two new songs from a completed, yet unreleased instrumental studio project. It was recorded during the debut that the group made at the legendary jazz club, plus it is a 'enhanced' CD, with live bonus footage.
2003
Thanks to God and the continued prayers for Eric Robertson, who is on a steady road of recovery from his battle with cancer. In February, the group performed at Jammin Java in Vienna, Virginia (with the great original group: Reality Jones) to help the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In November, the Group helped super organizer, Jerry Pilcher, to raise funds for the Society at the Tibre River Tavern in Ellicott City, Maryland. Special thanks for those who attended and contributed.
The Richard Walton Group debuted at Blues Alley, Washington D.C.'s Premier Jazz Supper Club in late August. The nearly sold-out show was recorded and the Group was well recieved. Most of the material performed were compositions from their upcoming release "Junction". They will be returning there in 2004, possibly as part of a CD release party.
Richard has been busy in the studio this entire year. He has been writing, engineering and producing tracks for the upcoming Group and long-anticipated solo CD's. He also has produced, engineered or guested on projects with fellow BSA writers Joe Spatarella & Iris Hersch, Joey Dickson, the Denouncements, etc.
Richard has also participated in worship ministries at Meridian Nursing Home and as a bassist at Grace Community Church's Praise Band.
2002
The Richard Walton Group made a cameo appearance on the January 16th episode of CBS 60 Minutes II, a segment focusing on synesthesia. The band was filmed in concert in August of 2001 at the Dorsey Search Village Center. Three of their songs were used in the final piece. Due to popular demand, the segment was later rebroadcast in August.
Richard has been chosen to be included on a Poco tribute CD , put together by a UK source. His 'unplugged' version of Rusty Young's "Save A Corner Of Your Heart For Me" was recorded at The Pond and mixed by the talented John Grant at Secret Sound. Future release is pending.
Richard's unreleased "Keepin' The Faith" will be the lead-off track on the Baltimore Songwriter's Association Compilation, Volume II. Those who frequent Richard's solo performances will be familiar with this song. Recorded at the Pond, Secret Sound and Green Hill Studios, the song features Tim McFadden, Debra Tracey, John Grant, Christopher Russell and Mitchell Shaivitz. Release date: December 2002.
WTMD 89.7-FM included Richard's "Where Time Stood Still" on their Best of the Breeze II compilation CD, released in late summer. This CD features Lorenna McKennitt, Carl Filipiak, Jeff Order, Peter Kater, The David Bach Consort, Karen Goldberg and other national jazz recording artists.
2001
Richard re-releases his very first recording project, "The Whole Nine Yards" on CD. The release features a complete digitally re-mastered overhaul, plus 4 unheard bonus tracks and hidden tracks. Included is over 60 minutes of music, most of which are vocal tracks. This limited edition CD, with spiffy design & layout, is still only $10.00 including shipping & handling.
Richard Walton Group's "The Radio Song" is the first, lead-off track of a 4-CD box set issued out by Oasis Duplication! There are 68 songs in the set, featuring regional & national jazz recording artists. It was distributed to 300 North American radio stations.
2000
The Richard Walton Group releases a brand new CD "Hear And Now", with a successful release party at Nottingham's in Columbia, Maryland. Featured 'on stage' guests included Tom Alonso, Deena Gift, Eugene Jubilee & Mitchell Shaivitz.
Two songs from "Hear And Now" won achievements at the 17th Annual Mid-Atlantic Song Contest Awards Ceremony held in Virginia. The title song "Here And Now" (Walton/Jubilee) won 4th place overall in the Jazz Category. "Riviera" (Walton/Davidsen/Meer/Robertson) won 'honorable mention' in the Open Category.
1999
No Time Like the Present" from RWG's Where Time Stood Still appeared on the Oasis Duplication's 2-CD sampler. It was distributed to 300 North America radio stations.
Two songs from "Where Time Stood Still" and one song from the "Hear And Now" release received awards in this years Mid-Atlantic Songwriter's Contest: "Miss You Already" placed seventh in Adult Contemporary. "Where Time Stood Still" placed eleventh in Adult Contemporary. "Rio Le'" placed fourth in Jazz/New Age and eleventh in Open/World Music.
1998
Notlaw Music enlisted in the services of contemporary/smooth jazz radio marketing/consultant Beth Lewis (Rippingtons, Carl Filipiak, Kim Pensyl, etc.) to promote The Richard Walton Group's new release Where Time Stood Still to the airwaves of North American radio and the Gavin reports. Focus tracks from the CD are "For All Time" (Walton / Betlejewski) & "Dancing Lights" (Dumas / Jubilee / Meer /Robertson / Walton).
The Jones Radio Satellite network featured the instrumental "Rite of Passage" from Where Time Stood Still during the launch of a New Acoustic Jazz (NAJ) radio program format.
Two songs from Where Time Stood Still received awards at S.A.W's 14th Annual Mid-Atlantic Song Contest. "No Time Like The Present" (Jarboe / Jubilee / Meer / Robertson / Walton) won 4th place in contemporary jazz category and "El Baile De La Espina" (featuring Bill Dumas and Carl Filipiak) received honorable mention in the open category.
Richard's award-winning composition "Look At Yourself " (Rick Witkowski's 1998 re-mix) and BOINK's "Oasis" (written by Bill Dumas) were chosen by a panel of judges to be included on the first Music Monthly compilation CD, available in the fall of 1998.
No Time Like The Present (Jarboe / Jubilee / Meer / Robertson / Walton) from The Richard Walton Group's release Where Time Stood Still received a Certificate Of Achievement Award in the 1997 International Unisong Song Contest.
Richard's song, "Lurman", was released in the summer 1998 on a mutiple-artist compilation CD to benefit the Lurman-Woodland Theatre. This song was specifically written/produced by Richard, Bill Dumas & Brenda Bell for the benefit of the theatre. Other artists included on the tape are: Bill Dickson & MTT, Karen Goldberg, Jane Brody, The Lone Starlets, Windy Ridge, etc. The tape is available for $10 through Notlaw Music, Bill's Music and Appalachian Bluegrass in Catonsville, Maryland.
