Ian Rictor
Ian Rictor is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer based in the Bay Area. He has performed and arranged music throughout the United States and Europe, featuring as a guest soloist at the Wigan International Jazz Festival, the Bansko Jazz Festival, and the Tournai Jazz Festival. He has been fortunate to share the stage with numerous inspiring artists such as Dave Douglas, Dave Liebman, and Rufus Reid, and has performed as an opener for Steve Wozniak and Jay Leno. His editions and arrangements have been performed by the NATO Jazz Orchestra, the NATO Jazz Combo, and the Latvian Armed Forces Band. Ian holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Saxophone Performance from the University of Colorado and pursues a Master of Music in Technology and Applied Composition at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Alive or Dead, What Musician would you do anything to see?
John Coltrane
Greatest Musical Influence?
Charlie Parker has probably influenced my saxophone playing the most. I was exposed to Bird and Diz and Charlie Parker with Strings shortly after I started playing, and that inspired me to continue my musical journey.
Any hidden talents besides music?
I’ll beat you at Mario Kart!
What did you want to be while you were growing up?
At six years old, I was determined to become an astronaut-basketball player. Since then I’ve set my sights on music, and I’ve wanted to be a musician and composer.
If you could have any ‘Super Power’, which one would it be?
Teleportation
If you could master any other instrument which would it be?
Cello or piano for sure
Have you had what people would consider your “15 Minutes of Fame”, and if so when/what was that?
Not yet, but get ready!
It’s your last meal: What would it be?
A really good lasagne
You are sent to a deserted island, and you only have one album to listen to: Which is it?
This is such a hard question! Maybe Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers? Or Illinois by Sufjan Stevens? Or Duke Ellington & John Coltrane? Or We Get Requests by Oscar Peterson? Or Art Blakey Big Band? Can I smuggle some more albums onto this island?
If you could leave one lesson with your students what would it be?
Be honest with yourself and follow your heart