Ricardo Scales
"The Black Liberace," Ricardo Scales' nickname, only tells part of the pianist's story. Like the real Liberace, he wears flashy attire on-stage when he launches into a set that showcases his incredible versatility. What the nickname doesn't tell you is that the pianist has a determination as tough as steel, and he needed every ounce of it to make it to the stage in the first place. Everything from his performance to his flash makes Scales' piano playing look fun and easy. And if you believe that, you'd be missing an inspiring story.
Although he plays like a master now, it wasn't always so. When Scales was 19 years old, an accident paralyzed his left hand. Severed cords left three fingers curling into his palm. The medical community, including physical therapists and physicians, told him that his dream of being a pianist, and the future he had worked and studied for from the age of five, were no longer possible. In fact, they all said he would never again be able to play the instrument. Unable to accept their prognosis, Scales devised his own therapy. He painstakingly used his right hand to re-teach his left hand to work the piano keys, concentrating on regaining dexterity and motion. At one point, with only partial success, he took work playing the piano for San Francisco State University's department of dance. The injury still plagued his ability to some degree, and class instructors informed him he would make better use of his time and abilities if he found a job as a house painter. Spurred on even more by the insult, Scales redoubled his self-devised therapy sessions. Eventually the pain and sweat paid off. Scales regained the use of his left hand, so much so that it is equal in strength and function to his right hand. He went on to release five CDs, including Straight from the Heart in 2001. For 14 years, beginning in 1982, he performed in San Francisco's Clift Hotel, in The Redwood Room. He schooled himself in a variety of genres and excels in jazz as well as classical, in gospel as well as R&B and funk.
Scales was a musically gifted child. His mother, Patience Scales, was a music teacher. When she saw her son's gift for music, she began imparting an education in music theory. She also found a miniature piano that was just the right size for her child. When he was seven, Scales appeared in a recital for the first time. He studied at his mother's establishment, the Parade of Youth Music School. Two years later, he began receiving instruction from Sir Jules Haywood. His performance during a recital when he was 11 caught the ear of San Francisco Conservatory of Music's founder Lillian Hargehead. Scales studied with her and went on to win a San Francisco Conservatory of Music scholarship. At the school, he became a student of Beulah Forbes and Beatrice Beauregard. He also took part in workshops given by Milt Jackson, Herbie Hancock, and Bill Evans.
© Linda Seida /TiVo
Discography
18 album(s) • Sorted by Bestseller
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Let Me Hold You
Jazz - Released by BAY SOUND - ICU ENT - RRG on 8 Sep 2009
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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All the Way
Free Jazz & Avant-Garde - Released by Bay Sound Records on 19 Sep 2016
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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How Great Thou Art
Jazz - Released by Bay Sound Records on 18 May 2010
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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I Like the Way You Are
Jazz - Released by Bay Sound Records on 15 Mar 2019
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Straight from the Heart
Jazz - Released by Bay Sound Records on 13 Mar 2001
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
My Piano Dances with Me
Jazz - Released by Bay Sound Records on 31 Aug 2022
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
For the Love in You
Jazz - Released by Bay Sound Records on 17 Aug 2010
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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It's A New Day
Jazz - Released by Bay Sound Records on 22 Mar 2005
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Stay with Me
Jazz - Released by Bay Sound Records on 15 Jun 2016
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Yes, I'm Ready
Jazz - Released by Bay Sound Records on 8 Dec 1992
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Doin It Right
Pop - Released by Bay Sound Records on 11 Jul 2000
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Happy Holidays - Forever Love
Jazz - Released by BAY SOUND - ICU ENT - RRG on 8 Sep 2009
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo