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Rick Calvert is a folk musician and cantorial soloist / temple musician who turned his talents to composing contemporary settings for liturgical text in 1997. His compositions and performances reveal his dual musical roots of acoustic folk and choral work.

Rick's music caught the attention of producer Fran Avni in 1998, leading to his Journeys CD project (2000). Journeys is an inspirational collection of original, contemporary settings for familiar blessings, Sabbath liturgy, and ethical writings. Of this collection, Cantor Ellen Dreskin (Coordinator, Cantorial Certification Program, Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music at HUC-JIR) wrote, "One never tires of Rick's warm melodies and intricate harmonies. His treatment of the texts is both exhilarating and inspiring."

Rick teamed up with Grammy Award-winning producer Ben Wisch for his second CD, Arise, released in 2013. Arise adds to Rick's catalogue of original contemporary settings for Shabbat liturgy and other sacred texts.

Rick currently serves as a regular guest cantorial soloist at Temple Emanu-El in Westfield, NJ, previously having served in this role for numerous Connecticut congregations, including Temple Beth Tikvah in Madison for 27 years. Rick also performs in concert throughout the country.

A number of Rick's compositions have received individual accolades. His setting for Yis-m'chu was selected for inclusion in Celebrate Shabbat, a collection of exemplary Shabbat music produced by noted contemporary composer / performer / producer Craig Taubman. Rick's Shehecheyanu was selected for use at Hebrew Union College's 2001 Ordination ceremony (New York), and two of his compositions are Shalshelet award-winners (Kumi, Ori!, 2006 festival; Va-y'daber Elohim, 2010 festival).

View all albums by Rick Calvert

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