Rick Maltese & Friends – Jazz Trio/Quartet Indie/Pop
Hot off the press are these three new albums by Rick Maltese & Friends. Rick is the Composer, pianist, singer/songwriter, who is joined by outstanding artists Bill McBirnie, George Koller, Ben Wittman, Neil Chapman and Alison Young. These albums were recorded in 2024 and 2025 at the state of the art studio, Kuhl Muzik in Toronto .
Volume One titled “Not In a Paradise” by RGB Trio, is an instrumental album. Rick is accompanied by Canada’s finest jazz/Latin flautist Bill McBirnie, who is the winner of numerous jazz awards including a JUNO award-nomination; plus the award winning, highly sought after, Canadian and internationally acclaimed bassist and multi-instrumentalist George Koller.
The next two albums Rick Maltese & Friends Vol 2, titled “I’m Hooked Completely”; and Vol 3,”Della Bella Della.” were released in 2026. Rick Maltese sings and plays, with George Koller and Bill McBirnie as the core musicians. Bill McBirnie’s flute solos are amazing and George’s witty and melodic bass lines are priceless. Volume two and three also add to the mix, the dynamic and highly expressive drummer/percussionist Ben Wittman. He has played with many music legends and has been performing with Laila Biali and George Koller on the album “Wintersongs” which was recently nominated for a Grammy. Ben Wittman’s wide contrasting range and punctuated accents never cease to amaze.
Alison Young is a guest for the song “Simply Love” on Volume 2 and she adds emotional depth and a riveting dramatic solo on tenor sax.
Vol 3 adds top lead guitarist Neil Chapman, well known as one the founding members of Pukka Orchestra. He also worked with the great Buffy Sainte-Marie, Leonard Cohen, Rita McNeil, Dan Hill, Zombo Zombo, Rough Trade, Leroy Sibbles, The Satallites and more. He contributes just what the doctor ordered -fabulous lead guitar solos. One of his most notable solos is on volume 3 called “If I Could Be Anything.”
