Catch Chags with the Ken Clark Organ Trio around town when you're in Boston.

    Rick Couto, who had been busy working on the graphics and layout for my CDs was drafted into pinch-hitting on drums for the last tune we recorded, and the results speak for themselves. Actually, I have known Rick in his capacity as a drummer since our high school days - we were both in the school band at East Providence High School. We were also getting in constant hot water at school for wearing moustaches and long hair before this became commonplace - when Rick got elected Senior Class President, that issue just sort of went away, though. Always thinking, Rick. 

    For 25 rock solid years, Rick Couto has kept the beat for Rizzz, one of New England's hottest and most enduring rock bands, also featuring such local luminaries as Klem, Dave Tanury, Jimmy Taitt, Kenny Reynolds, Bobby Weisburger, Paul Savageau, and others. Those years molded him into a seasoned, yet spontaneous music maker. And one who defies category. Let's just say that his musical strength stems from this bold attitude "I'll go for it, no matter what the situation."

    Couto's realm has expanded to embrace a joyous array of Latin and African sounds and rhythms. In the critically acclaimed LaMoia Percussion Ensemble, he pushed the boundaries even further. He's played 30s flavored jazz in the musical "Memories of the Cotton Club," created experimental music for Manhattan's prestigious Hayden Planetarium, and recorded everything from country to jazz to rock & roll, in studios throughout New England.

    As a member of the Joe Parillo Ensemble for seven years Rick was responsible for the color and flavor of the Latin/Jazz sound of the group. Keyboardist Joe Parillo, describes Couto's style as "responsive and energetic."  When asked what Couto brings to the group, it's no coincidence that both Joe and ensemble bassist John DeBossu choose the same word: texture. Couto's response: "I just play what I feel."