Joshua Rich is a self-taught pianist who discovered his gift for playing and composing at the age of 8.  At the age of 12 he wrote his first song, the very catchy and lasting children’s song, “Trying Vegetables”. With no formal education, Joshua became a professional musician by age 14, when he appeared twice on the local Boston TV program, “Community Auditions”, which launched the careers of many other artists, including the comedian and actress Sarah Silverman. At the age of 17, Joshua began performing in piano bars (even though he was under age!), and taught himself how to accompany and music direct variety shows at various high schools in the area.

 

Foregoing college in in order to pursue a professional musical career, Joshua moved to San Francisco and was signed to a new age piano label which produced his first album of original piano solos, “Discover”.  This timeless album was so well received that it made its way to the Library of Congress.

 

After a brief stint in Los Angeles, where Joshua continued to hone his songwriting, piano and music directing skills (including being asked to perform and musically coordinate the Arizona AIDS Gala for renowned actress and activist Elizabeth Taylor), Joshua returned to San Francisco where he perfumed as a solo pianist and accompanied many jazz singers.  

 

It was there he met his first wife and eventually had two sons, which led him back to the East Coast.  Settling in the Washington, D.C. area, Joshua discovered his gift for composing and performing children’s music, and he music directed and played for many productions at the historic Adventure Theater in Glen Echo, Maryland, which featured his original songs.  Around this time, he also became a school performer, and created a multi-cultural interactive musical program, “It’s A Global Thing”, which he performed at a multitude of schools and such luminary venues as the Kennedy Center.  Joshua also created, wrote and released the children’s album with the same title, “It’s A Global Thing”.  His follow-up children’s album, “Trying Vegetables”, would come a few years later.  His work with children also led him to work with the award-winning composer and conductor Marvin Hamlisch, who hired him to accompany and musical direct several children’s choirs for several events, including ones for then-Senator Edward Kennedy, and later, then-Vice President Al Gore.

 

Joshua was divorced and re-married during this time, and had another child, this time a daughter, who inspired many songs (as all of his children did), all of which eventually made it onto his breakthrough solo piano album “Rain”.

 

While continuing to make his living as an accompanist, pianist and music director, Joshua also found a knack and talent for directing, and began working as a musical theater and drama teacher for children and adults.  He also continued to compose, releasing several albums of original pop music, jazz and classical improvisations.

 

During this time, Joshua was divorced again, and put together a national tour, which culminated in a performance for the Race for the Cure in Northern California.  He also had the wonderful fortune to meet and work with Randy Newman, who was extremely impressed with Joshua’s talent and songwriting abilities.

 

His piano skills and natural musicality also made Joshua a great fit as a studio musician, and he has played on countless albums over the years, working in studios all over the country, including a chance encounter to drop in at a session with the hugely successful recording artist, singer, songwriter and arranger, Luther Vandross.

 

In the late 2000s, a short period of time was spent living and working in New York City, where Joshua performed at piano bars, clubs, and also accompanied Broadway performers.  Returning, to the D.C. area, Joshua fostered his initial love for the movies by becoming an actor and screenwriter, and has appeared in a variety of independent and college films, as well as many commercials.  He has also written several screenplays, and produced a few short films.

 

With his children getting older, Joshua moved to Colorado, where he is currently based out of.  It was there he met his current wife, the acclaimed vocalist, composer, multi-instrumentalist and entrepreneur Kari Kraakevik.  Together they work as music teachers, music directors, directors and also formed the jazz duo “Take Two”, which features their original compositions of songs in the style of Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, as well as creative arrangements and performances of songs from the American songbook.  This duo has taken Joshua and Kari across the state and even to Europe, performing in jazz clubs in the UK, Italy and France.

 

Joshua continues to write, perform and share his incredible gift at the piano with audiences all over the world.  He is currently represented by the Mila Arts Agency and is excited about whatever comes next!