Mr. Ric Hall or otherwise best known as, ‘RicJaz’ Guitar is truly an extraordinary example of one of the best musicians to come out of Chicago; putting a “strangle hold” on the talent and mastery of his guitar, as well as the audience before him; only to be expected by that of a seasoned professional musician.Born to the windy city as Cornelius Hall; Ric entails the charismatic and gregarious persona of a high energy guitar histrionic. From his start in the 70’s with Ultimate Power, a local 8 piece band, to leaving Chicago Conservatory College behind to be guitarist for Albert King; Ric has played with Soul, R&B, Jazz, and Blues bands throughout Chicago…The Dells, Jerry Iceman Butler, Chi-Lites, Bloodstone, The Emotions, Dwayne Wiggens and SIDIKE of Toni Tony Tone … to name a few… appearing nationally, and internationally. His resume includes quite an impressive and surreal listing.For 28 of those years he served as the Rhythm Guitarist for the Legendary “Dells” from Harvey, IL; as well as many other R & B groups:

Jerry Butler
Stevie Wonder
Dion Warwick
Eddie Griffen
Robert Townshend ( The Five Heart Beat Tour)
Howard Hewitt
Gladis Knight
Bloodstone
The Emotions
Chi-Lites
Toni Tony Tone
The Drifters
Branding Iron( Original Soul Stirrs Gospel Group)
Dillard Crume
The Wings of Joy (Gospel Group)
Raphael Saadiq
Gospel Song Birds
Buddy Guy
Phil Guy
J.W. Williams Chi-Town Hustlers
Since 2005, Ric has been a distinct member of the Buddy Guy Band, gaining quite a national exposure. His style is versatile and melodic. He’s always ready and willing to interject with those soulful, ‘teeth gritting’ guitar licks. Under Buddy, Ric has performed at the Crossroads music festival two times and shared the stage with the likes of:

Santana
Robert Cray
Johnny Lang
BB King
John Mayer
Eric Gales
In addition to being on tour with Buddy Guy, you can find him with his hands in many other facets:

Doing fund raisers for both political and social causes
Volunteering at a local detention center
Serving as the good will ambassador for the Chicago Music Scene while away and as a local attraction on Monday nights when he is in town
Operating a small independent recording studio, recording & producing local artists, in addition to some of his own projects.
Ric has also preformed in the Black Ensemble Theater. Some of the plays he’s preformed in are:

Chicago Blues
Jackie Wilson
Marvin Gaye
Nat King Cole
The Other Cindy
Teddy Pendergrass
Perfect Duet
Ric has also made appearances on:

Late Night with Jay Leno
The Craig Ferguson Show
Jimmy Kimmel Live
Late Show with David Letterman
Nissan Live
Guitar Center (History of Electric Guitar)
Without knowing it, from the time he wanted to be a singer (which is where it really all started), to getting his first guitar, and on to today, you will see Ric’s natural talents, and distinguished musical abilities emerging from him. Just another reason you will find a real person, when talking to him.

From his start with Albert King, to the many legendary greats along his travels, and magic of Buddy Guy, Ric has maintained the true compassion of kind heartedness, and gentle nature of a pure soul. All of which is known to those who have had the wonderful opportunity of meeting him. Truly loving the life he lives, and living the life he loves!!