Dark August (1989-1990)

Richard gained a great deal of road experience playing with the well-traveled heavy metal band, Dark August. It was definitely his chance to experience the life of a starving musician living off bar peanuts and the generosity of female fans!

Dark August, whose music showed influence by bands like Iron Maiden and Queensryche, combined large production and loud guitars to entertain crowds from Virginia Beach to El Paso, Texas opening for acts such as Lizzy Borden, Babylon A.D., London Choir Boys, and Pantera.

Straitjacket Smile (1990-1994)

It was during his time with Straitjacket Smile (SJS) that Richard became interested in writing and recording. SJS was an original band based out of "Fat City." Musically they could best be described as a cross between Boston and Bon Jovi. The singing strength of all the members in the band allowed them to build their sound around the use of 70’s style harmony vocals. The band quickly developed a reputation for lively shows and earned a loyal following.

Richard especially enjoyed his time with this band and the opportunity to open for artists such as Cheap Trick, Kansas, Lillian Axe, Foreigner, Strip Mind (With Sully Erna from Godsmack), Zebra and REO Speedwagon. In 1993, the band recorded an EP of originals, "Temporary Sanity", and is presently considering recording a second album to complete the collection for all of the SJS fans.

Mudbone (1995-2000)

As the music scene changed, the band decided to use their talent to earn a living. Mudbone, featuring members from Straitjacket Smile, played cover songs for dances, college fraternity/sorority parties, and rock clubs all over the Eastern United States. Once again, Richard was on the road - even playing at some world-renowned nightclubs such as Rick’s in Key West, and Club LeVilla in Panama City, Florida. It was also during this time that Richard began work with Versailles Records. 

The Second Coming - A Millennium Tribute to 80’s Hard Rock / Heavy Metal

Richard’s first collaboration with Versailles Records was for the album "The Second Coming - A Millennium Tribute to 80’s Hard Rock /Heavy Metal", which featured unsigned bands. He was able to participate on two songs submitted under both Straitjacket Smile and Mudbone. As SJS, the band recorded "Photograph" by Def Leppard and as Mudbone, they recorded "Wait" by White Lion. Both songs were well received by critics and fans.

Fire Woman- A Tribute to the Cult (Release Date June 05 2001)

The successful collaboration with Versailles Records led to the next project Richard woked on, "Fire Woman- A Tribute to the Cult". Richard was heavily involved in this album from recording an individual effort, backing other acts, and assisting in the engineering and production of the final album.

From his home studio, Richard made his lead vocal debut on "Edie (Ciao Baby)". He also handled the backing vocals, guitars and sequencing for this song. In addition, Richard played a supporting role on many of the other songs featured on the album.

He provided the guitars, talk box, and backing vocals on the Cult song performed by Stevie Rachelle, "Outlaw", as well as guitar and keyboards for "American Horse" performed by Jake E. Lee & Tattoo Frank. On "Lil’ Devil", performed by Jim Martin, David Campbell, & Anand Bhatt. Richard played guitar, bass, and contributed to the backing vocals.

He also has credits for backing vocals on songs submitted by other artist including: "Wildflower" by Gilby Clark, "Sweet Soul Sister" by Paul Shortino & Jimmy Crespo, and "Fire Woman" by "Jizzy Pearl". 

Lords Of Karma: A Tribute To Vai/Satriani

Another Versailles release, "Lords of Karma" -- which is a tribute album to the guitar playing of Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. Richard's solo effort was on Steve Vai’s The Attitude Song, which showcased his guitar skills.

Again, Richard supported other artists on this album, providing guitar, bass, drum sequencing and keyboards for Brad Gillis (Night Ranger) on the Satriani hit "Summer Song", Jake E. Lee (Ozzy, Badlands) on "Surfing With The Alien" and George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob) and Tony Harnell (TNT, WestWorld) on "Shy Boy" - from David Lee Roth's "Eat 'Em And Smile" LP...   Plus several other songs. Richard also assisted in mixing and producing this album.

Murder and the F-Word

In December of 2001 Richard wrapped up mixing his first solo album, "Murder and the F-Word". This album demonstrated the many influences and musical ability of this up and coming talent.

American Hair Bands

Richard performed a cover of "When It's Love" by VanHalen on this Versailles Records release -- called American Hair Bands Volume One. There is also a remix of a cover of "Photograph", by Def Leppard, performed by Richard's band Stratjacket Smile.

Best Of Both Worlds (American)

On the Versailles Records release, Best of Both Worlds - A Tribute to Van Halen's David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar, Richard covered the vocals and rhythm guitars on "Panama", featuring guitar legend, Jimmy Crespo. He also re-recorded his own cover of "When It's Love". This record is a first of its kind in the world of Tributes, as it features hits from both David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar's solo catalogs, as well as hits from the Van Halen catalog covering both the Roth (1977 - 1984) and Hagar (1985 - 1996) eras!

Best Of Both Worlds (European)

In July of 2003 MTM Music licensed the "Best Of Both Worlds" CD for some over-seas distribution. This is the new cover art that appears in other parts of the world.

Tribute To Van Halen

Richard's cover of "Panama", featuring guitar legend, Jimmy Crespo has been included on Cleopatra Records/BigEye's Tribute To Van Halen.

Whats:Love? A Tribute To Tina Turner

Near Life Experience

In late 2004 Richard joined Near Life Experience, featuring guitarist/vocalist, Steve Blaze from Lillian Axe. Catch NLE on the road in 2005.

Jasy Andrews - Little Girl (August 2005)

Richard played acoustic guitar on three tracks featured on the debut album, "Little Girl" by Versailles Records recording artist, Jasy Andrews. This is a great record. Check it out.

Always: A Millennium Tribute To Bon Jovi (August 2005)

For this Bon Jovi Tribute record Richard performed "Blaze Of Glory" and I did all the backing music and backing vocals for "Living On A Prayer", which was sung by Derrick LeFevre, the new lead singer for Lillian Axe. Richard was also involved in much of the mixing on this album. Some of the other artists featured on this album include Jasy Andrews, Jizzy Pearl, John Corabi, and Jani Lane.

Nu-Metal Records Presents: The Very Best Of Millennium Metal Volume 1 & 2 (August 2005)

This album features "Share This Tender Moment" off of Richard's solo debut album Murder and The F-Word as well as many new up and coming Metal Artists.

Just Like Paradise: A Millennium Tribute to Diamond David Lee Roth (November 2005)

Richard's cover of "Panama", featuring guitar legend, Jimmy Crespo has been included on this Versailles Records release.

Guitare Attitudes -- Heroes (2002)

In France it seems there is a disc floating around released by a record label called XIII Bis Records which includes some of the stuff Richard has recorded in the past for Versailles Records.... It's a long story.

It's So Easy: A Millennium Tribute To Guns N' Roses(April, 2006)

Versailles Records just keeps 'em coming. On this release, Richard covers "You Could Be Mine" as well as playing guitar and handling production on "Rocket Queen" featuring Derrick LeFevre (Lillian Axe) on vocals, along with Troy Patrick Ferrell (Jani Lane Band, Mike Tramp's White Lion) on drums and Jason Keller (Mudbone) on bass.