Rich DeFazio began drumming at age 7, doing casuals from age 13, performing jazz, latin, R&B, and Top 40.
Rich studied under local teachers and others, such as Mel Brown (who was with Diana Ross), and Murray Spivak in Los Angeles,
CA. Jazz band drummer at Sacramento City College (studied for three years under Vern Proctor, as well as Percussion Ensemble
under Don Silva), Cosumnes River College, and California State University at Sacramento.
He worked with numerous local bands (Sacramento, CA), as well as doing lounge, concert, jazz, and studio dates from Sacramento
to the Bay Area. For a four-year period was leader of own band. Toured the West Coast, Las Vegas hotel/nightclub/lounge circuit,
across country from the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania to Florida, to the Catskill Mountains of New York, working the resort
areas with various groups.
At the Sahara Tahoe, drummer for FIRE and ICE Dance Review, the GARFIN GATHERING and a six-month stint on the French Riviera
with an En Vogue/Pointer Sisters type review. Spent nine years in Las Vegas, working for many bands, including THE COASTERS,
sister DEBBIE DE FAZIO, SIDROS ARMADA, COCHO ARBY from Peru (keyboardist for Alex Acuna band), BILLY YOUNG (jazz keyboardist)
and PAUL TAYLOR (Paul, jazz saxophonist now with the Rippingtons and his own solo act).
Rich then spent one year as drummer and vocalist in the Emerald Room at Harveyıs Casino, So. Lake Tahoe, for the "Full-Body
Rock" show, with Julie Renn and Scott Thomas, producers. Spent one year with Howard Garfin (jazz saxophonist and percussionist).
A small eclectic ensemble with a latin flare. New York, Florida and Nevada casinos. Drummer and vocalist on the Hornblower
, Lake Tahoe, CA for approximately two years.
Rich entertained passengers and creating a memorable cruising experience aboard ship daily with a contribution of a colorful
and inventive jazz-influenced drum style. He also orchestrated the music.
Rich has also been the recording drummer on 8 CD's for such artists as James Vincent-two CD's (Los Angeles), Lovelace Watkins
(Australia), Rocky Sleight (San Diego), Dave Lynch (New York), Steve Krohn (Fort Bragg), and, most recently, with Don Moors
(The Caribbean) and Jimmy Malone (Sacramento). More recently, Rich appeared on the CD "BACK TO THE ISLANDS", which is a combination
project, with all live drums and percussion performed by Rich.
"Mega-Drummer" Rich currently can be seen doing many gigs from Sacramento to Reno/Tahoe and Las Vegas! He is an amazing drummer
who is always very much in demand!
"Rich Defazio, is one of the regions “first call” drummers. An excellent singer, he is an aggressive yet musical
drummer capable of generating ultimate grooves and rhythmic conceptualizations. He is master technician of electronic drum
kits and a marvel behind an acoustic drum set." -From reanalytics.com
Biography and Photo courtesy of DonMoors.com
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