I was extremely saddened to hear the Richard Wright of Pink Floyd had passed away on Monday. Pink Floyd is one of my biggest musical influences and their music has touched me on so many levels. I have always been so impressed with Richard Wright’s ability to play the perfect keyboard part at the perfect moment to make Pink Floyd’s music become greater than the band.
I recently wrote a post titled “The Delicate Art Of Playing Keyboards” in which I discussed the skill necessary to successfully play keyboards in a rock band. Richard Wright was a big catalyst in my writing that post since he has been such an influence on my own keyboard playing. I’ve tried to create ambient atmospheres with my keyboard parts that are both subtle and extremely necessary to the mood of the song. The keyboard parts I play on my instrumental song “Ambient” are directly influenced by Richard Wright. Here’s my song:Matt Rushton – Ambient
David Gilmour gave a very eloquent tribute to Richard Wright on Monday that I find most fitting. Gilmour said that Richard Wright’s contributions were often forgotten. Personally, I’d say overlooked possibly but not forgotten. David Gilmour said, “He was gentle, unassuming and private but his soulful voice and playing were vital, magical components of our most recognized Pink Floyd sound,” he said. “I have never played with anyone quite like him.”
So it’s with heavy heart that we bid Richard Wright farewell from this earth. Maybe he and Syd Barrett can finally write some great music together at The Great Gig In The Sky!
