(BIO: SHORT VERSION)
Rick Parnell is a Canadian singer/songwriter who’s walking the road less traveled. Sidelining an enviable corporate career to pursue a passion for song, his music sprouts from the very roots of the Folk-Rock tradition and then subtly suggests new directions. Introspective and captivating, his songs most frequently evoke comparisons to Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and George Harrison. John Lennon and Johnny Cash are influences that also arise when describing Rick's vocal and song writing style ... Complex yet catchy lyrical phrases, solid melodies and impressionistic storytelling.
(BIO: LONG VERSION)
After stepping away from an enviable corporate career in 2008, Rick Parnell indulged his lifelong passion for music. Rick decided to dedicate his time to composing and performing. With his customary discipline and the resilience of a man who finally found his calling, his early songs impressed journyman guitarist and amateur producer Graham Ronne who offered to record a few demos. Though the demos were rough and raw, the songwriting came through and so a six song introductory EP was released through CD Baby. With some early critical acclaim, a broader audience discovered Rick's music and new projects took shape.
Rick’s music and songs sprout from the very roots of the Folk-Rock tradition and then subtly suggest new directions. Introspective and captivating, his songs most frequently evoke comparisons to Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and John Lennon. Harry Nillson, George Harrison, and Johnny Cash are influences that also arise when describing Rick's vocal and song writing style ... Complex yet catchy lyrical phrases, solid melodies and impressionistic storytelling.
A passionate family man, in 2010 Rick began collaborating with his talented (then sixteen-year-old) son, Hart. Aided by producer and recording engineer, Ian Lopez, Rick began production of his first full length CD, “Imperfect Beauty.” A single was released digitally on CD Baby and iTunes (November 2010), with the full digital release in May of 2011. The physical CD was released later in the summer of 2011. In December of 2012 another full album of original songs was released by the newly formed Rick Parnell Band and distributed digitally through CD Baby. Rick has proven a prolific song writer and lyricist continues to perform whenever possible - both solo or with the support of an all-star band.
Born in Calgary, the third of six children, Rick grew up on military bases in Ontario, returning to the West only after graduating university. Rick is a life-long learner with no discernible fear for almost any subject. Music has always been a passion, from imitating Louis Armstrong on the radio as a small child, to performing charity gigs while holding senior management roles. Once deciding to focus on music full-time, Rick began a productive period of songwriting that continues without end in view.
