|
Rex Rideout
producer
l songwriter l arranger l musician
History: You may not recognize
him, but you know his music. Grammy nominated, Rex Rideout could
be considered one of the industry's best kept secrets. From R&B
and pop to smooth jazz to television and radio commercials, Rex
has continued to exhibit his versatile gifts as a producer, songwriter,
arranger and musician, and has quietly built an impressive body
of work. His music can be heard on such artists as Luther Vandross,
Angie Stone, Will Downing, Lalah Hathaway, and Boney James, and
in advertising spots for Coca-Cola, AT&T, Mc Donald's, Budweiser,
Ford Motors and K-Swiss. Hailing from Pittsburgh PA, Rex's interest
in music began at the age of ten when he learned to play the piano
and performed with local groups. Deciding to pursue a career in
music, he moved to Atlanta, meeting up with some of the area's noted
musicians. From there, Rex was led to New York and subsequently
became the live keyboardist for Roy Ayers, George Howard, Noel Pointer
and Will Downing. Roadwork eventually turned into studio work, where
Rex garnered songwriting and production on three of George Howard's
albums on GRP Records and on two of Will Downing's albums on Mercury
Records. Rex's song, "Sorry I" became a Top 10 Urban AC
single as well as a Top 40 R&B single, pushing Downing's Moods
to be a #1 Billboard Contemporary Jazz album. During that same time,
Rex began writing and producing jingles for TV and radio commercials,
as well as developing new artists under his production company.
Showing no signs of slowing down, Rex produced songs on the next
two Will Downing albums, Invitation Only and All the Man You Need,
and was tapped by a number of other stellar artists. Rex contributed
his production of "Silver Bells" on the Christmas album
from SWV. He co-wrote and arranged "Nights In Harlem",
the 1st single from Luther Vandross' gold certified and Grammy nominated
album, I Know. He produced and wrote, "How Could He Hurt You"
which became the 2nd single from The Temptations' platinum certified
and Grammy nominated album, Phoenix Rising. Likewise, renowned smooth
jazz artist, Boney James, features Rex's song, "Are You Ready"
on his gold album Body Language, neo-soulist, Angie Stone, includes
the single "Coulda Been You" on her breakthrough platinum
album Black Diamond, and the soundtrack to the movie Pokemon 2000
incorporates "They Don't Understand" performed by upstart
pop group Dreamstreet.
Taking a step out from behind the scenes, Rex, along with N-Coded
Music President Carl Griffin, created the concept album Club 1600.
Being inspired by Quincy Jones' Q's Jook Joint, Rex set out with
the same approach for the smooth jazz arena. Having two installments
released, both albums were produced entirely by Rex, and featured
a collection of songs performed by some of the most respected names
in smooth jazz including Roy Ayers, Randy Brecker, Gerald Albright
and Maysa. The first album yielded the chart topper, "Stay",
a powerful arrangement of The Tempations' hit song, and the second,
Ridin' High, features the infectious single "Tease" highlighting
Albright's irresistible sax and Rex's own prolific keyboard playing.
Relocating to Los Angeles, Rex continued his producing and writing,
delivering first singles "Somthin' Inside" sung by Dave
Hollister from Boney James' Grammy nominated album, Ride and "Cool
Water" from Will Downing's CD, Sensual Journey. Rex also produced
the Out Of The Blue album for label mate, Maysa and contributed
two songs to Al Jarreau's All I Got (including first single "Secrets
Of Love"). Not letting his "other career" fade, he
completed music for several popular TV and radio spots for Nissan,
General Motors, and K-Swiss.
Current Credits: Rex continued to show his production
and writing talent, with songs on Richard Elliot's Ricochet ("Seven
Sacred Pools", "Sweet Memories" and "So Good")
and on Paul Taylor's Steppin' Out (6 songs including the chart topping
singles "On The Move" and "Steppin' Out"). Moreover,
Rex is most proud to have co-written and arranged three songs on
the highly acclaimed album Dance With My Father from the legendary
Luther Vandross, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 Album
chart and quickly reached platinum certification (now double platinum).
"Apologize", "Hit It Again" featuring Queen
Latifah and "Once Were Lovers" featuring Stevie Wonder
are standouts on this memorable collection.
On the film side, there is the high energy hit "Rain Down"
featuring Angie Stone, The O' Jays, Montell Jordan, Melba Moore
and Zane, which Rex co-wrote and produced for the Paramount Pictures/MTV
Films movie The Fighting Temptations starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and
Beyoncé Knowles. "Rain Down" is also on the accompanying
soundtrack, now certified gold.
Most recently, Rex's work can be found on Will Downing's Emotions,
including current single "Rhythm Of U And Me" and on #1
smooth jazz hit "Talkin' Bout Love" by Peter White. Also
to Rex's credit is his production of the Luther Vandross' hit "Take
You Out" performed by the renowned George Benson, as well as
two songs for Gerald Albright's current set, Kickin' It Up, including
the emotion filled "Condition Of My Heart" which matches
Albright's caressing sax with touching vocals from Shawn Stockman
of Boyz II Men.
Still going strong is a project close to Rex's heart, Forever, For
Always, For Luther. Together with Bud Harner of GRP/Verve Music
Group, Rex produced an entire tribute album to Luther Vandross covering
hits and favorites interpreted by some of THE names in smooth jazz
including Dave Koz, Kirk Whalum, Mindi Abair, Boney James, Lalah
Hathaway, Rick Braun and more. While celebrating Luther, the collection
also supports a worthy cause by having a portion of the proceeds
donated to the American Diabetes Association. In fact, the whole
cast would gather in New York where Rex would be musical director
to raise money for the organization with special headliner, Patti
LaBelle! The concert was a sell out. This labor of love tribute
album and Rex went on to receive a Grammy Nomination and top the
charts with singles from Lalah Hathaway and Richard Elliot.
One of Rex's latest collaborations
is for the new Boney James album, Pure!, including "Think About
Me" and the single "Better With Time" featuring soul
singer, Bilal (which rose up the Urban AC charts and receive much
radio airplay). Additionally, Rex kept more irons in the fire by
writing and producing music for TV and radio commercials, including
spots for the new Bill Cosby produced animated show Fatherhood on
Nick At Nite. After writing and producing on a Christmas album for
Will Downing, Rex looks forward to many exciting projects in the
coming year, including the new 2005 K-Swiss campaign, songs for
the debut album of American Idol Season 3 finalist, LaToya London,
and much more to come.
Rex has
been working with soul artist, Ledisi, over the past year for her
album coming out on Verve/Universal. He's also producing several
songs for the next Paul Taylor album on Peak.
Contact:
Stacy Turner
Turn It Up! Entertainment
818-985-4168 or 818-257-0530
copyright 2004 studioexpresso
|
