My Favorite Worcester Guitarist: Rich Falco

I will almost certainly deserve to be called self-serving for this (because sometimes I get to play with him), but I really think Rich Falco is not getting the rewards he deserves for all that he adds to the local music scene. Many may not know how hard Rich works, or the troubles he's had to endure (on which I am totally mum, because Rich would be embarrassed if I wrote about them), but since I do, and since as someone who gets to perform with him from time to time I know just how musical he can be under even the most difficult circumstances, I'd like Worcester to sit up and take notice of him. What really ticks me off is how few opportunities he gets to play locally in front of a public audience, in spite of how much Rich has given to Worcester's musical life over the years. It's not as if the local jazz community hasn't heard of him; quite the opposite. But when was the last time they gave anyone -- including themselves -- the chance to hear him play? And meanwhile, whenever anyone wants him to conduct a WPI group for some charitable purpose he does it gratis, often missing out on paying gigs (I know, because I've tried to book him and discovered the conflicts).

So ask yourself, jazz fan: When was the last time I got to hear a really great jazz guitarist in Worcester? And then wonder why it's been that long, when Rich Falco LIVES here!