Ricky "Magic" Malichi

Ricky performing his 'magic'

Ricky and his granddaughter

When asked to write Ricky Malichi’s bio for this web page I said, “Sure, no problem”. A bio about a “local musician”, easy, right? Wrong!. The more I learned, the more I realized just what a task I had undertaken. And the more I realized just what a treasure we have here in El Paso. This bio is composed of two parts: the first of which I’ll call the “vital statistics”, the second will be Ricky’s own words as told to this writer in a recent interview, conducted at the Franklin Lounge at the Sunland Park Casino.

Ricky “Magic” Malichi , was born in Riverside, California, and grew up in El Paso, Texas. He began drum lessons at the age of eight. While attending Andress High, he received eight first division solo and ensemble awards. In 1976, he received his degree in special education at U.T.E.P. and continued his musical studies in the Fine Arts Department. Ricky also studied under the great Alan Dawson.

Professionally, he has performed with some truly great artists, and brought his “magic” to each of these gigs. Ricky has shared the stage with Herbie Mann, David “Fathead” Newman, Chris Calloway, Herb Ellis, Richie Cole, Houston Person, and Chuck Berry.

He co-founded the Latin jazz quartet, “Yoboso”. The group was named the “Instrumental Winner” in the Black Entertainment Television (B.E.T.) Jazz Discovery Competition. In the December, 1998 issue of “Latin Beat” magazine, Yoboso’s recording, “It’s a Shame” was in the top ten Hit Parade. They toured throughout the U.S., Mexico, and Australia.

Ricky has also opened for musical greats such as Tito Puente, Grover Washington, Jr., Poncho Sanchez and Pete Escovido.

He is part of the very talented jazz trio, “The New Impressions”, and they can be seen locally at venues around the city and Southwest. Ricky has performed and taught world wide at over 20 jazz festivals and jazz clinics, some as far away as Australia. A few of the more notable festivals were the “Telluride Jazz Festival” in Colorado, the “Cool Desert Jazz Festival” in Phoenix , Arizona, the “Manly International Jazz Fest” in Manly, Australia, and the “Sundance Film Fest” in Park City, Utah.

Ricky’s greatest satisfaction comes from teaching young aspiring musicians their craft. He has taught clinics at the University of Alaska, Eastern New Mexico University, Marshall University, the University of Southern California, West Virginia State, University of Arizona, Phoenix public schools, New Mexico public schools, and Barrosa Spring Academy, Barrosa , Australia….just to name a few! Recently, he has been very involved with the creation and tutoring of members of the “El Paso Youth Jazz Ensemble”, El Paso’s only high school “jazz big band”.

During our interview, I asked Ricky some questions designed to help our readers understand a little more about the personal aspects of this fine musician. Here follows the interview:

What types of music do you like to relax with at home?
“Old R&B & Motown” Early in my life, it was those musical forms and gospel music that led me to become a musician….this music got inside of me, moved me ,and felt so good”

If you could put together your dream band, musicians past or present, who would be in it?
"Bill Evans, John Coltrane, Miles Davis & Buster Williams"

What was your worst gig ever?
“Back in college we had one with a horrible sound system, coat hangers for mike stands, and we were constantly getting shocked by the microphones!”

What was your best gig ever?
“The Manley Jazz Fest in Australia. We were treated like the Beatles. They were in awe of us because we were the only Americans represented and Jazz is a purely American art form. They listened almost mesmerized by our playing. It’s very gratifying to have that kind of appreciation.”

Who had the most positive influence on your life?
“My mother for her never ending support and my brother in law, Bobby Jo Hill, for understanding my passion for music. They also taught me to be tough, thoughtful, and always have a reason to smile."

Why drums?
“Drums picked me”

What are your greatest accomplishments?
"Family, music, teaching and a love of life." Also, my granddaughter, I guess I had something to do with that. (Ha! Ha!)”

Is there something you dream about doing or would still like to do?
“Yes, I would love to go gliding. You know, get towed up into the sky and just soar. Float along with the clouds. Or take some flight lessons and solo.”

What is Ricky doing ten years from now?
“Still playin’ man, you know, where I want, when I want, and what I want.”

Quotes about Ricky by some “famous cats”:

“You’re always swingin” Herbie Mann
“When listening to Ricky Malichi play, he definitely gets my “Make it look easier than it is” Award. Monster technique, and he also is fun to watch, since it looks like he’s having an absolutely great time.” Diane Mascorella, Anchorage Press
“You are a surprise. You’ve got good time and taste too. Great player.” Jake Hanna
“I’m going to hear more about you” David “Fathead” Newman

Nothing could be truer. Ricky, you’re always swingin’, and we’re always gonna love hearing more from you! Thanks, Ricky.

Ken Vaughan