Composer/contemporary pianist Richard Carr, native of St. Louis, Missouri, has returned to St. Louis after the ravaging of the hurricane Katrina of his home in New Orleans.

Carr's approach to creating is one of tapping into the free-flowing consciousness of music, Richard is freely improvising on the spot. There are no sequencing or tracking techniques used during the recording. Everything is recorded in real time without any edits.

In this regard, Richard's music has been favorably compared to Keith Jarrett, George Winston and David Lanz. His concerts are highlighted by his apparent ease at the piano or keyboard and his passionate playing. Most of his audiences are also treated with a new composition or improvisation created on the spot.

Carr's improvisational composition style is full of melodic lines and rich harmonies indicative of the classical influences of the American, Russian and French composers of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Additionally, more modern influences as diverse as Mannheim Steamroller, Tangerine Dream, John Adams, Keith Jarrett, Cole Porter, Thomas "Fats" Waller, Steve Reich, George Winston, and George Gershwin are also evident.

The Artist's Notes on American Reflection:

"This project was born with the intent to, in some small way, honor America on its 225th birthday and to express my gratitude and thankfulness to be an American citizen. Many of the compositions have been created from my feelings of my visit to many of the monuments. To say that this project accurately depicts what others may feel upon visiting some of these monuments would be a mistake. I am in awe of the presence and visual impact these monuments have. Take some time to visit Washington, D.C., it is well worth the trip.

As always, this project has not been edited in any way. All compositions are recorded straight through without cuts. Many of the compositions are first time improvisations, allowing myself to freely express the vision and feelings I am trying to portray, capturing the moment of inspiration.

Proudly as an American, I give you American Reflection."