Ricardo Soares – or Ricardinho (Little Ricardo) to those closest – is a “capixaba” (the name given to someone born in Vitória, Espirito Santo), was born on the 5th of December 1977. His almost obsessive interest in music started really early and at 5 years of age had already attended his first music and recorder lesson at the church where he regularly. The growing taste for chords quickly led him to learn other instruments such as the violin, the acoustic guitar and… the electric guitar.
The “chemistry” was immediate and soon became an overwhelming passion. As a teenager, 12 or 13 years old, he carried to and fro his Tosca guitar which he named “Jenifer”. His friends just wanted to play football, stickers, and video games. Ricardinho only wanted to play… guitar!
Little did he know how long and hard his route would be. Especially for a long-haired (yes, Ricardo was already long-haired!), skinny kid and “a dreamer”. Nobody took him seriously! They believed that it would only be “a phase”, a fad, finally, “a teenage thing”. But it burned the belief that he would dedicate himself fully to that instrument of wood and metal.
Rock music pulsed through his arteries. At just over 14 years, he was invited to join the band Afterdeath, considered by many as a precursor of the Christian Metal “brasucas” (Brazilian slang for “great team”). From there, he went on to envisage the music in a more Professional way, adding discipline and determination to his already growing talent in the field of six strings. His work in Afterdeath was appreciated beyond the borders of the land of “moqueca” (a traditional dish found in Espirito Santo), pulling compliments from publications such as specialized magazines Rock Brigade, Top Rock (Brasil), Heaven´s Metal (EUA) and Tumba Vacia (México).
After Afterdeath, Ricardo participated in various other bands and musical projects sucsh as the band Kannon, the recording of CDs for singers Wesly Soares, Flávio Gracioth, Tatiana Rangel, Elaine Cristine, Geiziane Siqueira among other luminaries of the “capixaba” musical scene. But it doesn’t stop here. The need to acquire influence, to learn new techniques and to face new challenges prompted him to study with masters such as Mozart Mello, Joe Moghrabi, Vander Taffo, Eduardo Ardanuy and Marcelo Barbosa.
Loyal to the rocker style specialized in “Hard Rock”, with a lot of grit and determination, fast and impressive riffs, combined with a very strict technique. He is always looking for a dose of “feeling” and speed. As he himself says speed doesn’t mean lack of “feeling”, or slowness is a guarantee of having it! Dedicate hours and hours of daily study to perfect the basics and keep in shape.
Ricardo Soares’s debut solo album was released in September 2009 and has some of the “best” participating on it such as Edu Ardanuy (Dr.Sin, Tork), Sydnei Carvalho, Marcelo Barbosa (Almah, Khaliceo), Roger Franco (David Quinlan Band), Luiger Lima and Eliah (Khorus). Yeah, he is definitely amongst exceptional company! On the CD there are anxiously awaited songs that were already known to his public, such as the melodic “Saudade” (a ballad that pays tribute to his late grandfather), “Pâmela” (written for his first child), “Highway”, and “My Choice” (with the vocals of the “awesome” Eliah) amongst others. It is also masterminded and produced, alongside Jota Vox and Michel Top, the virtual project “Heróis da Guitarra” (Heroes of the Guitar), which has artists such as: Edu Ardanuy, Sydnei Carvalho and Alex Martinho, Marcelo Barbosa, Ricky Furlani and Roger Franco.
Such dedication has yielded some good results. Today Ricardo Smith is supported by leading companies in the business. Standing out is Tagima, the largest guitar manufacturer in Brazil and Nig Music, which the largest national producer of strings and effects pedals. Both have given the greatest support and, as well as partnership, investment, gambling on and believe in his undeniable talent. Also by his side are Basso Straps, Landscape Audio, Sparflex Caboss, TSI microfones, Lost Dog picks and Sergio Rosar Pickups, leading brands in this competitive market.
His participation in major shows and events has been a gratifying routine. Participating as a guest with status of “Sponsored Musician” in the mega even Expomusic, in São Paulo, which brought together what is best in Brazil and the world, representing, with pride, musicians from Espírito Santo. He is a “Stamped Figure” and is required at the main stands and “workshops” of his sponsors, having shared the stage with Frank Solari, Marcelo Barbosa, Sidney Carvalho, Roger Franco, Ricky Furlani and other “greats”. During his last tour “Tour 2011”, in São Paulo, besides participating as parto f the Tagima Dream Team which features the cream of their endorsees, had his time split between presentations and pocket shows at the stands of Sparflex Caboss, Nig Music, and the one and only Tagima.
He currently participates in the development of effect modules and Brazilian professional amplifier manufacturers, giving technical advice and contributing his experience and insight. He’s also an instructor for several websites targeting the public guitarist, both for beginners as well as for those of an advanced level, besides playing with the band Worship (www.bandaworship.com.br), which has recently released its CD “Meu Destino”.
Ricardinho put everything, his heart and soul into his career. Professionally, he relies on the unconditional support of his lovely wife Sarah and his number one fans Pâmela and Polyana, his darling daughters. He reconciles his time teaching guitar at his Home Studio.
Finally, Ricardo Soares is a Christian and never shies away from talking about it. He gives great importance to moral and spiritual values, always guided by ethics and the respect for others. He considers his life as a Christian and an unbreakable musician. Rock with sex and drugs? Not a chance! Despite thinking that everyone has free will choose what they want, for him it definitely does not fit. Besides this, Ricardinho is contributing his part to end the prejudice that “Gospel Music is boring or badly played”… Any doubts? Then check out the work of this excellent musician!
By William Hayashi
Translated by Tel Whitty of 