Rick Gehrenbeck, aka Mr Egg Germ, was born in New York City to a musical family (his father a professional organist) and started on piano at age 7 studying classical music which later evolved into ragtime and jazz. He began playing professionally in bands at the age of 15. An encounter with Herbie Hancock's Thrust outlined the rest of his musical adolescence.
After moving to Chicago in '93, Rick hit the scene hard, playing funk and acid-jazz in dozens of bands. He studied jazz at the American Conservatory of Music and used a Computer Science degree to help construct a high-tech recording studio where Mr Egg Germ was born.
Rick quickly made his way around the Chicago live scene with his unique blend of old-school sounds and jazz/funk stylings, combined with the modern sensibilities of an electronic music producer. This has enabled him to perform throughout the world with legends like Sugar Blue, Bootsy Collins, Gladys Knight, Charlie Wilson, Poi Dog Pondering, Mr ALI, Peven Everett, and the J Davis Trio. He recently co-founded The Booty Movement Coalition with long-time collaborator and jazz grammy nominee, vocalist Typhanie Monique. Finally, he holds a solo jazz residency at Chicago's iconic John Hancock building where he plays once a month.
As Mr Egg Germ, Rick combines his past and present into a melange best described as organic.funk.technology (think deep house, funky down tempo, and soulful steppers). He has released original tracks on Loveslap, ILI, D'lectable, Bass X, Esntion, Fourplay, and LAY. In addition, Rick has produced/performed on countless remixes (Anything But Monday, Roy Davis Jr, Karl the Voice, Melanie Durrant, Patricia Barber, Jesse De La Pena, Uncle Milty, DJ Dealer, Gene Farris, Anthony Nicholson), composed and produced commercial music (Disney, McDonald's, Walter E. Smithe), created a soon to be released kids record, and composed and produced a film soundtrack.
