World of Colors by Richard Geppinger

When his mother told him he had better start over (he’s right-handed) he complained that he “already knew 3 chords!” He did change however and started on a road that opened up a whole new world of pleasure. He also began to explore the piano a year later and wrote his first song ‘Secret Garden’ (World of Colors). To help him remember which keys to play, he dripped wax on the right ones and found to his horror that hot wax permanently stains ivory.

When he could see the light of day again, he began playing in bands and at the age of 15, played his first concert at the Heart of Texas Fair in Waco. Halfway through the show, they launched into the live version of Led Zeppelin’s ‘Dazed and Confused’ including the 10 minute bow solo, where Jimmy Page is whacking his Les Paul with a violin bow and having it echo back and basically scaring the hell out of everyone – at least in Waco. After several minutes of torturing his guitar (as someone was heard to say) they shut off power to the stage and peace resumed once again for the sheltered inhabitants.

Richard continued to play and write, and soon began playing synthesizer. He bought a Memorymoog in 1983 and did session work in a local studio. Later that year he appeared in a regional television show. In 1986, he moved to Maine and then to Estes Park in 1988

where he began designing and building furniture. Music was laid aside for 5 years until he was invited to play in a variety show at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park. He finished writing and orchestrating a new song ‘Snowfall in Vienna’(The Good Life) as well as learning ‘Cliffs of Dover’ by Eric Johnson. After receiving a standing ovation from 800 people, he realized what was missing in his life and booked himself in the Summerfest Concert Series, which meant that he had to write an hour worth of original music in about three months. He continued to perform in addition to working full-time in woodworking.

In 1997, after 9 years of building furniture, he recommitted his life to Christ and left to pursue music full-time. “I believe that the Lord gives gifts and abilities to everyone, and that we should use and develop them to the best of our abilities. I wasn’t doing that with music because I’m pretty shy, but when you’re focusing on Him instead of your own ego, that gives you a different kind of boldness. Not only is it to bring glory to His name and to make other people feel good, but it’s a special communication between me and my Creator. It may sound strange, but when I wrote ‘Laura’s Song’ for my wife, it affected me as much as it did her. It still does every time I hear or play it, and that’s because He is the source of creative abilities and not me, so I can enjoy it as if someone else wrote it”.

After stopping again between 1998-2000 to fulfill another long-standing dream and goal – to design and build their own home – Richard released his second CD and is now providing special music for church services and doing educational/motivational presentations in Middle and High Schools. He plays everything through his laptop, triggering VST instruments from a Parker Midifly electric guitar. This also allows him to fly carry-on only. When time allows, he and his wife are mountain biking anywhere single track is found.

Many fans say they like to just close their eyes and let his music take them on a journey, occasionally looking up to see what the heck he’s doing to his guitar.

As of this date, no more power has been cut off to the stage, but the year is still young…

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