Sean Rickman, a native of Washington DC, is a self-taught singer, guitarist, bassist, and drummer. After performing with the DC reggae band, Blacksheep, Sean relocated to Memphis, Tennessee in 1992 to work with guitarist Shawn Lane, which led to a US tour opening for Robben Ford, the release of Shawn Lane’s Powers of Ten album and two instructional videos (Power Licks and Power Solos) on REH Video. Lane later released Powers of Ten Live and Tri Tone Fascination featuring more of the dynamic performances.

In 1993, Sean relocated to Los Angeles to perform with his father, veteran guitarist Phil Upchurch. Together, they toured Europe and performed throughout the Los Angeles area. During 1994-96, Sean performed with singer Angela Bofill. This led to performances on her Love In Slow Motion album in ’95. Sean toured with Sony artist Maxwell in ’96 and then joined alto saxophonist Steve Coleman in the spring of ‘96.

Sean toured with Meshell Ndegeocello and performed on her album Cookie. He continued to tour and record with Steve Coleman until 2002 performing on Genesis & the Opening of the Way, Sonic Language of Myth, Ascension to Light, Resistance is Futile, and the 64 Paths.

While working with Coleman, Sean produced and later joined Dapp Theory featuring pianist/composer Andy Milne releasing New Age of Aquarius independently and Y’all Just Don’t Know on Concord Records. Dapp Theory performs throughout the US and Europe currently.

Sean released his first DVD Compositional Drumming in 2002 and gives clinics and lessons when available in the US. Currently, Sean is touring with New York based Screaming Headless Torsos in the US and Europe.

In 2011 Sean toured with Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller, Wayne Shorter & Sean Jones: The Tribute to Miles Tour - Europe.

Drummer Sean “The Rick” Rickman delivers Compositional Drumming , a DVD that, while mainly an instructional DVD for drummers, is a fascinating look at how drums can (and should) be an equal part of the compositional process. While the role of a drummer may be to establish rhythm and groove, he/she should be equally capable of defining melody and thematic constructs, something that Rickman demonstrates throughout this fifty-minute, eight-song collection.

Interspersed throughout the performances, which feature Rickman playing drums to pre-recorded guitar, bass and keyboard tracks, are enlightening interviews where Rickman talks about how he made his first multi-track recordings, how he auditioned for (and got) the drum chair in Steve Coleman's Five Elements band, how he was able to learn, at an early age, from watching his uncle play, and how the interaction of instruments is more about listening and less about chops - although Rickman clearly has chops aplenty.

With camerawork that covers everything from wide shots of Rickman and the whole kit to close-ups of his foot-pedal work, Rickman demonstrates strong technique that is always in service of the song. The material fits comfortably in the funk/fusion mould, and Rickman clearly shows, through his ability to seamlessly work with and shift a variety of meters, lessons learned with Coleman.

The DVD is unquestionably of primary interest to drummers. It demonstrates how the role of drummer can extend far beyond mere timekeeping, and help to establish melodic motifs and structures, but it is also a fine lesson in maintaining groove at the same time as taking on a more dominant role. Rickman's body language when he plays says it all; relaxed, loose and completely at ease, he navigates the kit as if it were an extension of his body. But as much as the DVD is aimed at aspiring drummers, it is equally fascinating for any musician and, for that matter, non-musician, who wants insight into the larger role of drums in ensemble playing. Educational and entertaining, Compositional Drumming should be required viewing for any drummer who wants to expand their musical understanding beyond the confines of the kit.