A bit more about Rick

 

Rick’s reputation was forged in the melting pot of London’s first “world music” explosion in the early 80’s. Already highly regarded as a jazz/funk player, he gained ‘first hand’ knowledge of Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, South African Township, Hi Life, Reggae, Ska, Calypso, and European Folkloric/ jazz, in groups such as; Onward International, The Grand Union, Valdez and *** led by Roberto Pla, Bosco D’Oliveira

His versatility as a trombone player (and as this list will exemplify) with a world-class reputation led to work with American Jazz greats Gil Evans and George Russell our own Mike Gibbs and John Surman. Popular artists: Elton John, George Michael, Chris Rea, Wet,Wet,Wet, Jamioqui, Robbie Williams, Atomic Kitten, Spice Girls, Lighthouse Family, Embrace and Yusif Islam(Cat Stevens).

In 1985 having already moved back to his home town Houghton le Spring, he established links with poets Graeme Rigby and Keith Armstrong and pianist/composer Paul Flush, writing new material with a distinct Durham/Newcastle leaning. Rick’s knowledge of local songs, coalfields and shipyards taught to him by his grandmother and his love of Northumbrian.

Rick’s maternal grandfather’s geneology has been traced back to an itinerate band of wreavers in South West Northumberland. His maternal grandmother was a ‘below-stairs’ baby to a wealthy landowner in Cheshire, she was adopted by another family on the estate, who were paid to keep the secret and bring her up as their own in another county far away. “At the age of 15, Rick bought “Bless the Weather” by John Martyn, it changed his life.”

He has had his own songs recorded by Shine (Corrina Hewitt, Mary MacMaster and Alyth Mc Cormac) and Harem Scarem “Storm in a Tea Cup”. He is currently co-producing Ewan Robertson’s new CD, which includes 2 of Rick’s songs. He also has 2 songs on the forthcoming Laura Silitoe CD and 5 songs on guitarist Paul Browns debut album.