SITE UPDATED: 28/2/2012                    

   

"If you like your music delivered with real honesty and passion then come check us out.    The more you want it, the more we'll give it!   Hope y'all like." - Rik

Since its launch in 2005, this "Hot Rockin' Blues Band" has gained a reputation for energetic and enthusiastic performances. 

The band is fronted by Rik Martin; a fiery guitarist and vocalist with real passion for his craft.  Originally from Telford in Shropshire, Rik has become a regular attraction around the London blues circuit whilst gaining a big reputation with his raw emotive vocal delivery  and high energy guitar slinging.

A long time student of the blues, Rik's sound draws from and encompasses a wide variety of influences spanning from authentic old-time blues and roots to the contemporary artists of the modern era including the Vaughan Brothers, Albert Collins and BB King.

With Rik's wife HELEN MARTIN (www.helen-watt.co.uk) on the drumstool combining dynamic energy and feel as well as adding both frontline and backing vocals, the band brings an eclectic mix of blues / rock originals and covers.

On the rare occasion that Helen is unable to play Rik is assured of an exciting replacement when he calls upon FABIO IOCONO to sit in on drums.

______________________________________________

To lay down a solid foundation for the rhythm section, Rik calls on a selection of excellent bassists including:

BARRY PETHERS of Trafficker fame who also has extensive experience as a session player.  Barry is a highly accomplished and very popular bassist "BASS SOLO!".

ALAN O'CONNOR - Dublin's finest, is a solid bass player whose love for the music he regularly sings and plays is so evident in his ever expanding musicianship.  Al also brings additional vocal harmony lines to the mix.  Lay back and relax  "MR RELIABLE" is here - buy him a guinness!

KEVIN THURSFIELD - Bass & Vocals

JEFF OCKENDEM - Bass

______________________________________________

Since the early days of Rik's 3 piece line up the band is now regularly playing as a 4 piece, usually with the addition of a 2nd guitar or a keyboard.  Some of the exciting players Rik calls upon for this include:

ROSS EWART is a young and phenomenally talented musician.  Don't be fooled by the description "second guitarist". - you wouldn't put this fella on second fiddle - beneath a friendly and humble nature lurks a storming talent.  So we're talking "smokin' geetar". Don't stand too close - "RED HOT"

JULES FOTHERGILL - Guitar

TONY "TONEWHEEL" JACKSON - Keys

_________________________________________

Each member of the band enjoys the freedom to stretch out musically, whilst locking together to provide the solid foundations of a driving and dynamic set of both self-penned and inspired cover material.

RIK'S BAND:  Helen Martin, Drums & Vocals

Barry Pethers (bass)      Kev Thursfield (bass & vocals)            

         

Ross Ewart (guitar)             Alan O'Connor (bass & vocals)