Hi and welcome to the Band website.
Ryk Mead & the London BLUES Machine are now.
The Ryk Mead Band, who are indeed a blues band but by definition a lot more. A Stunning Power Blues, Jazz, Rock Trio.
Through playing many different styles of music it has always been the case that
the blues has had a deep influence on whatever type of material I’ve played. As
time progressed, so did the inclination to select the more obscure and less
trodden path of song and material I wanted to play. So, it has been an enormous
influence on the characteristic and direction the band has followed.
It's hard to say whether this is my influence on the other members of the band
or if the others have joined because they feel the same about the way music has
influenced them. Whatever the case the band has developed a style and a life of its own.
Yes we could do all the material that other bands do, but then we'd just be another band doing the same thing. This band is different, we do original songs, and great versions of old standards, and covers of more complex and unusual material.
A Fan once said, "There isn't another band like this in LONDON"
Every time we play, we play from the heart. Every time we play, there's something new in it When i play live the set may change from night to night. We might suddenly change
an arrangement or change direction at any moment within a song. The basis of
the song stays the same but things change, imagination and feel for the moment
take over; something new is created. Not even the guy’s in the band know when
it's coming. This creates a tension and excitement that means things evolve and
develop night by night. With hard work it becomes possible. This makes every gig potentially electrifying and new.
Ryk
Mead, dubbed Fretmeister by JAZZ LONDON RADIO, singer/guitarist, songwriter, Musical Director; Heart and soul of the band. A confirmed guitar virtuoso,
started a gigging career on stage in the late 60s, touring in Germany from
October 1969, he has built a reputation on solid experience gained alongside
some of the worlds famous names, such as: Dave Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Annie
Lennox, Alison Moyet, The Pretty Things, Steve Waller (Manfred Man's Earth
Band), Paul Fox and Dave Ruffy (The Ruts), Elmer Gantry (Stretch / Alan Parsons
Project) Beverley Martyn (partner of former icon John Martyn) and a host
supporting musicians from the professional arena. Working through many styles
and genres, as professionals often do, Ryk has paid his dues and now has a
world of experience to draw on. But if you listen you will hear in all these styles
the heart of the blues.
Internationally, this native Londoner is performing all over the world, from China to the United States. Recently appeared in the
USA as supporting act for Willy Nelson, and in Europe often touring France.
A mix of new songs and traditional covers with original arrangements. Genres are spread over Rock, Jazz, melodic, and ethnic blues. Featuring songs from the album Chicago the latest CD from Ryk Mead.
Gig listings and a other information can be accessed via the Ryk Mead Button
Follow the link to the Ryk Mead shop where CD's T shirts, mugs, etc will soon be available.
Members of the Band: -
Bass and Drums;
who are highly renowned international musician, forming a unique core of the supporting rhythm section.
Current Band members are,
Steve Cooper, Bass & BV.
Adam Bond, Drums
Previous, session musicians have been.
Matt Saunders, Glynn Evans, Spy Austin, Bass.
Dov Skippers, Piers Margery, Alfredo Fernandez, Drums.
You can navigate to the other sections of the website by clicking the Ryk Mead link at the top of the page, or via the button links..
As of the 2nd May 2015 this is were the Chicago album stands. NO. 23. IBBA Chart.
Monday 25th May.. Paul Jones Show. BBC 2. Features a track from the Chicago CD...
Groovin', Paul Jones - BBC Radio 2
