Rick is a highly experienced international festival-standard drummer whose 46 year career has taken him across the UK, Europe and the United States many times. His performances have included appearances in Chicago, New Orleans, France, Sweden, Denmark, Portugal and Spain. His last tour of California culminated in a performance at the world-famous Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles.
He regularly performs at many of the UK’s leading Country, Blues and Tribute festivals and has earned a strong reputation as both a live performer and session musician. Alan Pearce, then Editor-in-Chief of Blues Matters! magazine, described Rick as “one of the best Blues drummers in the UK.”
A highly accomplished drummer, percussionist and teacher, Rick has extensive experience across a wide range of musical styles including Blues, Country, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Pop, Glam Rock, Funk, Reggae and Americana. His repertoire spans everything from 1960s classics to contemporary chart music, making him a versatile musician who combines click friendly technical skill with musical sensitivity, strong groove and tasteful playing.
When he was gigging in Chicago and New Orleans, he took the opportunity to study with respected local teachers, using the experience to refine his technique, broaden his musical knowledge, and learn from the cities’ rich musical heritage. His commitment to continual professional development ensures that his students benefit from modern teaching methods alongside real-world performance experience.
Alongside his live work, Rick is an in-demand freelance session drummer recording with a diverse array of bands around the Manchester area.
Rick’s principal project is Ovate (Ov8), an authentic Chicago Blues band dedicated to recreating the raw energy of classic electric blues. Drawing inspiration from legends including Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Walter and Muddy Waters, the band combines soulful harmonica, gritty guitar, driving rhythms and double bass to deliver powerful live performances. Ovate have appeared at major events including the Colne Blues Festival, Nantwich Blues Festival, The Stockport Blues Festival, The Burnley Blues Festival and Lancaster Music Festivals, building a reputation for passionate, authentic performances that keep audiences coming back.
He also performs with The Ragged Company, one of the UK’s leading Country and Americana bands, appearing at major festivals and venues throughout the country. The band is highly regarded by both audiences and promoters.
Rick is also collaborating with singer-songwriter Simon Hopper, performing more Folk-influenced material that showcases a different aspect of his musicianship. The project focuses on tasteful, supportive drumming and carefully crafted arrangements that complement the songs.
He is also performing with a collective of exceptional Jamaican musicians in the Manchester area, playing authentic Funk and Reggae where musical precision and feel are paramount.
Throughout his career, Rick has toured with a number of internationally respected artists. He toured the UK with acclaimed Los Angeles blues guitarist Robert Lucas, who later joined Canned Heat, and also toured with renowned Chicago guitarist Joanna Connor, an experience that led to performances in some of Chicago’s legendary blues clubs.
Rick was also the driving force behind recreating the unmistakable grooves of “The Big Figure” in Down At The Doctors, widely regarded as one of the UK’s finest Dr Feelgood tribute bands. The band performed with the encouragement and support of Dr Feelgood themselves.
He has also toured with Kinisha Morgan-Williams, one of the UK’s premier Tina Turner tribute artists, performing at major tribute festivals including Glastonbudget and Faux Fest.