About Us
John Richards has been one of the Folk Scene’s most successful singer-songwriters since Robin Dransfield covered Did you like the Battle Sir? in 1973. While Fairport Convention, Show of Hands, Damien Barber, Bill Caddick, Paul Downes and a long list of folk club artists have been performing his songs on the club and festival scene for the last 13 years, he hasn’t. Instead John’s musical energies were channelled into the electric roots band Desperate Men.
All that changed in 2002 with the release of John’s solo album Behind The Lines, several Desperates deciding to retire and John’s move back to his Folk Club and Festival roots. In 2004 John formed the new John Richards Band and the current line up was completed in late 2005 with the addition of long term friends and collaborators Chris Drinan and Jim Sutton.
Emma, John’s eldest daughter, has sung with John for years and of course was a member of Desperate Men. Her harmonies have been described as ‘umbilical’ by Phil Beer and she has a serious collection of outstanding reviews for her lead and harmony singing.
Allie Fellows is a classically trained pianist, who has directed her talents to the Piano Accordion. She found her way to the JRBs via an unusual route since when her playing has brought a new energy to every gig.
Chris has worked with John for over 20 years in Maurice & the Minors and Desperate Men and constantly delivers flute and whistle solos that make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Chris also brings the lovely sound of banjo frailing to the Band.
Jim also worked with John and Chris for over 20 years in Maurice and the Minors and Desperate Men. He brings the unique sound of double bass to this line up and he also shares the band’s keyboard duties with Allie.