A guitar album? No. Big guitar solos? Yes. Harmonic journeys and big riffs? Definitely! It’s up to the listener to categorize the music, but ‘Lion’ is the product Richard’s 40 years on this earth and its is a true representation of Richard’s music now. ‘Lion’ is an electric guitar album, with a focus on song writing at its core. The songs have subjects that are personal yet universal.

Richard says:

‘’In 2020 a spark ignited in me to begin writing new music- I had no preconceived idea of what the album should be. A personal awakening happened, and I began to explore ideas of who we are, why we are here and what is the true self. Throughout this time, I had artist Neil Hage’s powerful painting of a Lion’s face merged with the earth constantly in my consciousness.’’

The album was recorded over two years (2022 and 2023) with Jonathan Noyce (ex Gary Moore, Jethro Tull) on bass and Simon Lea (Ronnie Wood, Wet, Wet, Wet, Jamie Cullum) on drums. -two exceptional musicians who really got inside my music.

This album will bring a fresh approach to the rock guitar trio. The music embraces British classic rock, the 60’s British blues scene, jazz inspired harmonies juxtaposed with a gritty directness of some of the best moments of Americana rock. Richard shows a flair for the art of melodic storytelling from his influence of traditional folk music and his critically acclaimed acoustic project ‘Open Water.’

Gear:
Richard says:
‘’I used mainly my current live set up: 1976 Marshall JMP 100-watt amp with a Marshall Guv’nor for many lead tones, Marshall Bluesbreaker clone for bluesier lead tones and crunchy riffs and a 1966 Fender Twin for clean playing. A 1964 Super Reverb also appears at times. Guitars used were -1970s Tokai Les Paul, 1966 Gibson 335, 1972 Gibson 335, 1983 Greco Strat, 1983 Tokai Breezysound Telecaster’’.

The songs:
‘Lion’ is a bold and direct rock trio performance with an anthemic chorus, gritty guitar tones and virtuosic yet visceral guitar solos. The song has a message of finding one’s sovereignty and inner courage. Continuing the theme of resilience, ‘Living Man’ has a driving opening riff with contrasting sparkling guitar tones that are a perfect platform for soulful melodies and harmonies. Here, Noyce’s bass lines are supportive yet imaginative, weaving snake like through Simon Lea’s rock steady drums.

Forgotten – a song about remembering what it is to be a child and not loosing the innocence of youth. Here Richard shows his skill as a songsmith, with the focus on song writing rather than a guitar showcase.

‘Go It Alone’ has its root in 1960s English blues with a soulful melody. An expressive guitar solo show’s Richard’s mastery of blues phrasing and space, effortlessly navigating jazz inspired chord sequences. One of Richard’s most intimate yet commanding vocal performances on the album.

‘How Can I Sleep When I’m Awake’ depicts a late-night Cop’s office -dimly lit in a barren city landscape and a world swarming in deceit – the officer is desperate to escape the Matrix. Angular guitar chords contrast with an uplifting chorus – he has realised one’s true purpose in life. Here Richard embraces the blues and a de Visee – esq Baroque motif bookends the verse and choruses.

‘The River’ begins as a classic 60’s British Rock trio set up, with a killer riff and more rock steady drumming. The chorus, bright and uplifting, presents a way out from the oppressive forces that are described in the verse. Wah – wah guitar licks, and a soaring guitar solo concludes this journey.

Two instrumentals ‘Sovereign’ and Prana are presented here.’ Sovereign’ is a shuffle with Wes Montgomery esq octaves and blues rock inspired solos. ‘Prana’ leans more towards Prog Rock with metric modulations and twin guitar lines.

‘Here On The Ground’ – like ‘Living Man’ has both power and sensitivity. The strong opening theme gives way to an introspective verse, with moments of sparkling guitar leads, jazz type chord voicings and full blown melodic soaring lead guitars.

‘Voice of the Wind’ shows Richard at his most stripped back – raw Telecaster tones, the song is direct and powerful.