
Classically trained on
piano and organ, Rick sang in a cathedral choir, and learned to make
dubious noises on the oboe "to get out of games lessons". Attracted to
rock in a big way by hearing Focus’s 'Moving Waves', Rick grew his hair
long and, to prove he was no softie, formed a pop group. Village halls
throughout Gloucester were wowed by extended stylophone solos and huge
speaker cabinets (most of them empty…). At Cambridge, participation in
murky sounding bands, (Ken Wood & the Mixers was one...), passed the
time between music lectures and choir practice.
Today he divides his time between producing, arranging, conducting
orchestras for rock bands, and teaching music. Under his other name
(Richard Benbow) he has worked with artists such as Jewel, Sneaker
Pimps, Omar Hakim, Subcircus, Talk Talk, Ishtar, the Mighty Wah! and
Simon Warner. He has recorded in studios as diverse as Abbey Road, Los
Angeles Music Complex and Brittania Row (where Rick Wright's old Hammond
was sitting in a corner begging to be played...), as well as undertaking
major tours of the UK and Europe with Jewel.
Working as composer and MD for many theatre shows, Rick has created
music for several original shows. He is currently playing keyboards with
the Lennon tribute 'Come Together Right Now', as well as a new
progressive rock show called 'Masterpieces'.
Rick's musical influences are shamelessly progressive rock: Focus, King
Crimson, Floyd, Gong, Cardiacs, Genesis, Mars Volta, Yes, Gentle Giant.
No favourite keyboard player, though Emerson and Moraz are 'scary':
favourite musician would have to be Robert Fripp. Rick's favourite Pink
Floyd track? "Shine On (all parts), but as we're playing it so much it's
losing its novelty, so I'm going with Saucerful of Secrets (Pompeii
version). Ask me again in 6 months and it will have changed!"
Contact Rick:
Email