John Finn Music: Barry Richman

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From Atlanta, Georgia, Barry Richman has been honing his guitar craft against a backdrop of musical styles and influences that emerged from that city's fertile alternative rock scene during the late 1970s. Fusing blues, jazz, rock and psychedelia, Richman has a feel that recalls classic 70's rock bands like the Allman Brothers, Santana and the Jeff Beck Group. But far from being a copycat guitarist, Richman mixes an eclectic group of influences into a well-rounded guitar style and sound that is immediately recognizable as …. Barry Richman!

The son of tenor saxophonist "Boomie" Richman (who played with the Tommy Dorsey orchestra at the height of the Big Band era), it's little wonder that Barry should follow his father's footsteps into a life in performing music. And with such a prestigious pedigree, it's hardly surprising that Barry is acknowledged as one of the most original rock/blues musicians on the scene today.

Richman's credentials as a guitar player are indisputable, and after 30 years in the industry, he has traded riffs with some of the greatest names in the contemporary rock guitar canon, including The Allman Brothers, Gov’t Mule, Eric Clapton, Les Paul, Buddy Miles, John Lee Hooker, Little Feat, Derek Trucks Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Shawn Lane and many more.


Richman with his 1962 Black Fender Stratocaster

If you haven't already heard of Barry Richman, how come? Well, the answer may be simply down to a healthy level of local demand for his performances and some personal life choices when it comes to touring.

“It's really not a problem” he rejoined when asked why he seldom tours. “ With the high cost of gas and hotels these days, the band does better to play around Atlanta”

But exercising restraint when it comes to national tours also means fewer forays into the wider international circuit; something Richman is keen to rectify.

“A few years back I did a 10 city tour of Poland. It was my first time out of the country and I had a great time!!!”

Now Richman is ready to take on the world, and his sights are firmly set on the UK. The UK live blues/rock scene is about to get a lot more interesting!

Videos

Barry Richman Band - "Without Explanation" (Live at the Five Spot, Atlanta)