Tuesday 5 June 2012

Underrated Musician #2:Rick Grech

Rick who?
If that was your initial reaction after viewing the post title, then you're not alone. Grech isn't too well-known a guy anyway. But you have definetly been missing out on some darn good music if you aren't familiar with the name.
Rick Grech was born in Bordeaux, France, on November 1, 1947, and was originally of Ukrainian descent. He moved to England when he was young and became a well-known bassist through his work with the group Family. After putting out two albums with Family, he joined supergroup Blind Faith with Steve Winwood, Ginger Baker and Eric Clapton. The band was a short-lived project, and only put out one album (which I assure you is one of the greatest ever released) and after their breakup Grech joined Traffic,with whom he released another two albums before being booted for his drug problems. One album was released in 1974 titled Rick Grech: The Last Five Years, featuring highlights from his career and music from Traffic, Blind Faith and Family. He worked as a session man until his retirement from the music industry in 1977. Best examples of his talent would be tracks such as Had To Cry Today and Sea Of Joy from the Blind Faith album, both featuring strongly Jack Bruce-influenced base riffs. Grech also played violin, viola, cello, guitar, mandolin, keyboards and drums.
Rick Grech passed away on March 17, 1990, aged 43, from liver and kidney failure due to alcohol consumption. So, for whatever reason he may be so underrated, God bless and  Rest In Peace Rick Grech.

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