Reviews:

Valentine Court (2009)

Bio:

Rich Batsford is establishing himself as one of the most exciting emerging pianist composers in the UK with performances of his hypnotic and beguiling piano music.

Within a minimalist framework, Rich's piano music evokes the richness of French composers such as Satie, Debussy or Ravel combined with elements of post-rock and downtempo electronica. Although meditative in overall tone, the set reaches powerful and intense climaxes.

A debut self-released album of instrumental piano music "Valentine Court" is available now via iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby etc and is beginning to earn an excellent reputation.   The first album of songs is planned for recording in Autumn 2010.

Since 2006 Rich has "quietly built a following for his melodic and magical compositions" Birmingham Post playing his instrumental piano pieces live in a series of concerts in and around the Midlands (UK).

Rich has also begun performing songs in acoustic evenings, playing original material alongside occasional covers from his main songwriting influences - Brian Wilson, Paul Simon and Nick Drake. His first tour in Autumn 2009 took him beyond the Midlands to Bath, Bristol and the Big Chill Bar in London.

Festival appearances to date include The Big Chill Festival, Gigbeth Festival, Drop Beats Not Bombs, Moseley Festival, Birmingham Cathedral.

Rich began his musical training in the local Church Choir before exploring his love for vocal harmony further with the National Youth Choir and later the CBSO Chorus.  Then, in the 1990’s Rich was lead singer and main songwriter with guitar outfits Serene Machine and Maroon and more recently, performed some of his favourite songs regularly to crowds of thousands in professional ex-chart Beach Boys and Four Seasons band, Gidea Park.

Rich is heavily involved in the world of stand up comedy, booking acts for various professional clubs and events and co-founded Birmingham based creative network Project X Presents.

Currently, Rich is working with Islamic and Christian musicians organising concerts under the banner of "Musituality" - in which Musicians of various Faiths (or none) come together and perform.   Rich is a regular meditator practicing with the Triratna Buddhist Order.

www.richbatsford.com
www.myspace.com/richbatsford
www.twitter.com/richbatsford
www.musituality.com