Bio Booking Information Performance Schedule Band Members Discography Ordering Info

Ric-O-Chet One of the hottest bands in the world of bluegrass is the North Carolina-based aggregation, RIC-O-CHET. Formed in 1987, the band has taken their music from a regional to a nationwide level and is receiving recognition throughout the world. In March of 1994, they signed with REBEL Records, a major bluegrass record company which has featured artists such as the SELDOM SCENE, COUNTRY GENTLEMEN, LARRY SPARKS, RALPH STANLEY, LONESOME RIVER BAND, IIIrd TYME OUT, LOU REID AND CAROLINA, TRADITIONAL GRASS, etc. REBEL owner Dave Freeman added RIC-O-CHET to this stable of champions after hearing a demo tape of the band. Their first REBEL project, entitled, "RIC-O-CHET" (REB-1716) was a resounding success which gave the band the notoriety that was previously lacking, prompting REBEL to release a second album entitled "Carolina Memories" (REB-1722) which was produced by guitar legend Tony Rice. The success of this album is evident worldwide (a publication in France named it alternate music "Album of the Month" in November 1995). The IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Assocation's) "Disc Jockey of the Year," WAYNE RICE of radio station KSON in San Diego, California included the project in his "Top 30 Albums of 1995", rating it as the 14th best album of the year. 1997 promises to be even more productive for RIC-O-CHET with a new album in the works. A tour of Europe is also being negotiated. The band recently signed with the NEW SOUTH TALENT AGENCY and will be performing at festivals throughout the U.S. Introducing the members of Ric-O-Chet Steve Lewis Randy Greer David Pendley Les Deaton Steve Lewis of Todd, NC is handling the banjo chores for RIC-O-CHET... and capable hands are they! Steve was crowned the banjo champion of the world famous Galax, Virginia fiddler's convention several years ago, competing against as many as 350 banjo pickers. Steve is also an awesome guitarist, playing guitar with RIC-O-CHET for the first three years of it's existence. He has gained the respect of many noted guitarists, including DOC WATSON, TONY RICE, and STEVE KAUFMAN. The early years of his bluegrass career includes picking at a local amusement park with the late CHRIS AUSTIN (who later became a member of REBA MCENTIRE'S band and died in the unfortunate plane crash that claimed her band). Steve also sings several different parts, although primarily used as a baritone vocalist in RIC-O-CHET. Randy Greer of Jefferson, NC brings a wealth of bluegrass knowledge and feeling to the band. He has performed at world renown "Carnegie Hall" and prestigious music festivals (Wolftrap, Merle Watson, etc.). He is a hard driving rhythm guitarist and has excellent touch and tone with his explosive lead picking. Randy also wrote several tunes that are featured in RIC- O-CHET's recording projects. His lead and harmony singing bring a new and exciting dimension to the band. Randy also plays a killer mandolin and frequently showcases his talent on this instrument as well. His experience in bluegrass included stints with the award winning band "APPALACHIAN TRAIL" (SPBGMA's 1994 national band champion), and with well known guitarist/ luthier WAYNE HENDERSON. David Pendley of Moganton, NC adds another facet that separates RIC-O-CHET from being "just another bluegrass band." David is a composer and has many years of experience in bluegrass, working with such top-notchers as TERRY BAUCOM and JIMMY BUCHANAN in bands past. David plays a mandolin style that compliments the band, whether it be a sedate break in a bluegrass standard or a swingy line on a contemporary number. With RIC-O- CHET, he is challenged vocally, singing bass, baritone, lead, and tenor! David also has a penchant for finding an obscure song, then arranging it to fit the style of the band. Les Deaton of Mooresville, NC is the acoustic bassist for RIC-O-CHET, joining the band in early 1996. Les' love for music began during his youth as he began performing during the early 1960's with his father. His association with REBEL Records started in the early 1970's as a member of A.L. WOOD AND THE SMOKEY RIDGE BOYS. Les is an exciting bass player and has boasted his craft on stage with the legendary EARL SCRUGGS, MARTY STUART, and other well known artists. His songwriting skills are also known to the elite in bluegrass, as his compositions have been recorded by the COUNTRY GENTLEMEN and IIIRD TYME OUT. Les is a former member of the CAROLINA BLUEGRASS BAND and the BLUEGRASS CARDINALS. It has been written that "RIC-O-CHET captivates an audience through their tight harmonies, precise picking, and especially their warmth and humor. Reminiscent of the award winning "COUNTRY GENTLEMEN" in their ability to entertain an audience, RIC- O-CHET is destined to leave an indelible mark on this style of music that they love and respect so much. If you want a crowd pleaser, remember the name "RIC-O-CHET"... guaranteed not to disappoint!" RIC-O-CHET has performed at numerous venues throughout the U.S., including the following major festivals: Rocky Gap Music Festival Cumberland, MD Grass Valley Festival Grass Valley, CA Lewis Family Festival Lincolnton, GA Doyle Lawson/Quicksilver/ Denton, NC Merle Watson Memorial Festival N. Wilkesboro, NC Bear Trap Festival Casper, WY Central Virginia Festival Amelia, VA Bass Mountain Boys Festival Burlington, NC IBMA Showcases Owensboro, KY Festival of the Bluegrass Lexington, KY Cherokee Bluegrass Festival Cherokee, NC Strange Family Festival Texarkana, TX Festival By The Sea Coinjock, NC Frogtown Festival Alexandria, KY Performance Schedule January 26th Cannonsburg, KY...Fox Hunters Lodge February 1st Cincinnati, OH...Willard & Jean's Music Hall March 1st Clay City, KY...Meadowgreen Park March 21st Memphis, TN...Lucy Opry March 22nd Nashville, TN...Station Inn Marcn 28th Berea, KY...Walnut Meadow Bluegrass Jamboree Booking and Information Please call or write: c/o David Pendley 116 Crestview Lane Morganton, NC 28655 (704) 433-6478 email address: ricochet@hci.net To order the 1997 Bluegrass Calendar which includes Ric-O-Chet along with Blue Highway, Ralph Stanley, Seldom Scene, Gary Brewer and the Kentucky Ramblers, David Parmley, Scott Vestal and Continental Divide, Ronnie Bowman, James King, Bill Monroe, Gibsom Brothers, Lost and Found and the Stevens Family. Please write: Copper Creek Publications P.O. Box 3161 Roanoke, VA 24015 email address: copcrk@aol.com Discography Ric-O-Chet Carolina Memories Ordering Information Ric-O-Chet Rebel CD-1716 Spell Of A Freight Train 268k .wav My Last Run 261k .wav The Arm Of God Alone With A Broken Heart If She's There This Time Baby, You'd Better Be Good To Your Man I'll Never Believe (In Your Love) Another 86,400 Seconds Stone Wall (Around Your Heart) Don't Leave Her Lonely Too Long Lonely People Happiness Is (When I See My Savior's Face) Carolina Memories Rebel CD-1722 Anger and Tears253k .wav Orphan Train Warning Sign Carolina Memories242k .wav Robin D Gathering In The Sky I'll Never Take His Place Over The Edge Greenville Trestle High I'll Take The Blame Let The Mermaids Flirt With me She Thinks I Still Care Better Farther On To order compact discs or tapes Please call or write: Rebel Records P.O. Box 3057 Roanoke, VA 24015 (340) 343-5355 email address: recdepot@aol.com

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