Ric Grech facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ric Grech
Background information
Birth name	Richard Roman Grechko
Born	(1946-11-01)1 November 1946 Bordeaux, France
Died	17 March 1990(1990-03-17) (aged 43) Leicester, England
Genres	Rock jazz fusion progressive rock
Instruments	Bass violin cello guitar
Years active	1965–1977

Richard Roman Grechko (born November 1, 1946 – died March 17, 1990), known as Ric Grech, was a British rock musician. He was famous for playing the bass guitar and violin. Ric played in popular rock bands like Family, Blind Faith, and Traffic. He also worked with drummer Ginger Baker.

Early Life and School

Ric Grech was born in Bordeaux, France. He went to Sacred Heart Primary School. Later, he attended Corpus Christi RC School in Leicester, England. While at school, he played the violin in the school orchestra.

Joining the Band Family

Grech first became well-known in the United Kingdom. He was the bass guitar player for a progressive rock group called Family. He joined the band in 1965. At that time, they were a blues-based band known as the Farinas.

Family released their first song, "Scene Through The Eye of a Lens," in 1967. This helped them get a record deal. Their first album, Music in a Doll's House, came out in 1968. It was a hit with fans who liked underground music. Ric's strong bass playing stood out on songs like "Old Songs New Songs." He also showed his skills on the cello and violin.

Writing Songs and Singing

The band's second album, Family Entertainment, was released in 1969. This album was a big moment for Ric Grech. Besides playing bass and violin, he wrote three songs for the album. These songs were "How-Hi-The-Li", "Face In the Cloud", and "Second Generation Woman". "Second Generation Woman" was also released as a single. Ric sang the lead vocals on this song.

Playing with Supergroups

In early 1969, Ric Grech joined a new "supergroup" called Blind Faith. A supergroup is a band made of famous musicians from other bands. This new band included Eric Clapton from Cream and Steve Winwood from Traffic. They needed a bass player, and they chose Ric.

However, Ric did not tell his bandmates in Family that he was leaving. He joined Blind Faith just before Family was about to start a tour in the United States. This caused problems for Family. Ric was replaced by John Weider.

Grech (second from left) with Blind Faith in 1969

Blind Faith and Ginger Baker's Air Force

After returning to England, Ric recorded the Blind Faith album. He played with Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, and drummer Ginger Baker. The band toured the US to support the album. But Eric Clapton was not happy with the music. So, the group broke up.

Ric Grech and Steve Winwood then formed another supergroup with Ginger Baker. This band was called Ginger Baker's Air Force. It also included other talented musicians. After this group ended, Steve Winwood reformed his old band, Traffic. Ric joined Traffic as their bass player.

With Traffic and Other Artists

Ric Grech played on two albums with Traffic. These were the live album Welcome to the Canteen and the popular The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys. He also helped write the song "Rock N Roll Stew."

Ric also worked as a "session artist." This means he played music for other famous musicians. He played with Rod Stewart, Ronnie Lane, Muddy Waters, and Gram Parsons. In 1973, he performed at Eric Clapton's Rainbow Concert.

Later Bands and Retirement

In 1973, Ric Grech released his only album under his own name. It was called The Last Five Years. This album featured songs he had recorded with his different bands.

In 1974, Ric joined a band called KGB. The band included other well-known musicians. They released an album that year. However, Ric and another member left the band soon after. They felt the project was not going well.

In 1976, Ric formed a country music band called Ric Grech's SDM (Square Dance Machine). But this band was not successful.

Ric Grech stopped playing music in 1977. He moved back to Leicester, England. He joked that he would become a carpet salesman.

Death

Ric Grech died on March 17, 1990. He was 43 years old.

Discography

as band member

with Family:

• Music in a Doll's House (Reprise, 1968)
• Family Entertainment (Reprise, 1969)
• A Song For Me (Reprise, 1970)
• Old Songs New Songs (compilation, Reprise, 1971)

with Blind Faith:

• Blind Faith album (Polydor (UK), Atco (US), 1969)

with Ginger Baker's Air Force:

• Ginger Baker's Air Force (Polydor (UK), Atco (US), 1970)
• Ginger Baker's Air Force 2 (Polydor (UK), Atco (US), 1970)

with Traffic:

• The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (Island, 1971)
• Welcome to the Canteen (United Artists, 1971) (Recorded live in London)

as session artist

with Gram Parsons:

• GP (Reprise, 1972)

with Muddy Waters:

• The London Muddy Waters Sessions (Chess, 1972)

with Eric Clapton:

• Eric Clapton's Rainbow Concert (Polydor, 1973) (Recorded live in London)

with Eddie Harris:

• E.H. in the U.K. (one track) (Atlantic, 1973)