Jerry Perry, Alive & Kicking 12-01-04-
Richard March is a transplant to Sacramento from San Francisco and a very welcome one, indeed. He is a genuine, unhyphenated, make no apologies, country music artist. That’s something of a rarity in this time of alt-country, or country-rock, or whatever it is they call that stuff on the radio that’s supposed to be country. Nope. Richard keeps it simple. Keeps it real. In his favor, Richard is a fine singer and an excellent songwriter. He’s also surrounded himself with a fantastic band including, most notably, the absolutely jaw dropping Steve Randall, one of Sacramento’s unsung guitar greats. On These Dreams produced by David Houston, Richard presents an album of perfectly crafted songs that stick in your head after a single listening. That is Richard’s greatest strength. He creates completely infectious melodies and unforgettable hooks. The album runs the range from thoughtful ballads to boot stompin’ rave-ups, and through them all nothing is taken for granted. Great melodies are paired with great lyrics. Standout tracks include the instantly engaging opening track, “Helicopter,” the politically indicting “Rome,” and the heartfelt yearning of “Nebraska.” There is a new wave of genuine country emerging here in Sacramento and Richard is at the forefront of the surge. He hosts Nashville Nights featuring various country performers every Monday night at the Blue Lamp and it’s becoming THE thing to do on Monday nights.
Richard March is a transplant to Sacramento from San Francisco and a very welcome one, indeed. He is a genuine, unhyphenated, make no apologies, country music artist. That’s something of a rarity in this time of alt-country, or country-rock, or whatever it is they call that stuff on the radio that’s supposed to be country. Nope. Richard keeps it simple. Keeps it real. In his favor, Richard is a fine singer and an excellent songwriter. He’s also surrounded himself with a fantastic band including, most notably, the absolutely jaw dropping Steve Randall, one of Sacramento’s unsung guitar greats. On These Dreams produced by David Houston, Richard presents an album of perfectly crafted songs that stick in your head after a single listening. That is Richard’s greatest strength. He creates completely infectious melodies and unforgettable hooks. The album runs the range from thoughtful ballads to boot stompin’ rave-ups, and through them all nothing is taken for granted. Great melodies are paired with great lyrics. Standout tracks include the instantly engaging opening track, “Helicopter,” the politically indicting “Rome,” and the heartfelt yearning of “Nebraska.” There is a new wave of genuine country emerging here in Sacramento and Richard is at the forefront of the surge. He hosts Nashville Nights featuring various country performers every Monday night at the Blue Lamp and it’s becoming THE thing to do on Monday nights.