Welcome to the JohnRichardsSongwriter website

John Richards is one of the most successful songwriters on the UK folk scene. His songs have been recorded and performed by a list of bands and solo artists that includes Fairport Convention, Show of Hands, The Arizona Smoke Review, Downes and Beer, Robin Dransfield, Simon Nicol, Paul Downes, Phil Beer, Bill Caddick, Damien Barber, Michael Black, Bram Taylor and Tom McConville.

“The Deserter is certainly one of my favourites - thanks again.”
Simon Nicol

“John Richards" epic sea song Honour and Praise is magnificent”
Colin Irwin, Folk Roots reviewing Gladys’ Leap by Fairport Convention.

“One of our finest writers and singers. Just listen to Shine On, a perfect song.
I have been a fan a long time. Get this CD.”
Bill Caddick on Behind the Lines.

“Richards is a master of his craft”
Taplas

From the first ‘hit’ twenty - five years ago when the legendary Robin Dransfield sang ‘The Battle’ John Richards songs have been recorded by the biggest names on the folk scene, with many going on to become an established part of the contemporary repertoire.

“Just a quick note to thank you and your mighty band for another great evening’s entertainment on Saturday.”
Kevin Wilding organiser of a JRB concert at St Mary Bourne Village Hall Hampshire. (Sept 2007)

“Here’s a beautiful version of a great song.”
Mike Harding on playing Michael Black’s version of John’s The Deserter on his show (Sept 2007)

“He offers a collection of powerful, timely, and melodic original and adapted songs sung with conviction and feeling.”
Dirty Linen Magazine, Baltimore USA, reviewing Walls of Hope

“I was delighted to get this CD of songs from a writer who has had his work covered by the many of the great and good of the folk world including one of my favourite Fairport Acoustic songs The Deserter.
It’s difficult to pick out highlights from a consistently fine CD my favourites being I won’t let you down, a gentle song with beautiful words, Hallsands … and If you can walk you can dance which has been stuck in my head for days.
In all, lovely songs, great words and sharp instrumentals make this collection a delight.”
Chris Patti, Tykes Folk Magazine, re Walls of Hope

“All but one of the songs are from John’s own pen and trust me there are some real crackers here.
The finest of these songs have all the epic sweep of John Tams work.
Emma’s heartfelt treatment of the traditional Ploughman Lads (learnt from the singing of Nic Jones) is highly memorable and fits in well with its surroundings.
John’s compositions are songs that refuse to be ignored, indeed.”
David Kidman of Net Rhythms reviewing Walls of Hope .

“Richards has form as a literate songwriter who can adopt quite a variety of idioms.”
Froots Magazine re Walls of Hope

“John’s song Walls of Hope (Hallsands) will no doubt get the sort of attention it deserves and add to his considerable reputation as a song writer of real stature.”
Garry Copeland reviewing the CD Walls of Hope 2nd June 2006

“These are seasoned musicians with a tight and impeccable sound, I recommend anyone to see them.
John is a wonderful songwriter and I can recommend the album to anyone”
Dave Johns, reviewing a gig at Srag End Folk Club 21st May 2006

“John’s song writing and powerful performances are second to none.”
Bob Bignell
Bromsgrove Folk Club

“If I was a philosophy lecturer I wouldn’t give the students any textbooks I’d give them a John Richards CD and tell them to start learning”
Matt Swindlehurst
Baggeridge Festival Director (Sept 04)

“One of our finest writers and singers, just listen to Shine On a perfect song.
I have been a fan for a long time. Get this CD”
Bill Caddick on Behind the Lines

“John’s an indisputably significant songwriter. The conviction of the words is matched by the soaring lyrical passion of the melodies, the stature and shape of the lines putting me in mind of John Tams. Behind the Lines is really superb if long overdue and a must for your collection.”
Dave Kidman – Net Rhythms

John plays: -

• Martin HD 28 acoustic guitar
• Taylor 714 CE electro-acoustic guitar
• Taylor 710 CE electro-acoustic guitar
• Ralph Bown bouzouki
• Amplification is by Fishman transducers.