Rixsta

A few words by Peter Gustavsson
Swedish painter, singer/songwriter & good friend of Riki

I first learnt to know Riki 6 or 7 years ago through our mutual interest in a wide range of musical styles. We met over the net and through the years we have oriented ourselves within a rich and multicolored variety of tonal landscapes and inspired each other to partake in a never ending quest for the lost chord.

Riki´s talent was obvious to me from the beginning. His absolutely glorious voice is timeless and at times almost otherworldly; colored by his profound and honest wish to express a true spiritual and emotional substance. With an impressive variety in timbre and phrasing, he easily moves from a delicate poetic flow related to fellow artists within English progressive folk and pastoral whimsy during the late 60´s and early 70´s, over to soulful rock´n roll and at times almost gospel related vibes. His powerful natural vibrato sometimes reminds me of Martin Griffith´s (Beggars Opera) and Roger Chapman´s (Family) vocal acrobatics.

Being an accomplished guitarist, Riki can pull of just about anything when he is inspired; folksy flat & finger-picking, funky licks, rock and jazzy chill outs. The demo you hold in your hand, however, has it´s main focus on the more acoustic side of things.

The sources of influence are eclectic and manifold : progressive rock and folk, jazz and fusion, Latin vibes and flamenco and these days, the exquisite filigrees of eastern, more modal compositions.

So, come listen and encourage the tales that a gentle soul and existential
explorer has to tell you: Riki, a raconteur and bard strumming the harp
of life and death, never letting an all encompassing love and passion for our wondrous creation out of sight.