Rick Redington

When Rick Redington plays, two things happen - he disappears into the song, and you, the listener, disappear in there with him. Into a world of lazy afternoon guitar pulls on a Vermont summer back porch, fingers caressing a worn rosewood guitar neck, picking oat melodies at once familiar and new on flashing steel strings.

Rick Redington’s music is at once effortlessly melodic, smoothly sensual and filled with an infectious jay that brings audiences back again and again. And now, with his new disc, SWEET LIFE. Rick Redington presents a record that delivers what his live show promises. Jay Newland, of Norah Jones’ multiple Grammy-award winning debut, lends his considerable talents to the SWEET LIFE mix, crafting a sound both intimate and -at times- towering. Legendary guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bassist jack Casady of Hot Tuna and a veritable who’s-who of the regions best musicians all contribute deft instrumental parts, but it is Redington whose star shine’s brightest.

SWEET LIFE turns the spotlight or Rick Redington’s immense strengths as composer, singer and performer. One of the most sought-after performers on the Northeast circuit, Redington is no stranger to keeping an audience entertained. But there’s a difference between being a good entertainer and a great musician “I’ve been playing for close to twenty-five years,” says Redington. “A couple of years ago I had the chance to be on a music retreat with Jorma (Kaukonen) and Jack (Casady) at their Fur Peace Ranch in Ohio. To have the chance to write and play around musicians of that caliber taught me to strive to make the best music I possibly could.’

And on SWEET LIFE, Redington stands and delivers. The recording showcases the big man moving from strength to strength. From the modal “Gabriel’ to the Taj-Mahalesque guitar duet with Kaukonen “The River Takes its Turn” to the pastoral, reflective title track to the sassy wah-wah rocker ‘Sweet Merry Jayne,” SWEET LIFE is an aural treat.

One thing Redington never seems to do is lose a fan, listener or fellow musician. “I thoroughly enjoyed recording one of Rick’s songs,” says Jack Casady. And Jorma Kaukonen adds, “Laying down those tracks for you was a pleasure. Sean Kelly of the Samples, who invited Redington to open a string of dates for the band says, I’ve been dying to have Rick open for us, because I love his music - an incredibly talented musician.” After Redington performed a support slot for legend Richie Havens, Havens reflected on Redington’s “really warm and wonderful set of songs; I hope Rick and I get the chance to do it again soon; I’m sure we will.”

A Vermont native, Redington predominantly performs solo, but is also involved with side projects The Luv Machine and half of the acoustic duo The Heavily Brothers. A former project, The Huge Members, (“everyone in the band was over six feet tall and 250 pounds,” explains Redington) was one of the top touring bands in northern New England. Besides Havens, Hot Tuna and The Samples, he has shared the stage with acts as diverse as Cake, The Wailers, Blue Oyster Cult and the late Rick Danko of The Band.

SWEET LIFE is Redington’s third solo release, and his best. SWEET LIFE is an
honest, true and immaculately beautiful record. Even during the cold of a
Vermont winter it can bring a ray of warmth to an icy day. Climb into
SWEET LIFE and disappear into the music with Rick Redington.