Richard Knott Singer/Songwriter and Acoustic Guitarist “A superb singer songwriter with a wonderful guitar technique” – Sale Folk Club “...a smidgeon of Tom Lehrer, a spoonful of Jake Thackray and a whole lot of RK” – Acoustic Roots Richard Knott’s guitar playing is rooted in the style of his early blues and folk fingerpicking heroes like Mississippi John Hurt, Leo Kottke and Ralph McTell. But when he took up songwriting after years as an instrumentalist, a new set of influences - from the dry wit and sophisticated chord voicings of Steely Dan to the romantic jazz inflections of Michael Franks - came to the fore to create a unique and original blend. From roots to ragtime, blues to bossa nova, his quirky story songs and deft wordplay engage hearts and minds, while his guitar style creates driving and infectious rhythms on both his own material and classic covers.
“Superb blues style guitarist and great songwriter ... don’t miss this” – Acoustic Eclectic “Original songs of witty observations and heartfelt emotions” – Quack! Live Music With a growing repertoire of original songs covering some of the more perplexing aspects of modern life - from how it’s possible to feel alone in a world where so many Russian models seem to know your email address, to the perils of falling in love with your psychiatrist – Richard has drawn comparisons with Loudon Wainwright, Chris Smither and Eric Idle.
Richard is a two time winner of the Lymm Festival Songwriting Competition, and his music has been used for demonstration purposes by National Reso-phonic Guitars Inc (USA) and Busker Guitars (UK) He can be seen playing live in acoustic, folk and guitar clubs at venues around Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Derbyshire. On stage Richard has supported folk and blues artists such as Geoff Muldaur, Steve Tilston, Tony McManus, Woody Mann, Clive Gregson, Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, and Tom Doughty.
His debut EP, Reboot, was released in 2013 and includes the bluesy instrumental title track and the romantic, Brazilian flavoured This Lullaby as well as the tongue-in-cheek audience favourite Zero. Praise for Reboot... “Unpredictable and fresh...very cool lyrics” - Woody Mann (www.woodymann.com) “Beautifully put together songs, and a lyric voice all his own” - John Miller (www.johnmillerguitar.com) “Great songs and great playing” - Michael Messer (www.michaelmesser.co.uk) “Very cool stuff” - Brooks Williams (www.brookswilliams.com) “A very very sweet guitar player” - Blues In The Morning, CFUV 101.9fm, Vancouver.
