This Australian duo, built around a creative core of Tom Kristensen (guitar) and Madeleine King (vocals), formed in 1995 after both partners had experienced varying degrees of success in other bands. As Kristensen told the press, ''We were sitting in our lounge playing songs together when a friend suggested we should get out and do them in public.'' Writing principally in a melodic country blues vein, the group signed to MDS Records. In addition to Kristensen and King, the group featured other members Barry Turnbull (John Kennedy's Love Gone Wrong, Widdershins), David Orwell (Golden Rough), Mandy Pearson (Craven Fops, The Jackson Code) and Richard Boxhall with each participant playing at least three different instruments. This helped lend Kristensen’s songs a crisp, eclectic sound quite unlike anything in their genre.
Their self-titled debut mini-album, produced by You Am I guitarist Tim Rogers, was voted album of the year by many Australian roots music critics. The album featured Amanda Brown (ex-Go Betweens) on violin and Chris Abrahams on keyboards. More albums followed: Fuel (1997), Jubilee Park (1999) and Greedy Hen (2002). The band held down a residency for several years at The Sandringham Hotel in Newtown and toured nationally. Mandy Pearson died in 2023.
MembersBarry Turnbull (guitar/bass), David Orwell (pedal steel/guitar/bass), Madeleine King (vocals/harmonica/bass), Mandy Pearson (vocals/drums), Tom Kristensen (vocals/dobro/guitar), Richard Boxhall (guitar),
Hi there. Couldn't find a general message area - am researching some 1960s bands and connections to The Beatles tour. In the archives of Ken Brodziak (promotor of Beatles tour here), there's a letter from a Mike Vaughan promoting the idea of 'Adrian and the Ricochets' being a support act during the tour. I can't track down any Australian band of that name - but have seen a single released here by a Marion Gray and The Ricochets. Interested in whether you've come across any Ricochets. And I'd looked up the Easybeats history thinking Mike Vaughan could have been their former manager.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn’t be surprised if Adrian and The Ricochets was a nom de plume for another band. Keeping their cards close to their chest so to speak. I have no other info. All the best. Keep digging! Cheers Kimbo
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