Born: May 28, 1951 Primary Instrument: Guitar
I am an American composer, arranger, producer, guitarist, broadcaster and journalist - living in London. I was called “one of the most versatile men in modern music” by Sound On Sound magazine because of my extensive work across many genres.
Credits include POP: Paul McCartney, Westlife, Mariah Carey, Boyzone, Cher, Tina Turner, Lulu, Cilla Black, Tears For Fears, Pet Shop Boys, Wet Wet Wet, Ronan Keating, Take That, Was (Not Was), Hue & Cry, Samantha Mumba, Heather Small, and Kylie Minogue. R&B: James Brown, Joe Cocker, Dusty Springfield, Michael McDonald, Bobby Womack, Jimmy Ruffin, Deniece Williams, Randy Crawford, and Gloria Gaynor. JAZZ: Pat Metheny, Bob James, Chris Hunter, The Yellowjackets, Guy Barker, Incognito, Morrissey-Mullen, Jim Mullen, Silje Nergaard, Michel Legrand, Gary Husband. CLASSICAL: Placido Domingo, Montserrat Caballe and Kiri Te Kanawa.
My songs have been recorded by Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Kid Creole, Deniece Williams, Bobby Womack, Silje Nergaard, Clive Griffin and Spike Milligan.
My jazz orchestra, BANDZILLA began life on Grace Jones's “Slave To The Rhythm” (1985) and Ruby Wax's first TV series “Don't Miss Wax”. (CD, Blue Movies ). Performances with Ray Charles, Neil Tennant, Pat Kane, Richard Darbyshire, Kid Creole, Paul McCartney, James Brown, Cher, Hamish Stuart, Clive Griffin, Claire Teal. I am a regular guest conductor and writer for The BBC Big Band with concerts for Ray Charles, Jane Monheit, Pat Kane and Deniece Williams.
Musical Director for TV: David Essex, Leo Sayer, Lisa Stansfield, Michael Ball.
BROADCASTER: I writes and present acclaimed music documentaries for BBC Radio 2 including “New Jazz Standards” - “the kind of programme that breaks new ground... a landmark in jazz broadcasting” (Daily Telegraph).
TV Commercials: McDonalds, Nescaf, Max Factor, Toshiba
I have released 2 CDs as guitarist/composer, “Santa Rita” (Sanctuary) and “Club Deranged” (Nucool). They feature superb players including Nelson Rangell, Hamish Stuart, Danny Gottlieb, Kid Creole, Nigel Hitchcock and Chris Hunter.
I also teach a few serious students.
My fabulous new band Richard Niles & Friends plays regular gigs around London.
For more detailed information and soundbytes please visit my fun-filled website.
