PRESS: bio | radio/airplay | reviews/quotes | selected gigs

Writing songs for over twenty-five years, Rich Simmons has honed his craft and gained national attention for his insightful, finely wrought songs. His sense of melody and strong, multi-layered lyrics have caught the ears of audiences and critics alike. Coupling his sense of humor with his unique rhythm guitar style, his live shows have been enjoyed by a growing number.

Rich first gained notoriety as part of the acoustic duo, Another Roadside Attraction. With his musical partner, Tom Knecht, they performed their own quirky original songs and an eclectic collection of covers. Their easy stage presence and sense of humor quickly garnered a sizable following. In 1995, they released Rear View Mirror, an eponymous cassette of their compositions featuring guests such as Georgy Rock, Bob Dill, Andy Ploof, and Chip Madigan. Their debut release lead to several live appearances on KDHX as well as regular airplay. They played in and around the St Louis area into 1996 at a variety of venues and festivals.

Also in 1995, two of Rich's songs were selected as finalists in the St. Louis Music Awards as well as mentions in several print sources as well. These accolades led Rich to pursue songwriting more seriously performing solo in and around the St Louis area.

His debut solo CD, "Flesh, Blood, and Bone", was released in August 2004 and has met with positive response and increasing radio support. Featuring 15 original compositions, these songs exhibit the full range of Rich's influences from country to rock to blues even to jazz-inflected songs. Instrumentation varies from intimate, acoustic duos to a full band.

Recognition continues to come Rich's way. One of his songs, No Stone Unturned, has been featured in the Acoustic Rainbow radio sampler. As a result, airplay has increased to include all corners of the country as well as Europe and Australia. A song co-written by Rich is currently under consideration as part of the soundtrack of the independent film, Two Million Stupid Women.

Rich has shared the stage with a variety of artists including Buddy Mondlock, Jonathan Byrd, Dayna Kurtz, David Davis and the Warrior River Boys, Leela and Ellie Grace, Patsy O'Brien, Noah Earle, Mary Alice Wood, and many others. Rich has also played a number of prestigious events including the Eureka Springs Folk Festival, Loop in Motion, the Greentree Festival, Focal Point, and Clint Harding's Song Circle of Friends. He also works with a country/folk band, Prairie Soul. There he covers and explores the artists that influenced him as a writer including John Hiatt, Alison Krauss, Neil Young, Willie Nelson, Gram Parsons, and Emmylou Harris.

Pre-production on Rich's as yet untitled second release has begun with a tentative release of winter 2009.

bio | radio/airplay | reviews/quotes | selected gigs