biographical info
The newest album, Riley Wants His Life Back, is an all- original collection. With Rob Phillips on piano and Richard Simpkins on upright bass, the Rick Fines Trio shines with a playfulness and level of comfort that shows their years of playing together. A small cast of guests compliment the recording. Al Webster joins in on drums for half the album. Chris Whiteley adds his trumpet or cornet to three songs. Mathew Fines (Dobro) and Peter Andree (accordion) play on a song each. Alec Fraser steps up to the microphone several times in this, the third Fraser/Fines co-production. This new CD has quickly been hailed as Fines’ strongest yet.
In addition to a busy touring schedule, Fines conducts classes and workshops. For several years now he has taught fingerstyle guitar at the Haliburton School of the Arts in Ontario and instructed at the Hornby Island Blues Workshop in British Columbia. Rick is part of the Blues In The Schools programs in both Ottawa and Toronto.