ANDREW RICHARDS & COMPANY
This young and talented ensemble is full of energy and depth. Playing well loved standards and originals alike, Andrew Richards & Company will convert any listener into a Jazz enthusiast.
WHO THEY ARE
Let the Music Tell the Story
Andrew Richards is contemporary vocalist, composer, and songwriter. Born and raised in Vermont, he now resides in New York City, where his butter smooth tone will coax the marrow from your bones. Andrew sites Jazz, Folk, and Blues as great influences upon his work. While a large portion of his repertoire is American Traditional Music, you will also find elements of soul, funk, hip-hop, reggae, and rock.
His original music is a reflection of the careful and relentless study of the human experience. From the vibrant sounds of southern Spain, the intimacy of NYC Jazz clubs, and the rich folk traditions of his Irish ancestors. In his own words “it is my intention to transcribe humanity into sound, through which I will share it with you."
Ben Freidkin is an award-winning drummer and composer – Winner of “2020 Freddie Gruber Drum Set Scholarship” from Percussive Art Society, Winner of George Bann Award for Best Jazz Performer. He studied at both the “Rimon Jazz Institute” and the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, and he holds a Master of Music degree from Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. Ben has played countless shows in Israel and NYC in various styles of music with leading musicians and with his own groups.
SeaJun Kwon is a composer/bassist who focuses on exploring boundaries. His music draws from the jazz and avant-garde music traditions of Anthony Braxton, and Henry Threadgil, as well as contemporary classical composers György Ligeti, Tristan Murail, Morton Feldman. SeaJun graduated from New England Conservatory, currently based in Brooklyn. He has been leading the group Walking Cliché Sextet since 2019 and released the first album “Suite Chase Reflex” in 2021.
Moshe Elmakias is an Israeli composer and pianist currently based in NYC. With a virtuosic personal style (he began studying classical piano at age 6), he is one the most exciting pianists among the new generation of Israeli jazz musicians. He is a graduate of Israel's Academy of Music and has played with drummer Manu Katche (France), producer Larry Klein (US),singer Mor Karbasi (Spain/Israel), the Tal Gamlieli Trio, the Yogev Shetrit Trio, and more. He has toured internationally since age 13, performing, among others, at the Umbria Jazz Festival, Red Sea Jazz Festival, Guatemala Jazz Festival, Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, Poland, Russia, the US and Uzbekistan.
An arranger and composer as well as pianist, Moshe recently completed his master’s degree at the New England Conservatory of Music while performing and recording around the world. In 2020 he recorded and released an album together with his Israeli-based band Nigun Quartet.
REVIEWS
Word on the Street
AUGUST FIRST BAKERY
Andrew Richards' performance was simply stunning. His interpretations of jazz, blues, and R&B classics created a beautiful and welcoming mood to our cafe. We absolutely loved his sound and highly reccomend him for any event.
HALVORSON'S UPSTREET CAFE
Andrew Richards & Company filled up the Courtyard. The music was great, and fit perfectly with what the Halvorson's Courtyard Music Series is all about. On a questionable weather night, Andrew & Company nearly packed the place, and the music nicely filled the Courtyard with classics. We are looking forward to booking Andrew Richards & Company again, and highly recommend them for dinner and music at any chance you may get to see them.
FARMERS AND FORAGERS
Andrew was an absolute pleasure to work with! He is timely, professional and respectful of our space and crew. Andrew always put on a great and engaging show while understanding the setting he is performing in. The community, including ourselves, love to listen to Andrew perform, which was evident by the crowd that showed up to see him play. We thoroughly enjoyed having Andrew Richards and Co. at F&F Dockside and can’t wait to have them back in the future!
