Richiman and Groove Nice are an American style blues band from Seoul South Korea.
They formed in 2018 as the “Richiman Trio” and entered the 2019 International Blues Challenge (IBC) as a representative of the Korea Blues Society. While performing in Memphis, Richiman saw and felt real American Blues and knew this was his calling.
“We are a blues band from South Korea that wants to play the American style of blues. We grew up in Korea but fell in love with American blues.”
Three years later the Richiman Trio replaced their bassist and changed their sound to be more groove oriented for dancing. The new line-up was named Richiman and Groove Nice
They returned to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2022. Where they became a top 5 finalist out of hundreds of performers from around the world. It is the first time any Korean blues band has reached the finals in the history of the blues challenge. The IBC had spoken, and yes, they are real bluesmen.
Richiman and Groove Nice released an EP called “Memphis Special; one take live” which is a recording of their set in the IBC finals. They are currently working on a full length album recorded at famed Royal Recording Studio in Memphis where Al Green recorded his most famous works.
Richiman and Groove Nice is:
-Richiman (aka Isaac Cha) Guitarist, vocalist and primary songwriter. He is known for delivering a powerful vocal and ripping solos with a great fender guitar tone. Isaac chose the alias Richiman because it means “inner rich”. He says, “I feel like a real rich man when I play blues, because I am so happy”.
-Bass Back (Jinhee Baek) A first call session bassist in Korea. His energetic playing and exquisite technique make him a standout among his peers. He is versatile and experienced, playing all styles from Samba to African to orchestral music. But you will know him for his fat bass tone, deep blues grooves and engaging stage presence.
-I.O. (I.O. Lee): Famous in Korea as โThe Smile Drummerโ. Don’t let his smile deceive you, this man has killer chops, and the deepest pocket in Asia. I.O. is a wonderfully powerful and talented drummer that grounds the trio in infectious grooves that will get you off your seat! I.O.’s happiness and joy of drumming permeates the audience lifting them to the highest levels.
One only needs to witness Richiman and Groove Nice once for them to become your favorite blues band. Engaging, dynamic, masterful and fun. Richiman and Groove Nice will leave every audience member changed and better for the experience.
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