Brian Ritchie

The Profile

Brian Ritchie is an American musician best known as the bassist and co-founder of Violent Femmes. A multi-instrumentalist active since the 1980s, his solo and collaborative work ranges from alternative rock and folk punk to world and experimental music, including shakuhachi projects.

Multi-instrumentalist bassist of Violent Femmes. Solo debut The Blend was released on SST in 1987. On that album he plays bass, guitars, accordion, banjo, flute, and more; features tracks such as Alphabet, Arab Song, Feast of Fools, a cover of Sun Ra’s Nuclear War, and a setting of Rimbaud’s Song of the Highest Tower. He is also known publicly as a shakuhachi player and for world/experimental projects.

A positive look at Brian Ritchie’s solo debut The Blend (1987, SST). The review praises his multi-instrumental chops across bass, guitar, accordion, banjo, flute and more. Highlights include Alphabet, Arab Song, Feast of Fools, and a cover of Sun Ra’s Nuclear War. The album closes with John the Revelator and a Rimbaud setting. Verdict: highly recommended.