Warren Richardson - Bass: Biography

Warren is not only a bass virtuoso, but a multi talented musician. Warren was born on the 20th November 1961 in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA. Warren’s first gig came at the age of 8 when he had the chance to sing in band in which his father played bass. That was the impetus to seek out his own band. By the age of 12 he started playing bass and singing in the band “Dangerous Intersection” and this provided the foundation for his future music career.

In 1985 Warren joined the band “Serious Business”, a versatile and multi-talented group of musicians in which Warren played not only bass, but guitar, drums and keyboards! In the same year the band released a single through an independent label entitled ‘Keep Your Love Alive’. Although the single rose high in the indie charts, disputes between the band’s management and the label’s CEO led to the band leaving the label. It wasn’t all bad news though as the band won Philadelphia’s ‘Battle of the Bands’ and played numerous festival dates including opening for Levert and Ray and Goodman and Brown.

In 1987 Warren joined the band TR3 as bass player and singer. TR3 was a unique Jazz, Fusion, Funk, Rock and Reggae band in which Warren admits he learnt an incredible amount “It was truly inspiring and challenging because of the way that Tim Reynolds, the band leader, wrote music.” To this date Tim Reynolds is Warren’s favourite guitarist and bass player.

TR3’s first album ‘TR3’ was released in 1988 and quickly followed up by the CD ‘Shifting Currents’ in 1991. Warren toured extensively with TR3 in 1991 supporting the CD and opened for Phish! and The Radiators amongst other bands.

1991 was a busy year for Warren as Serious Business released their first 12 song album, entitled ‘Serious Business’. Warren wrote most of the songs for the album which was well received with a mix of R&B, dance and rap songs that was typical of the era. The band toured the East Coast in support of the album filling out clubs throughout the area.

One year later and it was all change for Warren as he joined the band ‘Burning Core’ - an original rap, funk, rock and vocal band. Warren says of the band “Burning Core was way ahead of its time, paving the way for bands like Limp Biskit, Rage Against The Machine and Blink 182. Before any of those bands Burning Core was mixing rap, funk and rock together”. The innovative music proved to be very successful with extensive gigs booked and some high profile support slots including opening for Dave Matthew’s Band. A song ‘One Kingdom’ was recorded for a promotional CD for the Music Business Industries magazine.

In 1993 Warren moved to Jersey City in New Jersey and played Bass Guitar and Sang for an established New York based band called “Just Us”. As Warren recalls this was a busy time “We performed 4-6 times each week and over a long period of time. It was hard work, but enormous fun”. With Just Us Warren played bass for 3 years.

In 1996 it was time for a change again as Warren auditioned for and successfully joined STOMP the stage show. For the next 2 years he continuously toured the US before travelling throughout Europe in 1998. Since then Warren has toured the world with STOMP and is still a part time member of the hugely successful show.

That is not to say that his music ambitions have waned. Since moving to Germany and living in Düsseldorf Warren has made a name for himself as a well respected musician and composer. In 2001 he wrote and recorded music for a dance performance 4 Enemies which was performed at the well renowned Folkswang Hochschule in Essen.

In 2004 he auditioned for and joined the alternative/rock band Sunmerge. Also in 2004 Warren appeared on German television playing bass guitar with “Shazney Lewis” from the girl group “All Saints” and also with well know German artist Marianne Rosenberg.

In 2005 Warren joined the Kris Pohlmann Band. “I received a call from this English guy who said he’s looking for a bass player. We played a few songs through, the vibe was great, the music fresh and there was a raw energy that I hadn’t experienced in a band yet”.

Since then Warren has established himself as an integral cog in the KPB wheel. “The chemistry and humour we have in this band is something very special and this band means a lot to me”.

Although busy with KPB and Stomp Warren has still a burning desire to record and release his own solo project and collaborate with and produce other artists.

Away from music Warren enjoys hanging with family and friends, Rock Climbing, Sky Diving, Swimming, Bicycle Riding, Basketball, Scuba Diving, Ping Pong, Chess, Pool, Card Games, Reading, Watching Films (Action, Drama, Suspense, Martial Arts) and just plain chillin’!