The Norwich Arts Center is excited to bring Richiman and Groove Nice, an American-style blues band from Seoul, South Korea for their return to Southeastern Connecticut. 

 

The band 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 blues style. We grew up in Korea but fell in love with American blues.”

 

Three years later, the Richiman Trio replaced their bassist and made their sound more groove-oriented. The new line-up was named Richiman and Groove Nice.

 

They returned to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2022. There 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 the famed Royal Recording Studio in Memphis where Al Green recorded his most famous works. 

 

Richiman and Groove Nice is a true power trio consisting of Richiman (aka Isaac Cha): Guitarist, vocalist, and primary songwriter. He is known for delivering powerful vocals 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) is 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) is famous in South Korea as “The Smile Drummer.” Don’t let his smile deceive you. He has killer chops and is a powerful, soulful drummer who grounds the trio in infectious grooves that will grab you deep inside and take you to a place of pure delight.

 

Come and experience this extraordinary blues band for a unique chance to hear an international sensation in an intimate setting close to home on Saturday, July 12. You will be glad you did.