Musician Profile

Band Info

Richard first played trombone at Bushey Grammar School near Watford in 1962. After five years of classical training he ventured into London’s jazz scene and experienced playing alongside Humphrey Lyttelton, Acker Bilk, Ken Colyer, Terry Lightfoot, Johnny Dankworth and many others. He led his own Northside Jazz band for 26 years with top names such as George Webb, Harry Gold, Joe Daniels, John Bestable, Bruce Turner, Beryl Brydon, Roy Williams and Digby Fairweather all guesting with the band. In 1989 Richard turned to jazz professionally for a third time and joined the Pete Allen Jazz Band touring Europe and the U.K. for the next six years. After parting company with Pete Allen in September 2004 Richard channelled his efforts into a new band, Richard Leach’s 7 Stars of Jazz, formed the previous year and making a large impact on the U.K. jazz club and festival scene. Richard still greatly enjoys freelancing with other bands, giving him the opportunity to play different styles of jazz.