James Marshall Black & Rick Page

Message from James re Rick Page

"Ah yes, Rick Page, (also not related to Jimmy Page LOL) I composed the music to all of the tracks on the album 'The Fence', every single one, and play guitar on them all too, as well as engineer and produce, he pays the bills so can't knock him.
He writes most of his lyrics himself, although quite a few of his tracks I wrote the words and the music for.

He was also the first to record / lay down a track in the new home studio 'Lofty Skies' with his singer partner from 'Bitter Sweet' Debbie Leyton. They recorded 'Dreamy Lady (Will You Still Love Me).
They have also recorded a cover of Marc Bolan's classic number one 'Hot Love' (me playing guitar and producing - We captured a real big feel to it)."

Rick & Debbie both appear on James Marshall Black's album 'Tyrant Lizard King'

Bitter Sweet - Sounds like?????

This depends on the song Meatloaf comes across very strong as does Joe Cocker whilst Debs can be Dusty to Debbie Harry. Note that as this is a new duo in it's infancy there have been only a few recordings of songs which Rick n Debs have done together. Songs appearing in the song list at the moment 'No More Loving You' (original Rick Page track from 'The Fence') are cover songs of 'Something Inside So Strong' (Labi Siffrie) performed by Rick. There is also a cover version by Bitter Sweet of the superb love ballad 'Up Where We Belong' Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes,'Dreamy Lady (Will You Still Love Me)' & 'Hot Love' (both originally Marc Bolan numbers) These are just a few of the material Bitter Sweet have or will cover. Original material is in the pipeline and will appear as soon as possible

A Bitter Sweet Combination

BITTER SWEET is a remarkable combination of the rough and rugged voice of estabished Rock man Rick Page (voted best newcomer in Northern Ireland) and the Angelic, sweet and Powerful voice of Deb Leyton. (Without doubt one of the best new female voices around) Together they produce an unbelievable combination and give you some of the best cover songs and their own material you will ever hear. Formed by a chance meeting as Rick along with a few others was asked to judge a singing competition in a local pub. Debs was part of a girl duo but Rick could see and hear the potential that Debs had and asked her if she would like to pair up with him as the new Bitter Sweet, they both dedided to put their unique voices together later that month.
Somehow this talented pairing has come up with a high quality sound which has grabbed the hearts of all who have seen and heard them, they are definately the Duo to be seen and heard and are fast becoming very popular and in demand. Having already now done a number of shows and Charity performances they are proving to be without doubt one of the best duo's in the area and already have a regular following going to any and all of their gigs.. Their shows have an across the board appeal with some of the great hits from the 60's - 70's - 80's duets from famous films such as Up Where We Belong (Officer and a Gentleman) also UB40 and Chrisse Hines version of the classic "I Got You Babe" favourites like Build Me Up Buttercup, My Girl, Simply the Best, I Think Were Alone Now, Classic hits the likes of Chris Farlowe's Out of Time Lindesfarne's Meet Me on the Corner, the Cher hit song Walking in Memphis, Dusty's Son of a Preacherman, Womack n Womacks Teardrops, Alannah Miles Black Velvet, right up to present day songs such as Valerie Chasing Cars and many many more. Plus coming soon some original material which CANNOT be heard anywhere else. (Including the debut single penned by James Marshall Black "Into the Rainbow" This act is as flexible as they come, songs to suit all ages and all tastes
This is Without doubt an absolutely tremendous act that will have you bouncing in the aisle and wanting more each and every time you hear them. The Bitter voice of Rock combined with the Sweet voice of Angels make them a must see and absolutely a must hear duo

Solo Artist is there such a thing ????

Can anyone in the music industry truly claim to be a Solo artist. Mmmmm interesting question you may ask?

Lets start with the basics
Can a solo artist play all their own instruments or manage their own music or set up their own show or maintain their own equipment? That is if it's their equipment to maintain.
Maybe the answer to that is in fact they need a couple of roadies or at least a couple of good friends with knowledge of the industry.

Can a solo artist be their own agent/manager ?? Can they get their own work, their own shows, keep their own diary?? Maybe after they have spent hours in a car travelling around clubs or hours on the phone or hours setting up web sites they then may have a little time left to actually perform.

Does a solo artist have the resources, the finance the knowledge within the industry to make it on their own?? Maybe after consideration it does help to have friends already established within this cut throat world we call entertainment where the newcomer can call on the experience which is needed to survive.

All in all Solo Artist Mmmmmm let me think.
The answer is simple No one can truly say they seek a Solo career when they need money - equipment - knowledge - experience - transport - connections - people in the right places - backing - recording interest - managers - agents. etc.
BUT most of all FRIENDS who are prepared to help.

My opinion is simple THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A SOLO ARTIST

Well maybe I may be slightly wrong there. I suppose the guy in the street with his guitar in hand and cap on the pavement is a solo artist.

In my career so far I have many people I would like to thank especially James Marshall Black who has been my inspiration but there are lots of people who without I would be no where.
Many thanks to all my Friends hopefully one day you will be rewarded for your efforts.

Much Love
Rick

THE FENCE - Rick Page (Track list)

Rick around 2008 - 2009 has been working on an album with James Marshall Black that features tracks co-written by Rick.


This is full track list of the album 'The Fence' & album details

Words - Rick Page
Music - James Marshall Black
Engineer - Jiff Pea

Produced - James Marshall Black
Assistant Producer - Rick Page

Vocals - Rick Page
Guitars - James Marshall Black
Bass - Eddie Roll
Drums - Roy Land
Keyboards - James Marshall Black

Backing Vocals -
Rick Page
James Marshall Black
Eddie Roll
Mandy Edge

TRACKS
Dead Or Alive
Live By The Sword Die By The Bottle
You Will Never Fall
No More Loving You
All In The Past
Can't Help Loving You
Ice Maiden
She Was An Angel
Snake Mountain
Having A Larf
Looking Over To You
The Man In Black

Rick Page 'Bio'

Rick Page has not only had 30 years in the music business, sang on TV & radio ads. Rick also is very busy on the music circuit & often appeared in a duo act 'Bittersweet' which also features Debbie Leyton.
As well as his solo work he has done backing singing for a few big names & has worked a lot this year (2009) with James Marshall Black on his album 'Tyrant Lizard King'.
If you ask "how does Rick Sound?" well some say... "Imagine grit mixed with versatility and gravel, a splash of warmth, and a touch of insanity and you're getting near".
Rick's life in brief - ex speedway daredevil has been a musician for as long as he can remember, Rick has always produced a quality product because his heart is deeply embedded in his work.
Rick is from a tough working class background and is proud of his heritage as the son of a heavy vehicle lorry driver who also spent many years making a living in the coal mining industry.
Rick is always performing live, and is constantly working on new material.
Rick has also turned his hand to acting in movies & featured in the original 'Get Carter' with Michael Caine and not a lot of people know that.