Ric Grech

Richard Roman Grechko (1 November 1946 – 17 March 1990), better known as Ric Grech, was a British rock musician. He is best known for playing bass guitar and violin with the rock band Family as well as in the supergroup Blind Faith and later Traffic. He also played with ex-Cream drummer Ginger Baker.

Education He was born in Bordeaux, France. Reportedly, Grech was so intoxicated he could barely play and was shipped back home, to be replaced by John Weider.

Returning to England, Grech recorded Blind Faith's eponymous album with Clapton, Winwood and drummer Ginger Baker, a former Clapton bandmate in Cream. The quartet toured the US to support it but Clapton was disappointed with the quality of the music and performances, so the group disbanded. Grech and Winwood stayed with Baker to form Ginger Baker's Air Force, In 1970, Grech appeared on Graham Bond's album Holy Magick.

As in Family, Grech lasted two albums with Traffic — the live Welcome to the Canteen and the well-received The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys. Along with drummer Jim Gordon, Grech co-wrote the minor hit "Rock N Roll Stew." Drugs, however, remained a problem, and Winwood and his bandmates eventually decided they had no alternative but to dismiss him.

Grech remained active in session work, playing with Rod Stewart, Ronnie Lane, Vivian Stanshall and Muddy Waters. He also worked with Rosetta Hightower, the Crickets, Bee Gees and Gram Parsons. In January 1973, he performed in Eric Clapton's Rainbow Concert, and he reunited with Roger Chapman and Charlie Whitney when the duo recorded an album in 1974 after Family's breakup. Grech was one of many special guests on that record, which led Chapman and Whitney to form the group Streetwalkers.

Grech retired from music in 1977.

Death Grech died on 17 March 1990, aged 43, of liver failure as a result of alcoholism.

Discography as band member with Family: Music in a Doll's House (Reprise, 1968) Family Entertainment (Reprise, 1969) A Song For Me (Reprise, 1970) Old Songs New Songs (compilation, Reprise, 1971)

with Blind Faith: Blind Faith (Polydor (UK), Atco (US), 1969)

with Ginger Baker's Air Force: Ginger Baker's Air Force (Polydor (UK), Atco (US), 1970) Ginger Baker's Air Force 2 (Polydor (UK), Atco (US), 1970)

with Traffic: The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (Island, 1971) Welcome to the Canteen (United Artists, 1971) (Recorded live in London)

with KGB: KGB (MCA, 1975) MOTION (MCA, 1976)

as session artist with Gram Parsons: GP (Reprise, 1973)

with Muddy Waters: The London Muddy Waters Sessions (Chess, 1972)

with Eric Clapton: Eric Clapton's Rainbow Concert (Polydor, 1973) (Recorded live in London)

with Eddie Harris: E.H. in the U.K. (one track) (Atlantic, 1973)