Many people would consider drumming for one of the most iconic bands of the 70s the pinnacle of a music career. But for Richie Onori, drummer for The Sweet (“Ballroom Blitz”, “Fox On The Run”), it is only the beginning.
Richie made his mark on the music scene as a world-class drummer, having played and recorded with a diverse cross-section of artists such as Keith Emerson, Richie Sambora, Louis Johnson, Ronnie James Dio, Paul Rodgers, Slash, and Steve Lukather before joining The Sweet.
Now, Richie is poised to release his own CD, entitled “Days Of Innocence”, a collection of songs imbued with influences of the classic California blues/rock scene that he grew up with in LA’s San Fernando Valley in the 60s and 70s. A prolific songwriter, Richie speaks from his heart and says what’s on his mind. In releasing two CDs, he gives himself room to explore both his emotional journeys (“Days of Innocence”) and his spirituality and social commentary (“In The Name of Freedom”) within the frame of an infectiously grooving blues/rock sound, ably assisted by the talents of a roster of heavy hitters with whom he has played over the years.
Like drummers Dave Grohl and Phil Collins, Richie brings his impeccable groove and rock-solid pocket to the table as a component of his larger concept. Richie Onori is driven by a creative spark that enables him to thrive in a variety of endeavors, and redefine the word ‘artist’. Richie says, “As we sink deeper into our mechanized and corporate worlds, all we can hope for is that the artist can rise to the occasion and help shape our world and realities with real vision, truth and leadership”. Richie believes music is a vehicle that can be used to communicate truth and awareness, as well as to promote change. With this in mind, Richie Onori has put together a body of work that reflects his multifaceted life – and speaks directly to his audience as well, with a multi-layered approach all his own. Richie is on a journey of the heart, of the mind, and of the spirit, and he invites you to come along for the ride – but, be warned – if you’re with Richie, you had better fasten your seat belt! Exhilarating, inspiring, and energizing – so hang on tight!
CRITICS' RAVES FOR "IN THE NAME OF FREEDOM"
NEW ALBUM BY RICHIE ONORI'S BLUES MESSENGER
"Revolutionary. That was my first impression when I received and heard Richie Onori's Blues Messenger's In The Name Of Freedom. There is a message on this disc - the listener is transported to a time when people actually gave a damn about what real freedom they had. Onori is a gifted and passionate musician; There's strength in his conviction. How he delivers it on this CD demonstrates that he thought long and hard before committing to this project. An exceptionally powerful collection."
VINTAGE ROCK
In The Name Of Freedom has a retro-type feel and sound to it, but in a refreshing kind of way. "Power To The People" is a rallying of the troops call, with a edgy hook guitar riff that pops up again and again. Love the intermittent guitar wailing and big harmony vocals throughout the album (4 out of 5). CHAMBERS OF ROCK
With the recent release of In The Name Of Freedom I'm reminded how good Richie Onori is at making the listener feel his emotion, and impressed anew with the fearless approach to each song on the disc. "Long Live Rock" feels like an anthem for the modern age. It's the kind of song you can imagine yourself singing to at a concert, and it's got an ability to unite all walk of life. The musicianship is stellar but for me the lyrics are what take the apple pie. ROCK OVER AMERICA
His dramatic flair on tracks such as "(Hey You) Better Think Again" and "Buffalo Nation" show that Richie Onori is an artist to be respected and reckoned with - angst and all! Onori showcases his social and spiritual skills on In The Name Of Freedom, with tracks such as "Power To The People," "American Fighters," and "Come Together In The USA" all being highlights of the disc. MUSIC NEWS NASHVILLE
On "In The Name Of Freedom," Richie Onori provides his extraordinary drumming along with vocals and some guitars. "Hey You (Better Think Again)" opens up with some of the best guitar work on the entire album. It has the rawness of Jimi Hendrix mixed with some modern-day blues of Joe Bonamassa. Whether you agree with him or not, Richie Onori isn't afraid to tell you how he feels. NATIONAL ROCK REVIEW
Driving, straight-ahead rock fuels "Power To The People," and Phil Woodward's screaming guitar kicks the song. Even if one doesn't agree with Richie Onori's political leanings, the music, musicianship, and production on In The Name Of Freedom make it a highly listenable - and enjoyable - record. SCREAMER MAGAZINE
Richie Onori’s offering of old-school rock and roll rhythms and gut- busting guitar riffs blended with an “All American” salute to this great country is a rare treat today. When most artists try to find something wrong with the USA, he has found a place in our hearts where a fire and passion for old glory still burns strong. The musical component is strong in composition and has an 80’s rock feel, but is not old and dusty, it is modern, rich and vibrant. The Great American Anthem Album of 2014! XOMBIEWOOF MAGAZINE
Richie Onori's Blues Messenger's latest release In The Name Of Freedom couldn't have been released at a better time - just hours before the U.S. Government shutdown. Onori brings the volume and the beat down by just a notch and takes his blues-driven groove to the streets, beckoning us as Americans to open our eyes to all the messed-up stuff that's going on and to take our country back from the big shots. ROCKWIRED RADIO/MAGAZINE
Richie Onori's Blues Messenger In The Name Of Freedom takes aim at both sides of the political aisle. Much like the '60s and '70s, Onori has stepped upon the protest soapbox, calling the alarm to individuals and society alike, to take control of their freedoms, once again, and to hold our government and its career politicians responsible.
BOOMEROCITY
On '"Power To The People" Onori lives what he sings with a power rock track featuring solid drumming and hot guitar riffs. "American Fighters" is a rock ballad with a message and solid hook, making it a strong candidate for airplay, as is "Long Live Rock." Memorable melodies throughout the album. BMANS BLUES REPORT
Onori and the group are a cohesive unit and espouse the power of rock music in terms of political activism on the track "Long Live Rock". If you're looking for an activist album with good tunes then check out In The Name Of Freedom. L.A. MUSIC EXAMINER
In The Name Of Freedom is the second solo release from Richie Onori. The songs are heavily rooted in classic rock with influences such as The Allman Brothers Band, Bob Seger, and Pat Travers. This release is not for the younger generation though I think the younger musicians ought to be forced to listen to it so they can learn how music is meant to be written and recorded. If you're a member of the older generation that remembers when artists used actual musicians to record their music then this is for you. BLAST MAGAZINE
REVIEW COPIES OF IN THE NAME OF FREEDOM AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.
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Richie is featured in Music News Nashville:
Richie Onori’s Blues Messenger, fronted by rock musician Richie Onori, champion human rights and individual freedoms with the release of “In The Name Of Freedom,” scheduled to drop early July. The album was produced by Dan Jenkins, known for his work with, among others, Tori Amos, Dionne Warwick, and Tower of Power.The band (Phil Woodard, guitar; Marvin Sperling, bass; Richie Onori, guitars/vocals) is fronted by Onori, renowned for his high-energy drumming in both multi-platinum bands The Sweet (“Ballroom Blitz,” “Fox On The Run”) as well as Heaven And Earth, both of whom he continues to be active in.
“Power To The People” is a call-to-action anthem:
United we stand, divided we fall.
Together we win, you will answer the call,
Here is the simple truth, I dare you to see,
We better come together, if you want to stay free.
Other tracks on In The Name Of Freedom: “American Fighters,” “Hey You (Better Think Again),” “Buffalo Nations,” “Blues Messenger,” “Long Live Rock,” “The Answer,” “Come Together We’re The U.S.A.,” and the title track.
“We the people do have the power right now,” continues Onori, whose previous album, The Days Of Innocence, was selected 2012′s “Rock Album of the Year” by Rock Over America magazine. “The time is now to organize and unify before it’s too late. As citizens let’s focus on what is ethically right instead of being separated and distracted by this petty political circus in front of us and which is being purported by the bought-and-sold corporate interests.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Doug Deutsch Publicity Services
July, 2013 213.924.4901 dougdeutschpr@gmail.com
Richie Onori's Blues Messenger, fronted by rocker Richie Onori, champion human rights and individual freedoms on their new album, "In The Name Of Freedom."
RICHIE ONORI'S BLUES MESSENGER CHAMPION HUMAN RIGHTS AND INDIVIDUAL FREEDOMS ON "IN THE NAME OF FREEDOM"
"The system is rigged in such a way that "We The People" are pitted against each other to create controversy, chaos, and fear. Their intent is to distract the attention away from them. We can't, as citizens, come together to defeat this attack if we don't know who the real targets are. There are very few that know who the targets are - do you?" Richie Onori
Richie Onori 's new CD - In The Name Of Freedom
(HOLLYWOOD, Calif.) - Richie Onori's Blues Messenger, fronted by rock musician Richie Onori, champion human rights and individual freedoms with the release of "In The Name Of Freedom," scheduled to drop early July. The album was produced by Dave Jenkins, known for his work with, among others, Tori Amos, Dionne Warwick, and Tower of Power.
The band (Phil Woodward, guitar; Marvin Sperling, bass; Richie Onori, guitars/vocals) is fronted by Onori, renowned for his high-energy drumming in both Sweet as well as Heaven And Earth, both of whom he continues to be active in.
"Power To The People" is a call-to-action anthem:
United we stand, divided we fall.
Together we win, you will answer the call,
Here is the simple truth, I dare you to see,
We better come together, if you want to stay free.
Other tracks on In The Name Of Freedom: "American Fighters," "Hey You (You'd Better Think Again)," "Buffalo Nations," "Blues Messenger," "Long Live Rock," "The Answer," "Come Together We're The U.S.A.," and the title track.
"Maybe you think it's far-fetched that there could be a global plot to control our world citizens here and abroad in every which way that could be conceivable. Well, think again," asserts Onori. "Right now the global elite along with their corporate partners and cooperative governments have an insidious plan for all of us and at this moment is being rolled out. With advances in technology it is just a matter of time that they will have it all sewn up worldwide."
"We the people do have the power right now," continues Onori, whose previous album, The Days Of Innocence, was selected 2012's "Rock Album of the Year" by Rock Over America magazine. "The time is now to organize and unify before it's too late. As citizens let's focus on what is ethically right instead of being separated and distracted by this petty political circus in front of us and which is being purported by the bought-and-sold media."
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