Meet the Crew!
Rich Russell is a multifaceted individual - a singer/songwriter, a devoted husband, and a loving father. His connection to music runs deep within his family, with his father being a professional musician who inspired Rich from a young age. As he grew older, Rich's passion for singing, songwriting, and producing only intensified, leading him to explore his talents in various bands. Currently, Rich has been immersing himself in his country roots, drawing inspiration from the ups and downs of life's journey. Above all, Rich's priorities in life are clear - God, family, and music are at the core of his being, guiding him in all that he does.
Mark “Bongo” Ritchie, born & raised in Bardstown, KY, this strapping young lad was brought up on the roots of Bluegrass. His musical beginnings began in the mid - 70’s at Pappy Cecil’s “Bluegrass Country Park” where he parked cars into the early morning hours, only to wake up the next day with songs haunting the brain and serving as a reminder that a life of music was within his grasp! Eventually an R&B Jazz-Funk groove began to surface, which teased his desire to enter the world of percussion. He then transitioned into the local country / pop rock circuit, earning him enough gas money and notoriety in central Kentucky, to fuel his confidence to continue learning and executing a rhythm lifestyle. His ability and desire to play drums (and cymbals) was then forever embedded in his psyches, to include a severe and everlasting taste of Little Feat.
Migrating into the Raleigh music scene in 1984, he began to realize the variety of musical opportunities beating at his door. He has been the primary beat behind many well-known acts, including The Backsliders, Available Jones, Creatures of Habit, Joe King Smokers The Goods, Melvin and The Mudflaps, Blown Away, High Voltage, Madd Elaine, The Leftovers, Partly Rowdy, Skin Tight, entertaining the masses for the last 20 years, and earning him the title of: “The Prostitute Drummer of Raleigh”. Recently landing with Rich Russell Band, he has accepted the role to design and execute what is evolving to be an inspiring and strong rhythmic message, targeted to entertain with some of the most heart-felt licks he’s ever encountered.
Russ Bullock has over 40 years of experience playing guitar in the Carolinas. Russ has experience in playing multiple genres of music from, Rock, Classic Rock, New Wave, Punk and Grunge, Country and Funk / Rock / Blues. Russ has played with numerous bands over the years, Surgin, Perfect Strangers I and Perfect Strangers 2. Russ has also played with recording artist Peter Stroud, Steve Hartsoe and the Beacon Souls, Wildfire Poets, Rebecca Ward, Ameribilly and Brookside Drive as well as with singer songwriter Gretchen Norwood. Russ is currently playing with the Rich Russell Band. Russ is also one of the guitarists with Hope Community Church in Raleigh / Apex. Recently Russ has played the PNC Arena during Carolina Hurricanes game, Holly Springs Fall Festival, NC State Fair. Russ continues to evolve as a musician, playing Guitar (Electric, Acoustic), Dobro, Mandolin and Lap Steel guitar to add to his diversity of experience.
