Richiman and Groove Nice are an
American style blues band from Seoul
South Korea.
Formed in 2018 as the "Richiman
Trio" they first entered the International
Blues Challenge (IBC) in 2019 as a
representative of the Korea Blues Society.
While performing in Memphis, Richiman
saw and felt real American Blues and
knew this was his calling.
"We are a blues band from South
Korea that wants to play the
American style of blues. We grew up
in Korea but fell in love with
American blues."
Three years later the Richiman Trio
replaced their bassist and modernized
their sound to be more groove oriented
for dancing. The new line-up was named
Richiman and Groove Nice.
Richiman and Groove Nice are an
American style blues band from Seoul
South Korea.
Formed in 2018 as the "Richiman
Trio" they first entered the International
Blues Challenge (IBC) in 2019 as a
representative of the Korea Blues Society.
While performing in Memphis, Richiman
saw and felt real American Blues and
knew this was his calling.
"We are a blues band from South
Korea that wants to play the
American style of blues. We grew up
in Korea but fell in love with
American blues."
Three years later the Richiman Trio
replaced their bassist and modernized
their sound to be more groove oriented
for dancing. The new line-up was named
Richiman and Groove Nice.
They returned to the International
Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2022,
where they became a top 5 finalist out of
hundreds of performers from around the
world. It is the first time any Korean
blues band has reached the finals in the
history of the blues challenge. The IBC
had spoken, and yes, they are real
bluesmen.
Richiman and Groove Nice released an EP
called "Memphis Special; one take live"
which is a recording of their set in the IBC
finals. They recently released a
full length album, "Pack My Suitcase" recorded at the famed
Royal Recording Studio in Memphis where
Al Green recorded his most famous works.
In June 2024 they released a new live
album, "Crusin' Through Connecticut Live!" recorded on their 2023 American
Tour.
Richiman and Groove Nice have toured the
US on four seperate occasions playing
sold out shows in LA, Las Vegas, and New
England. In 2023 the were a headline act
at the Black Eyed Sally’s Blues Fest in
Hartford, CT.
One only needs to witness Richiman
and Groove Nice once for them to
become your favorite blues band.
Engaging, dynamic, masterful and
fun, Richiman and Groove Nice will
leave every audience member changed
and better for the experience.
Guitarist, vocalist and
primary songwriter. He is
known for delivering a
powerful vocal and ripping
solos with a great fender
guitar tone. Isaac chose the
alias Richiman because it
means "inner rich." He
says, "I feel like a real rich
man when I play blues,
because I am so happy."
I.O.
I.O. Lee
Famous in Korea as “The
Smile Drummer.” Don't let
his smile deceive you, this
man has killer chops, and
the deepest pocket in Asia.
I.O. is a wonderfully
powerful and talented
drummer that grounds the
trio in infectious grooves
that will get you off your
seat! I.O.'s happiness and joy
of drumming permeates the
audience lifting them to the
highest levels.
Bass Back
Jinhee Baek
A first call session bassist
in Korea, his energetic
playing and exquisite
technique make him a
standout among his peers.
He is versatile and
experienced, playing all
styles from Samba to
African to orchestral
music. But you will know
him for his fat bass tone,
deep blues grooves and
engaging stage presence.
Richiman
Isaac Cha
Guitarist, vocalist and
primary songwriter. He is
known for delivering a
powerful vocal and ripping
solos with a great fender
guitar tone. Isaac chose the
alias Richiman because it
means "inner rich." He
says, "I feel like a real rich
man when I play blues,
because I am so happy."
I.O.
I.O. Lee
Famous in Korea as “The
Smile Drummer.” Don't let
his smile deceive you, this
man has killer chops, and
the deepest pocket in Asia.
I.O. is a wonderfully
powerful and talented
drummer that grounds the
trio in infectious grooves
that will get you off your
seat! I.O.'s happiness and joy
of drumming permeates the
audience lifting them to the
highest levels.
Bass Back
Jinhee Baek
A first call session bassist
in Korea, his energetic
playing and exquisite
technique make him a
standout among his peers.
He is versatile and
experienced, playing all
styles from Samba to
African to orchestral
music. But you will know
him for his fat bass tone,
deep blues grooves and
engaging stage presence.
Richiman
Isaac Cha
Guitarist, vocalist and
primary songwriter. He is
known for delivering a
powerful vocal and ripping
solos with a great fender
guitar tone. Isaac chose the
alias Richiman because it
means "inner rich." He
says, "I feel like a real rich
man when I play blues,
because I am so happy."
I.O.
I.O. Lee
Famous in Korea as “The
Smile Drummer.” Don't let
his smile deceive you, this
man has killer chops, and
the deepest pocket in Asia.
I.O. is a wonderfully
powerful and talented
drummer that grounds the
trio in infectious grooves
that will get you off your
seat! I.O.'s happiness and joy
of drumming permeates the
audience lifting them to the
highest levels.
Bass Back
Jinhee Baek
A first call session bassist
in Korea, his energetic
playing and exquisite
technique make him a
standout among his peers.
He is versatile and
experienced, playing all
styles from Samba to
African to orchestral
music. But you will know
him for his fat bass tone,
deep blues grooves and
engaging stage presence.
