Richie Stevens became a professional musician in 1980, starting as a drummer, working with Dennis Bovell and Linton Kwesi Johnson and went on to work on many varied sessions. In 1985 signed a major record deal with Virgin Records and Virgin Publishing, with his own project Well Red. Richie is the son of the late John Stevens, a pioneer of British free jazz, and a gifted drummer, percussionist and producer in his own right. His talents have found him in constant demand, working with everyone from Horace Andy and Joss Stone to Boy George and Damon Albarn. Now, with Smudge All Stars, Richie leads a funk/soul ensemble that draws on his friendships with many leading black British, Jamaican and US musicians. Drumming credits include Tina Turner, Dido, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Joan Armatrading, Simply Red, Oleta Adams, Horace Andy, Spacemonkeyz, Hugh Masekela, Keziah Jones, Joss Stone, Nas, George Clinton, Omar and many more. Well Red and Smudge collaborations include Bernie Worell, Blackbird McKnight, Amp Fiddler, George Clinton, Stuart Levine, William Orbit, Martin Rushent, Gail Anne Dorsey, Dennis Bovell, Omar, Pee Wee Ellis, Fred Wesley, Lee Scratch Perry and Earl 16. Production/Remix credits include, Nas, SpaceMonkeyz v Gorillaz project, Jamiroquai, Dread Zone, Mica Paris, Boy George/ Culture Club, Earl 16, George Clinton, Fred Wesley, Peewee Ellis, Sinead O’Connor and artist Tracy Emin.