Richie Gill: Reviews

Thu, Nov 27, 2008
The Guitar-Genius of Sendai

Hey Gang,

In my constant travels and search for talent here in Japan, normally I am finding myself in front of a very skillful Japanese artist/musician who rocks, but every once in a while I am treated to a surprise of sorts and have learned of a “gaijin” who resides here in Sendai and goes by the name of Richie Gill. Not only is he a solid and humble guy, but extremely talented in the world of guitar playing. He has been involved in music, playing, performing some sort of instrument since but a wee child growing up in New Zealand. Accomplished in many guitar disciplines, he can rock your socks off with straight up rock and the blues and totally twist things up and get into some classical or flamenco without missing a beat….accoustic guitars, Spanish, electric…it doesn’t matter what is in his hands….the guy jams. His mastery of the instrument has won over large amounts of people in Japan and has been featured in many of the music festivals, on NHK, local tv, radio, you name it. In other words, I am really not “discovering” anything here anymore than Columbus “discovered” the Americas. This Kiwi has resided here in Japan for over 16 years, speaks the language better than I speak my own English and has now turned to passing on his skills to young Japanese students through his music school that he now runs. So, I am thinking now I know where some of these young guys are learning their chops…..I have even met a few of his students who now have bands, so I guess the proof is in the pudding so to speak, in that the Richie Gill Guitar Family Tree is growing well in Japan. Anyways, I just had to give this guy some props as I have seen him live and can attest to his genius on the guitar.