Richie Arndt & The Bluenatics - The Blue Side Of... (Best Of) (2010)

Personnel:
Richie Arndt - Guitar & Vocals
Frank Boestfleisch - Drums & Vocals
Jens Ulrich Handreka - Bass & Vocals

Richie Arndt was not born in New Orleans or Memphis, yet his great passion is blues and American roots music, the roots of today's rock, pop and jazz music. The East Westphalian guitarist, singer and songwriter has long been a fixture on the German music scene with his emotional playing, moving songs and concerts.

Awarded the "Blues In Germany Award" as "Best Contemporary Artist" in spring 2015, in June 2016 he received the "German Blues Award - Best Album 2016" for "Mississippi - Songs Along The Road".

Richie Arndt has been traveling in very different formations and styles for three decades. Lots of time to think outside the box, learn to develop - and go back to the beginnings that started when he was a teenager. Even then, his heroes were called Rory Gallagher, Johnny Winter and Jimi Hendrix, but he was also impressed by the great singers and songwriters such as Van Morrison and Joni Mitchell. In their footsteps, he discovered his love for "good, handmade music", as he says, looked for technical perfection and inspiration - and found it. Along with his very own style: a style that the blues gives its warm soul, while the heartbeat, the beat of his songs, often shows hints of rock and pop.

Richie Arndt knows both sides of the music business. After celebrating success as a service provider in various top 40 bands and as a guest and studio musician for more than ten years, it was clear to him: It is artistic work that is his love. In 1994 he founded the trio "Richie Arndt & The Bluenatics".
Fifteen successful albums, appearances at festivals in front of over 15,000 spectators, countless club concerts and tours among others in Germany, Russia, Poland, France, Switzerland, Italy and Ireland are the results of one of Germany's most versatile guitarists.

His catchy voice and his savvy and unobtrusive guitar playing make it easy for his listeners to get involved with the music. Whether acoustic or electric: Apparently everyday things become something special in Richie Arndt's songs - transported with sensitivity, charm and wit equally. His stage experience and pedagogical skills, combined with his musical ability and talent make Bielefeld an outstanding personality of the German blues scene. Far from well-worn clichés.