Mark Mandeville and Raianne Richards
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Mark Mandeville and Raianne Richards are clearly inheritors of a timeless legacy, creating music that is both original and evocative of a rich tradition. Blending distinctive voices and a wide range of accompaniment (guitar, harmonica, ukulele, clarinet, penny whistle, electric bass), their songs have been well-received by audiences around the eastern United States since 2010. Transcending the genre of folk Americana, their music echoes inspiration from traditional folk duos and singer/songwriters like Ian & Sylvia, Kate Wolf and Neil Young – combining beautiful harmonies and a lyrical intensity, while establishing a unique sound of their own.
Their new CD, Grain by Grain, demonstrates an ever progressive richness in songwriting and performance. From the opening title song through its closing track—“Across the Morning”—it is an exemplar of what modern Americana can and should be.
Both artists are products of central Massachusetts mill and factory towns, and for all their national exposure, they are passionately dedicated to the region and what it has to offer. Each summer for the past five years they have organized the “Massachusetts Walking Tour” where they hike the roads and trails of the Commonwealth, more than 100 miles in less than two weeks, in support of the arts in local communities along the way. Each evening they stop over in yet another Massachusetts town, putting on a free concert there, along with local performers and fellow artists who accompany them on their journey. These annual two-week treks also raise awareness of the trails and greenways in Massachusetts, using music to make important connections.
Over the years, Mandeville & Richards have shared the stage with acts like Garnet Rogers, Melanie Safka, Eric Brace & Peter Cooper, John Gorka, Willie Watson, Pierce Pettis, Pokey LaFarge, Joan Osborne, Mustard’s Retreat, Atwater & Donnely, Antje Duvekot, and David Wax Museum – in 2015, while showcasing at the Philadelphia Folk Festival, appeared on stage with Tom Paxton.
Mandeville & Richards were Quad Showcase artists at Northeast Folk Alliance (NERFA) in 2014 and Formal Showcase artists at Southeast Folk Alliance (SERFA) in 2016.
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“The best part of their performance is the undeniable chemistry Mark and Raianne have together; they play with a comfortability and trust that can only come with years of partnership. They allow enough space in their musical bond to for us to settle in and witness some serious songwriting and playing.”
– Fred Knittel, WXPN (Philadelphia)
Why aren’t Mr Mandeville and Ms Richards so much better known? Mark Mandeville, Raianne Richards and their musician friends have crafted a warm, friendly, relaxing album that drips with quality. This is a disc that demands listeners and it is difficult to imagine many country fans not liking this engaging collection of songs. In recent decades country music has become more and more fragmented, which has produced many interesting new singers/ bands, and a few we would rather forget. Mark Mandeville and Raianne Richards are two we should remember.
– Paul Riley, Country Music People (UK)
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