Racket - the hottest rock and soul band on the coast - are a collaboration of British and
Spanish musicians.Pix Pickford, lead guitarist and
vocalist, was born in Guernsey and moved to Jersey when he was four. Pix began his musical career with the 'O Band', making
four albums and touring extensively throughout Europe. Sometimes touring with other well known bands, during one tour they
were supported by 'The Police'.  When the 'O Band' went their separate ways, Pix recorded with Andy Bown from 'Status Quo' and was signed by United Artists for a solo career. Pix first came to southern Spain in 1992 and fell in love with the country and the people. Ten years later he made Spain his permanent home.
Soon after moving here, Pix met the drummer and bass guitarist of the band at a gig in Nerja where they were performing. They quickly struck up a friendship and musical rapport. An inventive and talented guitarist with a soulful voice, he is responsible for writing many of Racket's original numbers.
Arturo Toré, bass guitarist and vocal harmonies, was born in Velez-Malaga. Formerly a blacksmith, he has been playing bass guitar for fifteen years. Arturo was previously a member of 'Cruce de Caminos' and 'The Hoochie Coochie Blues Band'. His natural Flamenco voice harmonises perfectly in the rock, soul, blues and reggae numbers that comprise Racket's live performances. |
Nik Ramsay, the band's drummer, is from Torquay in Devon where he was a member of the successful band 'Major Tom'. As a session musician, Nik has worked with 'Vangelis', 'Doctor Feelgood', 'The Moodie Blues', 'Wishbone Ash', 'Curved Air', 'Johnny Kidd and The Pirates', 'The Groundhogs' and 'The Blues Band'. During a jazz period, Nik played at Ronnie Scotts in London on the same bill as Dizzie Galespie.
Spain's attractions first won Nik's heart in the late 1980s. In the early 1990s Nik made Axarquia his permanent base and is now trilingual in Spanish, English and French. Also previously a member of 'The Hoochie Coochie Blues Band', Nik and Arturo have been playing together for nine years.
Mike Smith, rythm guitarist and vocal harmonies, joined Racket in 2004. From Manchester in England, Mike played with 'Escape Committee' for 14 years. His major musical influences have included Gary Moore and Santana.
Blue Weaver, born in Cardiff, joined Racket in mid-2006. Now living in Spain, Blue is a keyboard player, songwriter and record producer. A founder
member of Amen Corner and its successor Fair Weather, Blue replaced Rick Wakeman in Strawbs when Wakeman left to join Yes. Blue left Strawbs in 1975 to play with the Bee Gees, where he
stayed five years playing and co-writing the Saturday Night Fever tracks. He has also had a successful session career, playing with groups such as Mott the
Hoople and Pet Shop Boys, and solo artists including Barbara Streisand and Stevie Wonder. Blue composed the soundtrack for the film Times Square.
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