The Bandits met Texan favourite Jessica Clemmons, the opening act during a 2012 tour while playing with The Overtones and instantly bonded over their mutual love of country music. As they began to play together more and more, their chemistry became clear and Jess and the Bandits were born. Made up of brothers Ricci and Louis Riccardi on drums and guitar respectively, Dave Troke on bass, Steven Reid Williams on keyboards/guitar and of course Jessica Clemmons on vocals, each member of the Bandits brings with them a storied history of country creativity. Influenced by their musician father, brothers Ricci and Louis Riccardi were playing Country and Blues music from a very early age. Whilst studying in the US they learned the Nashville Number System, a method of transcribing music, which they rely on heavily to this day. They later joined with fellow bass player David Troke, a musician who shared the same influences and aspirations. Last to join the group was singer-songwriter and piano player Steven Reid-Williams. Far from home, Jessica Clemmons hails from Houston, Texas, however
UK audiences have fallen for her soulful and passionate work. Jess graced the BBC Radio 2 playlist last year with Single Tonight and impressed when she performed her take on Wichita Lineman on Terry Wogan’s Sunday morning show. Jess and The Bandits’ ballsy My Name Is Trouble was also the popular opener of Maverick Music Volume 12 in our November/December issue. The band spent the majority of 2014 on the road, with performances at Country 2 Country, as well as The Isle Of Wight Festival and a support tour with Pete Molinari. Later in the year Jess re-joined her co-writing team in Nashville including Jeff Cohen (The Band Perry, Sugarland), James T. Slater (My Daughters Eyes’), Brian White (Rascal Flatts) and producer Larry Beaird (Dolly Parton, Faith Hill). These Country credentials are especially displayed on the group’s much-anticipated album HERE WE GO AGAIN which will be released in the Spring of 2015.
