Steel Tiger - Peacecorps
Peacecorps is Steve Cobby and Leeds-based guitarist Rich Arthurs.
Their EP 'Bushfarmer' - released on Steel Tiger in September 2007 - is only available as a download.
Rich Arthurs studied classical guitar under Graham Wade and jazz studies at Leeds College of Music from 1992 to 1996, where he formed a celebrated and prize winning guitar duo playing contemporary and avant-garde classical music.
After leaving college he worked for the charity Live Music Now! - which was co-founded by famed violinist and conductor, Yehudi Menuhin - this included touring the country for three years, and playing in prisons and schools for children with special needs. Around this time he also formed the Latin jazz trio SAUDADE who became firm favourites at festivals and clubs around the UK over the following ten years.
In 2004 Rich met percussionist Sam Bell and they formed ORGATRONICS, a fusion of ambient and Latin influences with electronica, and released the 2005 album MOONFRUIT to great reviews. Since then they have had numerous tracks included on compilations around the world, including a Café Del Mar offering - they are currently touring and producing their second album due for release in 2008.
Rich Arthurs also works with Emily Levy [also of ORGATRONICS], the duo's musical influences range from folk and jazz to medieval and flamenco. This sound, combined with honest and delicate songs create a spellbinding live performance.
Rich's inimitable guitar style draws on traditional Brazilian guitar and flamenco traditions of the Spanish guitar fused with the rock and jazz techniques of the electric - combined with samples and effects to create a diverse textural sound.