Biography

Gerry Richardson has had a full and eventful career both as an accomplished musician and composer. He has a wealth of experience in all styles of music involving him with some of the biggest names in jazz & rock. In the 70s he and Sting formed the seminal North East Jazz Rock band 'Last Exit'. Gigs have included work with The Police and Eberhard Schoener, Billy Ocean, Guy Barker, John Miles, Alan Price, Ian Shaw and Elliott Randle (Steely Dan). Gerry played organ on Sting's 1996 million selling album 'Mercury Falling'. In 2008 Gerry got to play Carnegie Hall (Rain Forest Foundation concert) with Billy Joe, Sting and a stellar band including Narada Michael Walden, Larry Carlton and Will Lee.

All of thes experiences have culminated in the formation of The Big Idea - his most exciting and ambitious band to date.

The Big Idea has evolved from Gerry's popular trio featuring Gerry on Hammond, Garry Linsley on Sax & Paul Smith on Drums. The trio formed the heart of 'The Big Idea' and to it Gerry has added a set of great musicians each selected to help realise his vision and to bring their individual flavours to the music.

The new album - This ... is what we do - features both bands and Sting on vocals and is now available on iTunes.

In fact most of the GR discography is available on iTunes.

Gerry teaches on the BMus in Jazz popular and Commercial Music at Newcastle College BMus in Jazz popular and Commercial Music.